Goodwin & Associates Blog
The most trusted name in hospitality.Archive for October, 2009
Social Networking
Elevation Burger
If you haven’t tried Elevation Burger yet, you’re missing out! We were lucky enough to find out a little more about what makes this Burger Joint stand out from the crowd. Take a look for yourselves;
Q: What makes Elevation Burger different from the competition?
A: All of our beef burgers are made from 100% grass-fed, free range, USDA-certified organic beef that is ground fresh on the premises. We offer two different kinds of vegan and veggie burgers. We fry our fresh cut French fries in 100% olive oil. We offer hand scooped milkshakes made from milk which is free of harmful chemicals and hormones.
Q: Do you have any fun deals you’re currently running that we can let your customers know about?
A: We always offer our “Club 7” loyalty program, whereby guests earn a free patty after the purchase of 7 patties. Currently we’re also gearing up for our first annual Halloween event, where we’re offering free small special Halloween recipe shakes to kids in costume.
Q: How did your company begin – how did it all get started?
A: Our founder and CEO, Hans Hess, started the concept in 2005. He’s a longtime burger aficionado, and he also happens to be a believer in doing business right: i.e., treating employees well, providing an exceedingly high level of customer service, and taking responsibility for one’s impacts on the environment. Elevation Burger [EB] is very much about each of these things. We offer a product of the highest quality, we do it with people in mind (both employees and guests), as well as doing so in an environmentally friendly way. Hans was a real estate consultant prior to starting the business. He simply saw such a need in the market for a business like EB that he quit his job to start it, along with his wife April and nephew Cord Thomas. Last spring, Michael and Chris joined the company, and became partners last fall.
Q: What words of wisdom would you give to our readers?
A: Look into the radical differences between corn fed and grass fed beef. Not only is a grass-fed upbringing far more humane to the cattle than corn-fed, the nutritional profile of grass-fed beef makes for a much healthier red meat eating experience. It has substantially less saturated fat (i.e., the bad kind) than conventional grain-fed beef, and it’s also packed with more nutrients of various types, as the cows are fed a more natural and diverse diet of grasses, rather than unnatural corn (cows only eat corn when forced to do so by industry; it’s not what they would eat left to their own devises).
Q: What’s the one thing on your menu that customers can’t afford to miss?
A: The Elevation Burger. Our signature sandwich has two 3.2 oz 100% grass-fed, free-range, USDA-certified organic beef patties, and two slices of real, unprocessed cheddar.
Find an Elevation Burger near you at www.elevationburger.com. And if you’d care to follow them on the web, check out their facebook page!
Much thanks to Chris Lambert and Michael Berger of Elevation Burger for contributing to this article.
A GAHS Recommendation if you are in Boston
Looking for a restaurant that’s too good to miss? Well if you’re in the Boston area, we have the place for you. Check out “Locke-Ober” (http://www.lockeober.com/index.htm) for delicious cocktails, mouth-watering food, and a great time!
Monthly Classic Cocktail Hours will be taking place now through the holiday season. And if you join their email list, these Cocktail Hours are complimentary!
First Classic Cocktail: Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 – 5:30pm
For more information: http://www.lockeober.com/
Locke-Ober Restaurant
3 Winter Place
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 542-1340
Great new quote from the Women’s Foodservice Forum!
Alice Murray, the President of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (www.womensfoodserviceforum.com) had the following to say about our website, www.WomenInHospitality.com;
“Recent studies of the U.S. workplace prove undeniably that gender balanced leadership positively impacts businesses’ bottom lines. The Women’s Foodservice Forum’s (WFF) goal is to develop leadership skills for women in all segments of the foodservice industry. We support WomenInHospitality.com in their commitment to bring more women into the foodservice industry and to help them advance in their careers.”
Some great insight from a great organization!
September – Tony Fiduccia
Meet our September Manager of the Month, Tony Fiduccia. Tony is just getting started with Goodwin & Associates and is already showing signs of a great future! Congratulations, and a very well deserved nomination!
What is the best thing about recruiting and being a recruiter? “Some look at this like a job. I really believe I am helping people mold and shape their careers. Also I believe I am assisting companies in their quest to be successful. Making that perfect match is very rewarding.”
What makes GAHS better than the other companies in your view, what is your attraction and keeps you there? “The teamwork and support is what makes our company unique. We believe what we are doing is taking a profession which has earned some not so good critiques, and injected professionalism, knowledge and integrity for all people involved.”
Where did you work before GAHS? “Been recruiting for 16 years. Fourteen with a start up firm in NJ and the other two with a small firm in Virginia Beach. Prior I spent many years in operations.”
Any good book recommendations business wise or for social reading you could pass along? “Believe it or not I love the book “Built to Win”. It is written by John Schuerholz who was the GM of the Atlanta Braves. He took a team with poor history and morale and made them a winner all while being profitable. He really explains what it is like to be a leader and have to make hard decisions. Very hard to do in pro sports with the consistency he did it it with.”
Favorite Chain Restaurant: “PF Changs”
Favorite kind of food: “Being from NJ with a Sicilian Grandmother (who is still cooking at 99) I would have to say Italian.”
Movie recommendations: “Anything with Robert Dinero or Edward Norton”
If I were President the one thing I would change is…. “The legal system. I think it has gotten far too complicated. I don’t think it take up as much time and money to determine right from wrong.”
Favorite Vacation spot: “The Florida Keys”
Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks? “Food Dunkin/Coffee Starbucks”
Favorite Sports and Teams: “Football Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators”
Would like to travel where someday: “Italy. Have family there”
Last three disks in my CD player or loaded onto the IPod: “Not sure but I can be sure it was Classic Rock.”
August – Jenny Thompson
Our August 2009 Manager of the Month was Jenny Thompson. Congratulations! Learn a little bit about Jenny from our quick Q&A:
What makes GAHS better than the other companies in your view, what is your attraction and keeps you there? “The people. Everyone that works here is really great to work with, and you can really tell they enjoy their jobs. It makes working really enjoyable when you know you’re with people that love what they’re doing.”
Where did you work before GAHS? “The Westin in Westminster, Colorado. Great location right between Denver and Boulder, with a GREAT view of the Rocky Mountains.”
Favorite Chain Restaurant: “Chipotle. If you get a chance – check out the original location on Evans in Denver.”
Favorite kind of food: “Kraft Macaroni & Cheese”
Movie recommendations: “Into the Wild – great movie!”
Favorite Vacation spot: “St John, USVI”
Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks? “STARBUCKS! I’m addicted to their Mocha Frappuccino’s.”
Favorite Sports and Teams: “Cleveland Cavaliers. Gotta support LeBron James & my home state of Ohio.”
Would like to travel where someday: “Australia and New Zealand”
Last three disks in my CD player or loaded onto the IPod: “Tom Petty, Dispatch, and Ziggy Marley”
