While subcontracting your F&B operations to experts is always a viable option, many operators continue to stick to their guns and keep their restaurants firmly within arm’s reach. Let’s assume that you are in such a situation and are content with your margins, your online reviews, your staff’s performance and your chef. “Ola kala!”(Everything is alright) as they say on a Greek island paradise near you.

But ‘fine’ is hardly a substitute for perfect, and unless you are constantly attempting to improve your operations, you run the risk of instilling complacency and a tired brand perception. “The only constant is change,” as they also say everywhere except for in those picturesque Greek archipelagos where change isn’t necessary.

With new restaurants opening daily with fresh menus and ideations sourced from across the world, your job as a manager and restaurateur is only getting harder. And part of my job is to scour the world in search of contemporary successes, and then report back to you on ways in which you might improve. In the past few months, I’ve traveled to Australia, Hawaii, Texas, California, Florida and New York City, dining out for all meals. Here are ten of the better takeaways for you to consider.

1. A restaurant doesn’t have to focus on one specialty. Yes, it’s easier to market, but blending two very different yet established styles into one venue can work if you give both the attention they deserve. The one example that captured the best of both worlds was a steakhouse with sushi for appetizers and several fish fillet entrées.

2. Reinventing house wines. Why not create custom blends at recognized vineyards, curated uniquely for your restaurant? Partner with serious wineries and price your bottles appropriately (that is, not bottom-of-the-barrel jug wines) to provide a beverage experience unique to your property.

3. Mix and match appetizers. Often couples or groups want to share taste experiences as it adds to the conversation. This is especially true for starter or tapas-style menus. Using a ‘three place’ and ‘four place’ serving dish, offer the customers an opportunity to select multiple appetizers at a combined price.

4. Appetizer samples with beverages. Imagine that every cocktail served in the bar had an accompanying appetizer that was specifically matched to the drink. This creates a playful companion service while adding to margins. You might also consider a tiny portion accompaniment as an amuse bouche to introduce an element of surprise.

5. The case for tacos. I’ve been smitten by some of the best tacos ever created on the face of the earth, and this trend is not exclusive to the American Southwest. Literally, any meat, vegetable and sauce mixture your chef can create can be supported within a soft taco shell. Use your imagination and have some fun. Tacos can be apportioned for starters or mains – they’re adaptable!

6. Tea Time done right. Sorry, but few of us outside of the Commonwealth elite know how to serve tea properly (the traditional British way). It’s time to take tea seriously: teapots unique to each tea blend, teacups with saucers and very hot water. Local sourcing isn’t always possible, but nevertheless be on the lookout for small-batch suppliers.

7. The days of ‘supersizing’ are over. Smaller portions and unique preparations are the future. Even something as simple as a burger and fries has been right-sized. The key is higher quality ingredients; patrons will feel full off of smaller portions because the ingredients have higher concentrations of nutrients. Local sourcing naturally implies quality as most forms of storage or processing reduce nutrient concentrations.

8. Heat has no bounds. Hot sauces, spicy accompaniments and custom chipotle items are appearing everywhere. A chili infusion seems to be the standard for many new menu elements, even if it’s a subtle kick muddled by yogurt or aioli. Sriracha is the new hot sauce; harissa is the new sriracha. Any way you put it, the days of bland food are over.

9. Breakfasts are no longer boring. Throw out your standard continental breakfast menu. Yes, many people will seek normalcy to kickoff their days, but the world is slowly awakening to a more adventurous morning. Think regional specialties, unique approaches to staples like eggs benny and artisanal breads. Find your chefs the freedom they need to innovate.

10. Buffets for foodies. The words ‘buffet’ and ‘foodie’ are rarely used in the same sentence, unless of course you are dealing with a foodie subculture devoted to the former. Consider the new trend of high-end buffets which are actually more in the ways of samplers with everything you would expect at a chef’s table – not inexpensive, obviously, but still an outstanding way to break from the pack.

With these ten suggestions, it’s time to challenge your team. Encourage them to go to new restaurants on a regular basis. Learn what you can and don’t be afraid to make it happen.

(Article by Larry Mogelonsky, published in eHotelier on August 4, 2015)