RESTAURANT BIZ 101- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Dream come true or nightmare? No matter the size, owning a restaurant, lounge or catering businesses is one of the toughest challenges that you’ll ever face- but with dedication and proper planning you can succeed. This all day seminar will cover everything from concept development, design and financial planning to menu, PR, marketing and upcoming trends. Guest speakers and handout materials will address devising a successful plan of action, keeping key costs under control, and getting diners in the door without breaking the bank through effective promotions.

COUNTDOWN TO RESTAURANT LAUNCH - ARE YOU REALLY READY TO OPEN?
The 2 months before you open your restaurant are crucial to insuring success. This class lays out all the tasks - big and small - that you need to accomplish from hiring staff to obtaining permits to ordering opening advertising. Practical handouts will include a description of all the different responsibilities that need to be addressed or delegated as well as a week by week analysis of exactly what you need to do, when and why.

MENUS THAT SELL!
If you don't have a winning menu, your business loses customers no matter how nice the ambiance or how good the service and location, Learn how to promote your restaurant via a first class menu concept. We will focus on identity and graphics, house specialties, formats that hook diners via the internet, seasonal menu changes, how to price & sell menus for group dining, things to consider in catering and takeout and hints on making money off the proper wine , beer and liquor mix.

PROMOTING YOUR RESTAURANT WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
The menus are printed, the paint is dry and the wait staff is waiting-so how are you going to get diners in to try your fare? Learn how to deal with the press, graphic designers, and advertising vendors to get the most for your marketing dollar. Visit the wonderful world of web marketing and print media. Handouts will include a checklist of Do's and Don'ts, a primer on drafting press releases, plus examples of effective printed and internet promotional materials.


GETTING VISITORS IN THE DINING ROOM DOOR
Attracting tourists and conventioneers can be the difference between your restaurant’s success or failure. Learn how to appeal to both business and casual travelers, families with kids, highly targeted market segments and more via effective signage, brochures, menu offerings, networking and internet outreach. Detailed Handouts will provide examples of effective promotions, group dining menus and the dos and don’ts of a user friendly website.


OWNING A RESTAURANT - EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW & DIDN’T KNOW WHO TO ASK
An interactive, in depth look at making your restaurant, lounge or catering business dreams come true. Practical discussions featuring experienced industry insiders will cover everything from financing and business plans to kitchen design, profitable menu creation, cost effective marketing and more.


“GREENING” YOUR RESTAURANT
In cooperation with Thimmakka, this class (specifically geared towards the restaurant industry) covers everything from restaurant finance options for energy efficient equipment, green influenced architecture and design, cost saving practices for water management and waste disposal and how to market your establishment in an eco friendly, “green” environment; everyone is welcome regardless of experience, size or location.


GETTING DINERS IN THE DOOR: MENUS, MARKETING, AND MORE
This intensive workshop will cover topics from menu creation, press relations, and upcoming trends, to online advertising and increasing your “yelpability.” Materials will address devising a successful menu format, web and graphic pointers, and getting diners in the door without breaking the bank.