Launching a Rebrand AND a New Location During a Pandemic?

See How The Place 2 Be and I Defied the Odds with Technology, Training, and Operations

The Place 2 Be is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, bottomless brunch cocktails, and extravagant, photo-worthy dishes, this brand has become an Instagram sensation and the ultimate destination for weekend brunch enthusiasts. When I joined owner Gina in 2020, she was preparing to expand her brand with a second location. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when the COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurants to close their doors.

 

Turning Crisis into Opportunity

While many businesses faltered, Gina saw an opportunity. Undeterred by the challenges, she used the downtime to completely revamp The Place 2 Be's operations. We seized the moment to:

  • Redesign Operational Procedures: We streamlined workflows, optimized staffing, and implemented new safety protocols to ensure a smooth and efficient customer experience.

  • Perfect Recipes: We meticulously refined recipes to ensure consistency and maximize visual appeal, crucial for the brand's Instagram-centric identity.

  • Elevate Cleaning Standards: We implemented rigorous cleaning and sanitation procedures to prioritize customer and employee safety.

  • Build a Comprehensive Training Platform: We created a robust training program from scratch, covering all aspects of operations, customer service, and brand standards.

 

Prioritizing Health and Safety

To prepare for reopening amidst the pandemic, I conducted an in-house re-training session for the entire team, focusing on health and safety. This included updated protocols for sanitation, social distancing, and personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring a safe environment for both employees and customers.

 

Expanding the Team and Technology

As The Place 2 Be continued to grow, I provided ongoing support for new restaurant openings. This included:

  • Developing Restaurant Opening Timelines: Creating detailed timelines for both operational and staffing needs, ensuring a smooth and efficient launch process.

  • Supporting Hiring and Training: Assisting with the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members, maintaining consistency in service and brand standards.

  • Training the Trainers: Empowering key team members to effectively train new hires, creating a sustainable system for ongoing growth.

 

Technology Integration for Optimized Operations

To further enhance efficiency and streamline operations, I helped Gina integrate several key technologies:

  • Toast POS: Implementing a robust point-of-sale system for efficient order management, online ordering, and sales tracking.

  • Toast Payroll: Streamlining payroll processes and ensuring accurate compensation for employees.

  • OPUS Training Software: Transitioning to a modern, mobile-focused training platform for enhanced accessibility and engagement.

  • Craftable Food & Beverage Inventory Management: Implementing a comprehensive inventory management system to minimize waste, optimize ordering, and improve cost control.

 

From Brunch to Beyond: Launching RAW

With The Place 2 Be thriving, Gina set her sights on a new venture: RAW, a full-service seafood restaurant with a sophisticated dinner concept. I partnered with her culinary team to document all recipes and procedures for both the kitchen and bar, ensuring a seamless launch and consistent execution.

 

The Impact: Streamlined Operations, Elevated Standards, and Accelerated Growth

The initiatives implemented at The Place 2 Be yielded significant and measurable results:

  • Streamlined Operations: By optimizing workflows and clarifying roles and responsibilities, we achieved greater efficiency and reduced labor costs. This allowed Gina to allocate resources effectively and focus on strategic growth.

  • Elevated Health and Safety Standards: The re-training program and emphasis on sanitation protocols led to improved health inspection scores, reinforcing The Place 2 Be's commitment to customer and employee well-being.

  • Accelerated Expansion: With a solid foundation in place, Gina was able to confidently open new locations at a faster pace, knowing that the systems and training programs were in place to ensure consistency and success.

  • Centralized Knowledge Base: The implementation of digital platforms and standardized procedures created a "single source of truth" for all company information, improving communication, reducing confusion, and promoting operational efficiency.

 

A Legacy of Success

Today, The Place 2 Be boasts five thriving locations, and RAW has become a popular destination in downtown Hartford. Gina's entrepreneurial spirit, combined with our strategic planning and operational expertise, has transformed her vision into a resounding success.

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