Goodwin & Associates Blog

Starting to see large companies hedge their bets

Eric Goodwin — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:48:51 +0000

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants is testing cuts to workers’ hours in an effort to keep down costs of the health-care reform act.

To read more follow the links below:

Darden-tests-cutting-worker-hours

Darden testing limited hours

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt Celebrates the Opening of their 200th store!

Eric Goodwin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:52:36 +0000

In April 2012, the Travis’ Group acquired Orange Leaf with only 15 stores in operation. It has quickly grown to 200 stores in just two years. The Travis’ Group rewarded all customers on September 27^th, by giving them double points on their loyalty cards, which helps them earn free frozen yogurt faster! In the next year they plan to open new stores, offer new flavors and even offer new experiences. To find an Orange Leaf in your area click here: http://orangeleafyogurt.com/locations

To read even more about the 200th Orange Leaf opening click here: http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/orange-leaf-frozen-yogurt-celebrates-200th-store

Stonewood Grill is Growing

Eric Goodwin — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:18:01 +0000

The Daytona Yacht Club is changing hands and a new restaurant is going to be open to the public!

Continue reading for more information: http://www.news-journalonline.com/business/local-business/2012/08/03/daytona-yacht-club-changing-hands-new-restaurant-to-open-to-public.html

Updates on Healthcare Reform

Eric Goodwin — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:39:52 +0000

One of the most impactful pieces of news this quarter has been Obamacare and its review by the Supreme Court. Whether you love it or hate it, it will likely impact you as a restaurant company. With that being said, we wanted to provide some information for you to learn more and be prepared.

The National Restaurant Association is one of the most well known groups affiliated with our industry. Last week they posted their thoughts about the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the law. The NRA feels the changes in healthcare would impede industry growth in the long term because of the economic impact it will make on diners. The President and CEO of the NRA, Dawn Sweeney, wrote a letter to House members last week sharing her opinion of the expected negative impact this will make on our industry from a revenue standpoint as well as the changes it will make on employers and their ability to manage costs affiliated with providing health care. The NRA stands that a change does need to be made in health care, but that this option will hinder the hospitality industry as whole. 1

Regardless of their stance, the National Restaurant Association has created a ResourceCenter to educate, inform, and provide insight. This main page can be accessed here – http://healthcare.restaurant.org/index.cfm. It offers a review of the law, the requirements for employers, the timeline associated with change, and frequently asked questions. In addition, they will be hosting a webinar on July 19th to further explain to its members. Details on the webinar can be found on their main page for interested members.

1. http://www.restaurant.org/nra_news_blog/2012/07/nra-urges-congress-to-focus-on-lowering-cost-of-health-care-coverage.cfm

Movie Tavern on Good Day Atlanta

Eric Goodwin — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:30:41 +0000

Check out one of our fantastic clients making the news: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/18997272/movie-tavern-offers-food-drinks-for-moviegoers

Native Foods Café Experiencing Tremendous Growth

Eric Goodwin — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:45:17 +0000

Native Foods Café, the country’s premiere vegan/vegetarian restaurant company, is pleased to announce its 10^th consecutive Fiscal Quarter of double digit increases in System-wide Same Store Sales as its sales continue to outpace the restaurant industry by a wide margin. During this last quarter, Native Foods Café also opened its newest locations inSanta Monica andBoulder bringing its total restaurants to thirteen.

For its 2nd Fiscal Quarter, which ended Monday, July 9th, System-wide Same Store Sales at Native Foods were up more than 20% compared with the 2nd Quarter of 2011, with System-wide Same Store Sales for the trailing 12 months up over

18%. For the past 10 Fiscal Quarters, System-wide Same Store Sales have increased at least 14% every Quarter and its Average Unit Volume has doubled during that time same period. The Company’s sales increases have been substantially higher than the restaurant industry as a whole over the past 3 years, and more than twice the growth rates of the fast casual industry heavyweights, Chipotle and Panera.

“We are extremely pleased with our continued increases in 2012, particularly following such a strong 2011 and 2010 when System-wide Same Store Sales were up 16% and 32%, respectively,” said Daniel Dolan, Chairman & CEO of Native Foods. “The positive momentum we have created is reflected in substantial increases in Same Store Sales and Same Store Transactions at every restaurant and during every fiscal quarter. We believe this offers strong evidence that the operational changes we continue to implement and our seasonal menu innovations continue to resonate with our guests as exhibited by increased frequency and first time visitors to our restaurants.”

The sales increases were a direct result of increases in System-wide Same Store Transactions, also up over 20% during the 2nd Quarter, up over 17% over the past 12 months, and up at least 12% every Quarter since late 2009. AverageSale

Amount per ticket was also up again during the 2nd Quarter while Native Foods continued to hold the line on pricing and has not raised prices in more than 4 years.

According to Dolan, “Native Foods has enjoyed these continual sales increases and developed a loyal and active following among its guests with virtually no advertising. Average Unit Volume has now doubled since late 2009 when we acquired Native Foods, and we were honored to have been named VegNews Magazine’s ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in 2011.”

Native Foods has 13 existing restaurants operating inCalifornia,ChicagoandOregonwith multiple additional restaurants scheduled to open in late 2012 and early 2013.

Native Foods Cafe is the award-winning vegan/vegetarian restaurant company founded in 1994 and is known for its unique, chef-crafted and made-from-scratch food. The Company was acquired in 2009 by a group of private investors, led by Daniel Dolan and Andrea McGinty, the founder and former owners of It’s Just Lunch International, the world’s largest dating service.

For more information on Native Foods Café: http://www.nativefoods.com/

“Article written by Native Foods Cafe”

J. Alexander’s restaurant chain to sell for $72 million

Eric Goodwin — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 20:19:56 +0000

Fidelity is buying the restaurant chain for $72 million. Once finalized, J. Alexander’s Will be combined with the restaurant operations of American Blue Ribbon Holdings Inc.

J. Alexander’s operates 33 restaurants in 13 states, while American Blue Ribbon owns and operates 674 restaurants in 43 states. Its brands include Bakers Square, Max & Erma’s, Village Inn, Stoney River Legendary Steaks, O’Charley’s, Ninety Nine and Legendary Baking.

Now Hiring!

Eric Goodwin — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:55:31 +0000

Goodwin & Associates Hospitality Services is seeking top performing Account Executives. Our company is comprised of several divisions including management recruiting, Goodwin Hospitality Mystery Shopper Program and Customer Prophet.com. We are experiencing tremendous year over year growth and looking for skilled, self-motivated sales representatives to join our expanding team. Goodwin & Associates is looking for people who want to be part of a growing company, allowing for career advancement. We offer detailed training, continued support, and various resources for organization and accountability.

Account Executive Responsibilities Include:

Proactively and aggressively cold-calling management level decision makers to sell a variety of services including mystery shopping, hospitality management recruiting, guest satisfaction surveys, employee feedback programs, and more
Account management to retain clients and secure additional business

This independent contractor role may be a full-time or part-time commitment based in your own home office. Compensation is earned mainly through commission with a small base pay. There is unlimited earning potential.

Account Executive Experience Required:

Minimum of 1 year of relevant inside sales experience
Ability to work in a home office environment
Exceptional speaking, writing, and negotiation skills
Energetic and entrepreneurial attitude
Driven and dedicated approach

Please contact Christy at Cketz@goodwin-associates.com if you are interested.

Value of Mystery Shopping

Eric Goodwin — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:11:42 +0000

American Express just completed a survey that reinforces the value of mystery shopping. The study found that a large majority of Americans are willing to spend more money with companies that have outstanding customer service. Mystery shopping reinforces the importance of customer service and quality control.

To find out more about this study check out: http://www.prweb.com/releases/MSPA/05-1/prweb8403101.htm

If you’re interested in our Mystery Shopping Program and how it can benefit your company please e-mail Cketz@goodwin-associates.com

Positive Trends for the Restaurant Industry

Eric Goodwin — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:17:20 +0000

It’s exciting to see some positive trends taking place in the restaurant segment. Take a look at the graph below showing the positive growth.

For more information check out: http://index.opentable.com/