Goodwin & Associates Blog
The most trusted name in hospitality.Archive for Featuring Our Clients
The Rice Garden
Looking for a place to get amazing, authentic Chinese & Asian cuisine? Then the Rice Garden is the place for you! We asked Jennifer Wickes, a Marketing Specialist at the Rice Garden, a few questions about her company – take a look at what she had to say;
Q. What makes the Rice Garden stand out from the competition?
A. Three things:
1. Our recipes are authentic
2. Great tasting variety
3. Fresh preparation
Q. Do you have any deals you’re currently running that we can let your customers know about?
A. We are launching the Rice Garden eClub. Guests can join on our website, by clicking on the “join our eClub link.” eClub members will receive special offers and the latest news from Rice Garden.
Also, for a LIMITED TIME ONLY: Papaya Chicken. This is a great healthy item. It is low in fat and calories.
Q. What’s the story behind how the Rice Garden was started?
A. The Legend of Master Fung’s Rice Garden:
There is a legend that in ancient times, Master Fung, a kind emperor with vast lands in the Yangtze river valley of China, grew so much rice one year that he had more than he could sell. Recognizing that abundance wasted is no kind of abundance at all, he invited all of the people in the surrounding lands to come to the rice gardens surrounding his palace to harvest all they could for their own families. So started the pilgrimage of the country people to Master Fung’s rice garden. As a gesture of thanks to the kind emperor, many of the pilgrims brought items from their own gardens and farms. It didn’t take long before the people realized they had the makings of a great feast. There were so many different dishes made by the people from the different regions that they filled a giant banquet table that stretched across all of Master Fung’s rice garden. The emperor was so amazed by the combination of flavors in the delicious dishes made by the pilgrims that he invited them back each year for the harvest so he could taste their wonderful creations again and again.
In 1994 we opened our first Rice Garden restaurant in Long Beach, California featuring freshly prepared traditional Chinese and Asian cuisine. We grew up enjoying the authentic Chinese food our parents prepared and wanted to share it in the tradition of Master Fung, so we committed to preparing fresh, great tasting Chinese cuisine for the masses at a good price. Our customers soon realized that they didn’t have to settle for pre-processed, re-heated foods.
Sixteen years and 50+ restaurants later, we at Rice Garden remain passionate about freshness, value and taste. Our restaurants are now found in supermarkets, universities, malls, cafeterias and street locations. We invite you to our table to enjoy.
Q. What’s one item on your menu that our readers can’t afford to miss?
A. Our signature BBQ Pork and Orange Chicken (just can’t choose 1!)
To learn more and find a Rice Garden location near you, click here.
Elevation Burger Continues to Grow
Elevation Burger is raising the bar for restaurants across the nation. With 7 locations open and a staggering 60 new stores in the works, this chain is proving that organic is truly the way to go.
Elevation Burger uses only the highest-quality ingredients, with a vision of creating food that’s better both for their customers as well as the environment. Their slogan, “Ingredients Matter”, says it all.
Take a look at Elevation Burger as featured on CNBC.
Elevation Burger Website.
To request your franchise information today & see how you can be a part of this fast growing franchise, click here.
You can also call Fransmart directly to discuss Elevation Burger: (949) 222-5600
MnM Theatres
If you’re looking for a great place to catch a movie in the Atlanta, GA area, then MnM Theatres is the place for you! We had a quick Q&A with Domenick Barone, the General Manager at their Movies ATL location, and here’s what we found out;
Q: So what is it that makes MnM Theatres different from the competition?
A: I know it sounds cliche, but the thing that sets us apart is the customer service we offer. Since we are a small, independent company we make many decisions based on the constructive criticism of our customers. Since they’re the people that are most affected by changes we implement, their remarks are taken into consideration each time something new presents itself; whether it’s in regard to our concession offerings or the soap in our bathrooms.
Q: Do you have any deals you’re currently running that we can let your customers know about?
A: We are currently running a $5.00 ticket special and a $5.00 medium popcorn and drink special on Tuesdays ALL DAY (set to expire the last Tuesday in April)! Moreover, we have $5.00 tickets on Saturday mornings for all shows that begin before 11:00am.
Q: How did your company begin – how did it all get started?
A: Approximately 15 years ago, the owner and CEO worked for a film studio based out of New York. He moved down to Georgia, and decided to open his own movie theatre. It started with a renovated 8 screen movie house near The Mall of Georgia. When the competition moved in next door, he moved a little further southwest, and opened Movies 400 in Cumming, GA. From there, it took a few years and some trials and tribulations, but we successfully opened Movies 278 in Hiram, GA in October of 2004. Three years later (November 2007), Movies ATL opened in Atlanta, GA. We’re always looking to expand, so where we go next is up in the air…
Q: What words of wisdom would you give to our readers?
A: Do something nice for someone each day, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you. You may never know who you’re helping or how much your help does for that person. In return…just ask that they pay it forward.
Q: What’s one movie you’re playing right now that’s a must-see for our readers?
A: A must see movie that’s playing now is defiately Avatar in 3D. Avatar in 3D immerses you in the story and the graphics. There are too many great things to list! Everyone that hasn’t seen this movie MUST see it on the big screen. If you’ve seen it already, see it again!
To find an MnM Theatre near you: click here
Cast your vote for Fonda today!
We are very happy to announce that one of our clients is a nominee for the “Best New Mexican Restaurant” in the Brooklyn area.
Please take one minute and vote here!!! The name of the restaurant is “Fonda”, and they are a nominee in the “Best New Mexican Restaurant” category.
To forward to your friends and family, please use the following link: http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/static_content/surveys/index.php?surveyid=2163
A very well-deserved nomination, and best of luck as the votes come in!
Smokey Bones Redesigning Locations
Congratulations to Smokey Bones, a successful Barbeque & Grill concept, that has big plans to remodel all of their locations. They will be putting more of a focus on their bar and late-night sales, which looks to be a huge success! With sales up double-digits, Smokey Bones is proving they have what it takes to stay strong through this weak economy.
Click here to learn more about their redesign plans.
Al Copeland Investments with the World’s Fastest Powerboat
Proud to announce an exciting event taking place for one of our clients this weekend:
“THE WORLD’S FASTEST POWERBOAT- AL COPELAND JR.’S ‘PHENOMENON’-SET TO MAKE A SPLASH AT THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS GAME ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009″
“A Father’s Dream is Fulfilled by His Son; Famed New Orleans Restaurateur Al Copeland Jr. Creates History With the Unveiling of ‘Phenomenon’ for the First Time to the New Orleans Community
NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 19, 2009) — Speed on the water will hit the New Orleans Superdome this Saturday, December 19, 2009 when Al Copeland Jr. unveils ‘Phenomenon,’ a four year, multi-million dollar vessel that was built for one reason: to break the world’s propeller speedboat record. ‘Phenomenon’ is a 56-foot long, 13-and-a-half foot wide boat, with four turbine engines and 11,000 horsepower that was created by an all-star design team that includes engineers from Boeing, former U.S. Naval architects and world class professional power boat builders.
Beginning at 4:00PM on Saturday, December 19th, ‘Phenomenon’ will be located on the median at the intersection of Poydras St. and LaSalle St. near Gate A of the Superdome and will remain there for the majority of the New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys game. The significance of unveiling ‘Phenomenon’ at the New Orleans Saints game is deeply rooted in the southern community. Showcasing ‘Phenomenon’ at the Superdome is an initiative that brings together two New Orleans icons- Copeland’s and the Saints.
The late Al Copeland Sr. began working on the prototypical boat ‘Phenomenon’ and unfortunately, about two years into the project, Al Copeland Sr. was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive cancer that took his life in March of 2008. After his untimely passing his family decided to fulfill his goals and wishes. “During Thanksgiving of 2007, my father Al Copeland Sr. had two goals he wanted to accomplish: one to find a cure for Merkel Cell Carcinoma, the rare cancer that took his life, and two, to complete the prototypical boat that would set the world record for speed. My father would be truly proud to see his blueprint come to life,” said Al Copeland Jr.
Not only will all football fans be able to see ‘Phenomenon’ firsthand at the Superdome, they will be able to experience the ultimate thrill of offshore racing with an animated race during the second quarter of the game. Boats representing all of the different Copeland’s restaurants- Copeland’s of New Orleans, Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro and Copeland’s Social City, will race against ‘Phenomenon.’ Fans will win a free appetizer at the winning boat’s restaurant location.
As a partner of the New Orleans Saints from 2009-2011, all four Superdome Club lounges serve mouthwatering selections from Copeland’s restaurants that have become synonymous with the taste of the great city.
Al Copeland Jr. will attempt to break the world record for power boat racing in January 2010 in Sarasota, Florida.
For more information, please log onto http://www.copelandsphenomenon.com.”;
Best of luck from the entire Goodwin team, and what a great cause!
Much thanks to Allison Fitzsimmons of Al Copelands Investments for her contribution to this article.
Monkey Joe’s
Looking to get your kids off the couch and away from all those video games? Then Monkey Joe’s is the place for you! Take a look at our quick Q&A to find out why both you and your kids will love it!
Q: What makes Monkey Joe’s different from the competition?
A: Monkey Joe’s has committed to full inflatable sanitation on a weekly basis, making it a cleaner environment than public playgrounds, schools, daycare’s and amusement parks. Swisher applies an OSHA-approved, FDA-certified solution that is completely safe for human contact but that is lethal to more than 99.9 percent of commonly encountered germs. The formulation has been engineered to deliver residual germ-killing power for a minimum of seven days, ensuring Monkey Joe’s is effectively covered from one weekly service to the next. Also, most competitors require an appointment to play at their facilities, but Monkey Joe’s offers the ability to walk in at anytime to the facility and enjoy the inflatables-filled play center.
Q: Do you have any fun deals you’re currently running that we can let your customers know about?
A: Currently, Monkey Joe’s is gearing up for the holiday season, and what better gift than the gift of fun, exercise and entertainment with a Monkey Joe’s frequent user card. While video games, toys and clothes are all great gifts, a Monkey Joe’s frequent user card is the gift that keeps on giving…at least 10 times! Prices vary at each location.
Q: How did your company begin – how did it all get started?
A: In 2005, realizing that many of its concepts shared a common appeal among children, Raving Brands decided a brand named Jumpin’ Joe’s that catered to the energies and spirits of children of all ages, would be a “Choice” addition to its portfolio of restaurant concepts. With an injection of brand energy, Raving Brands relaunched a Buckhead, Georgia concept into Monkey Joe’s, a franchise friendly concept that would offer a new breed of franchisees the opportunity to launch a career in franchising or for existing franchisees, the chance to expand or diversify their own portfolios. Its concentrated hours and ease of operation would become an appealing franchising option where every families gather and kids roam. Now with over 40 locations, Monkey Joe’s continues to grow throughout the United States.
Q: What words of wisdom would you give to our readers?
A: Monkey Joe’s is a high energy entertainment facility that promotes physical activity in a safe and clean environment. According to The Obesity Society, the number of overweight children, in America, has doubled in the last 30 years; it is estimated that one in five children is obese. One of the top causes of obesity is the lack of physical activity. The average child needs 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day, but instead of playing tag or bicycling, many children engage in sedentary activity such as watching TV and playing video games. On average, children watch approximately three hours of television a day, and spend around five and a half hours on all forms of media including the computer and video games. Studies also show that physically active children do better in the classroom. It is important to remember that activity doesn’t have to be a structured fitness program. Monkey Joe’s offers a fun way for children to remain physically active.
Q: What’s the one thing on your menu that customers can’t afford to miss?
A: Birthday parties. Monkey Joe’s offers an all inclusive party package that includes rental of a private party room for two full hours, drinks, paper plates, cups, napkins, forks, spoons, table cloth, and invitations. Pizza, ice cream, balloons and goodie bags can be added as well.
To find a Monkey Joe’s near you: Monkey Joe’s
And to keep track of what’s new with Monkey Joe’s, follow them on facebook!
Thank you to Valerie Anderson and Shonna Lester for contributing to this article.
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 http://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.
