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Unleash Your Potential: Tap into the Power of an Industry Expert Consultant

May 26, 2023

Whether you’re in the exploratory phase or already up and running, achieving success in the food service industry requires carefully balancing costs, boosting sales, and staying relevant to changing consumer tastes. Theoretical solutions may offer inspiration, but you end up wasting resources without improving your balance sheet.

 

As former restaurant owners and operators, our seasoned restaurant consultants know exactly what you’re going through because we’ve been there ourselves. Using your goals as our guide, we objectively evaluate where you currently stand and provide a clear set of evidence-based modifications – or radical changes – to improve your productivity and increase your profits.

 

We know it can be challenging to choose a consulting partner, so we have compiled some frequently asked questions as a quick guide. If you have any further inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

 

  1. What do restaurant consultants do?

A restaurant consulting group is a team of industry experts who provide specialized guidance and support to restaurant owners, operators, and startups. They offer a range of services such as menu development, operations analysis, staff training, technology strategies, and financial planning to help restaurants improve their efficiency, profitability, and overall performance.

 

  1. How can a restaurant consulting group help me or my restaurant?

Our restaurant consulting group brings extensive knowledge and experience to the table. We can assist with almost every aspect of restaurant operations and start-ups, including concept development, menu engineering, operational optimization, cost control, product R&D, customer experience enhancement, and kitchen design. Our objective is to help you overcome challenges, maximize your potential, and achieve long-term success in the competitive restaurant industry. For independent operators and chains, we typically start with an operations assessment as a first step in creating an action plan. For start-ups, we usually begin with our proven concept development process to establish the critical details of the concept.

restaurant consulting
Photography by Bob Hodson Photography
  1. Do you work with all types of restaurants?

Yes, our restaurant consulting group caters to all types of restaurants, ranging from fine dining establishments to quick-service restaurants, cafes, bars, national chains, and everything in between. We have expertise in various cuisines, service models, and operational formats. Our team will tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your restaurant, regardless of its size or style.

 

  1. How do I get started with your restaurant consulting services?

To get started, reach out to us via phone, email, or through our website’s contact form. We will promptly respond and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals, challenges, and requirements. During this consultation, we will gather information about your restaurant and determine the best approach to assist you. Our team will then propose a customized plan for your specific needs, designed to help you achieve your goals.

 

  1. How long does a restaurant consulting engagement typically last?

The duration of a restaurant consulting engagement can vary based on the complexity of the project and your specific requirements. Some projects may be short-term, focusing on addressing specific challenges, while others may involve long-term partnerships to drive continuous improvement and growth. We will work closely with you to establish a timeframe that aligns with your goals and objectives.

 

  1. Can you help me start a new restaurant?

Absolutely! Our restaurant consulting group specializes in assisting restaurant start-ups. We understand the unique challenges and complexities of launching a new restaurant, and we are here to provide comprehensive support throughout the process. We can assist you in developing a compelling and marketable restaurant concept that aligns with your vision and target audience. We’ll work with you to refine your concept, menu, branding, and overall strategy to set a strong foundation for success. If desired, our consultants will guide you through operational setup, including establishing efficient workflows, selecting appropriate equipment, implementing technology solutions, and developing standard operating procedures. We’ll help you streamline operations from day one.

restaurant menu innovation

  1. Will you help me train my staff?

Yes, staff training is a fundamental aspect of our services. We believe that well-trained staff members are vital to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining operational efficiency. Our knowledgeable team will conduct comprehensive training sessions covering best practices in service standards, menu knowledge, upselling techniques, conflict resolution, efficient kitchen operations, and more.

 

  1. What factors should I consider when choosing a consulting partner?

When choosing a consulting firm, reputation and credibility, past client work, reviews, and testimonials should all be considered. You should also expect transparency of the process and achievable project goals in a detailed proposal with clear deliverables. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable when communicating with your consulting partner; it is essential to have frank conversations and trust.

 

  1. What are your fees and pricing structure?

Our fees and pricing structure depend on the scope and complexity of the project. Each engagement is unique, and we will provide you with a detailed proposal outlining the services to be provided along with the associated costs. We are committed to offering competitive and transparent pricing while delivering high-quality services that provide excellent value for your investment.

 

  1. Can I hire your restaurant consulting group for ongoing support?

Certainly! We offer ongoing support to ensure that your restaurant thrives even after the initial engagement. Whether you need periodic check-ins, management coaching, or assistance with new initiatives, we are here to support you. We aim to build long-term partnerships with our clients, providing continuous guidance to help you navigate the evolving restaurant landscape.

restaurant consultant

 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require further information. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

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Synergy Reinvents a Spokane Landmark’s Cuisine

Feb 05, 2018

Where fire once produced steam power for the city of Spokane, it’s now igniting a restaurant renaissance in the heart of Eastern Washington State.

The Steam Plant, the defining architectural symbol of downtown Spokane, was granted a second life in 1996 when it was transformed into a multi-use space featuring a brewery and restaurant. After several years of profitability struggles with the restaurant, parent company Avista enlisted the services of Synergy Restaurant Consultants to breathe new life into the dining and beverage concept.

After conducting a comprehensive assessment of kitchen operations, food quality, and marketing efforts, Synergy assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts in branding, menu innovation and development, kitchen design, recruitment, and beverage strategies. The open kitchen reflects the industrial history of the Steam Plant space by showcasing a wood-fired pizza oven and grill/rotisserie. Other state-of-the-art cooking platforms incorporated into the new design include a smoker oven, combi-oven, blast chiller, and sous vide.

The flavors of flame and smoke permeate the reimagined menu of unique in-house preparations, such as smoked local salmon, short rib pastrami, and cast-iron baked cornbread. Synergy’s culinary team reimagined perennial favorites into signature menu items designed to reclaim loyal guests and attract new visitors. Menu highlights include a grilled Caesar salad, slow-cooked beef ribs, beer batter fish and chips, and banana cream pie. The new beverage menu features several local wines, as well as cocktails inspired by regional flavors.

In preparation for the restaurant’s relaunch, Synergy mobilized a team of front- and back-of-house trainers to prepare new hires to handle the expected rush of guests fueled by local and social media coverage. The restaurant reopened on January 22 to a flood of expectant locals and visitors who raved about the redesigned space and menu items. Synergy’s platform of high quality, innovative food and warm hospitality propelled the Steam Plant toward a financially successful and operationally smooth opening, and established the restaurant as the best new dining concept in Spokane.

We encourage you to come in and see (and taste) first-hand the incredible changes that have been made. Watch chefs work culinary magic via the open-view kitchen and savor the new menu in an elegant, vintage setting. Please take a look at the photos from this memorable event.

Banana Cream Pie at Steam Plant Spokane
Burger at Steam Plant
Burger at Steam Plant
New chicken menu item
New chicken menu item
Pantry Cook at Steam Plant Spokane
Porchetta Sandwich at Steam Plant Spokane
Porchetta Sandwich at Steam Plant Spokane
Severs in Entrance at Steam Plant
Tim and Dean
Tim and Dean

Steam Plant Kitchen + Brewery
159 S. Lincoln
Spokane, Washington

Hours
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
steamplantspokane.com

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Firehouse Subs Earns Top Recognition Once Again

Jun 05, 2017

We are always excited and pleased to find great news regarding clients we’ve worked with. Restaurant Business, a leading foodservice media brand, has recently dubbed Firehouse Subs as the number one sandwich chain for craveable sandwiches. They are our client and we are very proud to have been chosen as their culinary and operations partner. There is a certain harmony of deliciousness that occurs when you create the perfect sandwich and so, we are honored that Firehouse Subs has gained such recognition. Check out the article here. (Fun fact: Firehouse Subs was also named America’s Favorite Chain for 2017, too.)

 

Synergy works with a variety of restaurants, from fast-casual chains to independently-operated fine-dining establishments. You can explore how our services have helped restaurants achieve their goals at our case studies page.

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To LYFE Kitchen: Restaurant Success Story

Aug 13, 2013

 

lyfekitchensign

We love a good restaurant success story, especially when it involves one of our clients!  We’re excited to share that LYFE Kitchen has released plans to reach 250 locations within the next five years.  After incredible success with the first two locations, including winning Best New Restaurant in Palo Alto and being named one of the most innovative companies in food by Fast Company Magazine, the brand is ready for expansion.  The LYFE Kitchen team just broke ground on their third unit in Tarzana, California and has plans to expand to West Hollywood, Irvine, and Chicago before the end of the year.  Also in the pipeline are franchise locations in the Northern California, Colorado, Texas, Las Vegas, New York, and Washington D.C. markets.

 

LYFE Kitchen was created by former McDonald’s executives who wanted to make healthy, sustainable food accessible to everyone.  Synergy was the primary consultant in the development of this highly successful fast-casual dining concept in the better-for-you space. Our team assisted with prototypical design components, the development of operating systems, menu and recipe creation, supply chain management, and value engineering.   We wish LYFE Kitchen congratulations on their recent success and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future!