Every restaurant closing or personnel change has a backstory you never read about in a magazine. So much goes unsaid and unprinted. As an insider, I know. You may, too. Challenges in the Restaurant Industry I have heard a lot of talk and read a lot of texts lately about Brian Reinhart’s D Magazine article, … Continued
Are you working hard this holiday season – feeling the frustrated pull of your family asking you to peel a few days here or there so everyone can be together? Or are you more like many of my clients, who have structured their business so that trusted and responsible people are able to run it … Continued
I can’t make it through a single day without someone talking to me about how much they need to hire or develop more talented managers. On many days it’s multiple someones. One nice part of our business right now that can help? Clarity. We know what people want in order to stick around and work … Continued
Live your own life, not someone else’s. Customize your life. You have the power to do that. Most people who don’t feel they have that option would be shocked that you don’t choose to take advantage of it. Do This Now I can hear you laughing when I say that our industry is stable … Continued
I have seen more than one organization head into a new year with a comprehensive targeted annual plan but then – once the first quarter starts – forget it completely and just start reacting to whatever’s right in front of them. It’s like one of those amnesia movies where the protagonist wakes up and fails … Continued
Michael Jordan and Tom Brady had coaches. The CEO of Ford has a coach – I’ve met him (the coach, not the CEO!). However successful you’ve been, and no matter how talented you are, coaching will bring out even more from you. So, who coaches you? And who coaches the people inside your successful multi-unit … Continued
Well, Q3 was a disappointment; we all know that. However, most of my clients did OK – because we have correctly managed the brand and value proposition and kept costs in line. But brands that entered Q3 in a weaker position struggled on flat sales or worse. Now that Q4 has started, I’m excited, not … Continued
How much better would you feel with the first of a series of 5% revenue increases? Well, it wouldn’t take all that much in a $4MM restaurant with a $30 PPA. Three or four tables at lunch and the same at dinner would do it. That’s 18 guests a day. I can’t make revenue increases any … Continued
If you want to really improve your restaurants and your restaurant company, act like you just bought it. Instead of looking at it like the founder, developer, and shepherd you have been for years (or decades), look at everything with new eyes. When I begin working with new clients, I observe, learn, and respectfully question … Continued
The most important number for your restaurants – the one you need to look at every shift, day, week, and accounting period – isn’t on your P&L. That number? Guest count. I only have a few clients who have positive comp guest counts. Those brands connected with their guests during the pandemic in a unique … Continued