Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Darden Restaurants CEO has tips on surviving recession

I agree with this almost completely.

Article here.


Key Points.

A server or a manager, regardless of what's happening at home, must walk into a unit and put on a smile. It's more important now when people are experiencing more anxiety than they might normally.

Yep, even if you're not 'feeling it', FAKE IT!


Those unprepared had to rely heavily on discounting.

There is a lot of risk to putting your brand on heavy sales. It reinforces what it's worth, and it is challenging to get back normalized pricing after an extended period of time. You see it in consumer packaged goods that get supported by coupons. They lose their ability to command a premium.

Yep. Value is value - quality is quality - don't sell yourself short, you may never be able to recover.

When you reduce staffing, the customer experience gets eroded. You breach trust at a time when their restaurant visits are more dear than they've ever been.

When times are slow, do MORE!



Monday, August 17, 2009

New Jersey Diners Endangered?

This article seems to think so.


Let's not allow this to happen.

"State of School Nutrition 2009" Survey

School Nutrition Association Releases "State of School Nutrition 2009" Survey

School Foodservice Directors Cite Funding and Cost of Food as Biggest Concerns but Are Weathering Tough Economy

Check out whole article.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Kosher getting Closer!

Circle K is starting the process of certification!


Scanned letter received from Circle K - you may have to magnify (click on image).

Thanks to everyone for their tolerance during this trying period.


--jim fisher