The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has cited several concerns with the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which was passed by the House on Saturday. In an article on Nation's Restaurant News, the NRA is said to "...supports the broad objects [of the measure] to lower costs and increase health coverage access." However given the fact that the restaurant industry is among the hardest hit during the recession, the health care act is seen as more of a burden than a blessing.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act requires employers to either provide a qualified benefits plan for employees and their dependents or pay a percentage of their payroll into a Health Insurance Exchange. Small businesses (not just restaurants) whose payroll does not exceed $500,000 would be exepmpt from the penalty, which ranges from 2 percent up to 8 percent of their payroll. The House bill also includes provisions for menu labeling for restaurant chains with 20 or more outlets.

What do you think? Should Restaurants have to offer health insurance? Will it hinder or help employers and employees? Read the whole article and share your thoughts at the Restaurant Forum.

Here is an interesting article from Restaurants and Institutions about how restaurants can use social media sites like Twitter and Facebook to their advantage. Examples include posting restaurant job openings, getting feedback on menu items and reaching out to potential customers. Do you use any type of social media to promote your restaurant? Tell us at the Restaurantin Forum!

Today I look at restaurant refrigeration. Not the sexiest restaurant topic, but an integral part of any restaurant. Restaurant refrigeration ranges from small coolers (like a dorm fridge) to massive walk-in refrigerators and freezers, and everything in between. Read on for a break down of all the different types of commercial restaurant coolers and freezers.

I am not a big lunch fan. I much prefer eating dinner out, give the choice. However, I recently had the pleasure of eating at my favorite hippie sandwich shop for lunch, nestled in the mountains of Western Maine. While I was sitting in the oh so funky dining room, I thought about why exactly, I liked the café so much. Beyond the yummy food and super friendly service, the café is located in a converted federal-period brick house, exuding warmth and welcome. The design of the dining room is cozy, with sofas and chairs intermingling at tables. (alas, no booths, though!) The music (I believe it was Ray Lamontagne, also a native of Western Maine) was perfect. All and all a great lunch! What gets you stoked about eating out? Share your story at the Restaurant Forum.

Are you thinking of opening a restaurant franchise? There are many different kinds of restaurant franchises on the market right now, from simple ice cream shops (think Cold Stone Creamery) to fast food restaurants (think McDonalds). Check out the About Guide to Franchises, Don Daszkowski, 10 reasons to buy a franchise as well as a list of restaurant franchise reviews for more information on buying a restaurant franchise.

More About Restaurant Franchises

-          Is a restaurant franchise right for you?

-          How to buy a restaurant franchise

Whether your restaurant is a fine dining establishment, a casual sports bar or somewhere in between, if you offer alcohol you probably have a bar. Here is a step-by-step guide for setting up a restaurant bar. It includes equipment, inventory and tips for service bars and full customer service bars.

More on Restaurant How-To Guides

• How to hire a restaurant bartender
• How to write a restaurant menu
• How to buy commercial restaurant equipment