Chain Leader blogger and restaurant-chain marketing veteran Karen Brennan outlines the Top 10 things she has learned so far. For the full report, check out Brennan’s blog.

10. Customers own the brand. A brand is a set of expectations, and if your guests don’t believe your messaging, it may as well not be true.

via Top 10 Lessons in Restaurant Marketing – 8/31/2009 10:18:00 AM – Chain Leader.

NUMBER ONE: You’ll never be first by following the competition.

I often see small companies avidly watching the competition and “re-appropriating” ideas for their own brands. When Max & Erma’s was a 10 unit chain, we spent a lot of time camped out at our local TGI Friday’s to see what they would do next.

via Number 1: Don’t Follow the Competition – The Brand Landscape – Blog on Chain Leader.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: This is a high profile position where enthusiasm, professional image and flexibility are required. Excellent communication, organization and time management skills a must. Previous restaurant or hotel chef experience as well a a passion for hospitality required. Knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook needed.

via Executive Chef.