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[RestaurantExpertWitness.com] – September 13, 2011

Restaurant Expert Witness Says Restaurant Industry Needs More Focus on Safety & Security

Restaurant Expert Witness, Restaurant Consultant, and CEO, Howard Cannon believes that the restaurant industry needs to pay closer attention to safety and security, stating, "Government agencies recommend monthly safety meetings with staff and management, but very few follow that advice. Too often, there is poor training and lack of focus on safety and security for customers or the restaurant staff; and, there is little or no commitment to following up on the training that does exist.”

In light of the recent shooting at Carson City's IHOP restaurant, the public is nervous and asking questions about safety and security. Cannon responds, "In any industry, there are going to be events that may not be avoided. However, to reduce risks, restaurant management and employees should be trained in security and safety measures. Training typically revolves around security discussions, review of policies and procedures that have been put in place to minimize risk, and a combination of follow-up and monitoring to ensure compliance. He adds, "Having cameras in good locations, appropriate locks, and a well-lit facility can reduce the likelihood of problems.”

Aside from acts of violence, the restaurant industry faces another profound security risk, and that is the risk from within. Mr. Cannon encourages restaurant owners to protect their assets, stating, "It's a shocking fact, but 44% of restaurant employees steal from the establishment and 80% of theft is from management personnel. The industry has historically been buried with alcohol and drug abuse. Getting rid of that liability will reduce the likelihood of bigger problems." Cameras can be a good preventative measure for this problem. They act as a deterrent to would-be embezzlers and to would-be criminals from the outside. Additionally, when there are infractions, they help establish proof for criminal investigations, prosecutions, and other legal matters. Do restaurant customers like cameras though? Cannon believes that most of them do. "It depends on the people, but most customers will feel safer in establishments with cameras and a security system," he says. "If something does happen, they have the confidence that the incident will be recorded and that record will protect them. People are looking for that kind of protection these days."

Cannon has worked in the trenches of restaurants for more than 24 years (since 1987), and has been serving restaurant and bar clients of all types and sizes in markets across America and around the world. He is the CEO of Restaurant Expert Witness and Restaurant Consultants of America, and the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Starting Your Own Restaurant©, Volume I & II, published by Alpha Books and found in bookstores in more than 76 countries around the globe.

Mr. Cannon is one of the most sought-after restaurant consultants and restaurant expert witnesses in the country. He has written and presented more than 200 industry articles, speeches and seminars, and has spoken at industry events, corporate gatherings, high schools, and universities across the country. A renowned speaker, author, consultant, and advisor, Howard Cannon has been interviewed by many of the nation’s top television, radio and print publications, and is considered by many to be a foremost authority and expert on restaurant start-up, turnaround and profit improvement.

For additional information, visit the website, RestaurantExpertWitness.com.

Contact Information:
Restaurant Expert Witness
800.300.5764
RestaurantExpertWitness.com
info@RestaurantConsultantsOfAmerica

Media Contact:
Susan Wood, 800.300.5764
sq@restaurantexpertwitness.com

Restaurant Expert Witness provides expert witness services for restaurant, bar, hospitality, franchise & food service related matters, in addition to any type of restaurant litigation.

Contact Information:
Restaurant Expert Witness
60 Chelsea Corners, Suite 201
Chelsea, AL 35043
800.300.5764
RestaurantExpertWitness.com
info@RestaurantConsultantsOfAmerica

Media Contact:
Susan Wood, 800.300.5764, sq@restaurantexpertwitness.com