Business
Builders

7 Smart Things to Do While You're Waiting on "the Recession"

The daily headlines in our industry are enough to scare the bejeepers out of any foodservice operator. The short-and-long-term effects of subprime mortgage lending, hundred-dollar barrels of oil, slumping customer counts, slouching same store sales, election year jitters, and rising grain, protein, dairy and commodity prices sap at our reasoning, perspective, courage, composure and leadership skills daily. Nervous yet?

According to Inc magazine, the last two recessions in the U.S. (2001 and 1991) lasted approximately 8 months each. And it should be noted that recovery did not mean that everyone who declared bankruptcy became solvent again or that factory workers who were laid off during the downturn got their jobs back when the economy improved. Manufacturers typically use downturns identifying ways to eliminate payrolls through mechanization, “right-sizing” or outsourcing. Nervous now?

How to Raise Menu Prices Without Causing a Riot

What are the two hardest things for an independent restaurateur to do?

# 2 - Raise Menu Prices

Last month’s e-newsletter addressed #1. Now let’s take a look at #2. How do you raise prices without causing a riot with your regulars? Rather than doing an “across the board” increase (which will likely cause more angst than necessary - for you and your staff), try a more quiet approach.

Choose a few slower moving items and lower your prices on those, while raising some of the others. This allows your staff to put a positive spin on any customer concerns regarding new prices.

A Pat on the Back: Recognize Your Team for a Job Well Done

How often have you heard: “No one appreciates what I do until I don’t do it!”? May 21st is National Waitstaff Day, so make sure you show your team that you appreciate what they do not only on that day, but every day.

There are so many ways to reward employees for consistently good behavior—and it’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to retain your best employees. Sales incentives work great for motivating servers to increase check averages, but what about all the other good things your team does?

Don’t get so caught up in big sales contests that you forget to reward people for the little things. All most people want is some recognition and a simple pat on the back for their hard work. So when someone consistently does their job well, let him or her know you appreciate them. Here are some tips on rewarding employees for a job well done.

A Day Worthy of Mom

During my many years with SYSCO, I have been fortunate enough to work with our customers and Marketing Associates on what is the single most important dining holiday of the year: Mother’s Day. No other week of the year packs more excitement and energy!

SYSCO understands what this day means to you and your customers, so our Marketing Associates will bring their game and resources to the next level to support you. Remember, we are so much more than just your distributor, and we take that responsibility seriously. Mother’s Day shouldn’t be about revenues and turning tables. Those things will take care of themselves. It’s about creating a dining experience worthy of the person who nurtured and cared for us—mom. It’s about the family coming together and appreciating what is important in life. if you exceed expectations when it matters most, you will create devoted customers.