Restaurant Case Study with Agnes- Business Killer 4: Non-traditional Competitors Cont’d –
Posted by Ryan Volberg at January 17, 2008 3:00 PM
Appear New Again in the Eyes of your Customers with Renovations
Minor renovations are never minor. It doesn't matter if it's a bathroom, family room or your restaurant, your ability to imagine a better space always outstrips the size of your wallet and the time you have to get it done.
Agnes' restaurant was tired. Since she opened, other than a couple of fresh coats of paint, she hadn't really done anything to upgrade the look. Now, after breathing new life back into her restaurant by changing the menu and service standards, she was looking to further increase sales through a "minor renovation".
Her plans for a renovation included purchasing some new kitchen equipment and streamlining production through the addition of a new prep area and shelving.
It also included a change in the dining room. Agnes had no booths, instead relying on the flexibility of tables for her guests. The lighting was dated as were the framed pictures on the wall. She brought in a designer who had done some great work in her home to take a look at the restaurant.
As the designer started to describe what she thought would be aesthetically pleasing changes, Agnes began to question the practicality of some of them. It was clear that the designer was much more interested in form rather than function. What she needed was a designer that was interested in both.
Agnes called some of her friends that she knew from the restaurant association. They recommended several designers who had extensive experience in the industry.
One stood out. It was a designer who not only had direct experience working in a restaurant at a variety of levels, but who brought some other benefits. They were well connected. They knew local contractors and tradespeople. As well, they'd worked with a graphic design and branding firm to create some memorable hospitality company identities along with new menus.
As this designer outlined her changes Agnes found herself feeling confident in the work. The problem now was financial. The new budget was more than double what she could personally finance. She'd need to examine some lending sources in order to make this work.
Ryan Volberg is the CEO of Vivonet, a company dedicated to ensuring retail and restaurant success.
 Category: Survival Tips Story of Agnes the Restaurateur
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