We spend more time developing general managers than we do developing their leaders. When companies extend that development focus to GMs’ bosses, great things – things that people thought would never happen – start to materialize. Like raising guest count in this flat market, enrolling employees and guests by launching an inspiring and authentic culture … Continued
Some people turn out to be better at starting projects than finishing them. I see it all the time both as a student of personality types and advisor of restaurant companies. Initiatives begin and then get sidetracked when another shiny object – or simply the siren song of day-to-day restaurant operations – sucks the attention … Continued
Turns out that guiding a restaurant company today is different and more complicated than at any time I can remember. Today, simply following industry-wide practices won’t move a company to the next level; instead, your approach is connected to the level of success you currently create. Last year I wrote to you about the three categories … Continued
Success and growth makes a first-time multi-unit owner seem like a first timer forever – even after decades of operations. This happens when the owner spends their life building a company and has no ownership experience with other brands or organizations to fall back on. I collaborate with many extremely admired companies. These are businesses with sales … Continued
It’s Spring Break time in Texas now. I trust you have great vacation plans! If you’ve already left, congratulations! Enjoy a wonderful week off, and I’m glad you’re taking good care of yourself. But if you don’t have plans, I would like to know why. Unless you have a fantastically good reason for working, like … Continued
Ed Murph, of Norma’s Café fame, led an exemplary life. One of those “you’ll never forget him” people, Ed always had an incredible funny, and memorable story to tell. My friend and client passed away on February 23. I miss him already. Ed Murph’s Career Story You may know Ed Murph for his success in our … Continued
Believe it or not in this flat market, some operators are still enjoying 6-8% comp sales. How? By figuring out how to increase guest count. You can do the same if you’re hyper-committed to doing whatever it takes to get more people to swing the door (or open their app) and have great experiences with your … Continued
When guests think about your restaurants, do they end up feeling sleepy because your brand looks tired? Independent restaurant groups that lack the focus or wherewithal to update brands fall behind their competition. One of my clients told me, “Things changed so much in the last few years, we have simply not kept up.” It’s the … Continued
“Don’t bother to look over there; that’s all fine!” I’ve heard that from many clients who had brought me in to address specific issues. When I start roaming and nosing around their restaurants to find other opportunities to address, they try to shut me down – feeling I am wasting time and effort. That is, … Continued
Do your guests smile, feel happy, enjoy their meals, and tell their friends about that? Do your financial statements appear predictable and healthy – making you proud? Does your culture deeply permeate your restaurants every unit, every shift, every table, every time? Do your people demonstrably improve – doing things today that they couldn’t do … Continued