Focusing on Schultz, Bernstein, Zimmern, Doughnuts and Baseball
Where has it gone? The month has flown by and so has the summer. Of course with the end of July vacation requests appear, on your desk, back dated, from all the summer staffers who promised to work throughout the month of August. We all know most will high tail out of your premises with the mid- month check in hand on their way to Europe or other destinations so they can relax before going back to college.
Once again you will be short staffed. And, since August 15th actually falls on a Friday, beware and ready for all hell to break lose that evening. Begin hiring full time staff today in order to alleviate the pains of the summer exodus.
Aside from that, the month of July has been one for the culinary history books. A downturn in the economy prompts everyone, in every business to react. And, the restaurant industry has had its fair share of reactionary albeit planned changes.
Bennigan's Restaurant filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday shutting the stores owned by MacroMedia Entertainment, Inc. The franchised properties were not affected by the bankruptcy according to Associated Press. I guess the writer was referring to the legal position of the franchisees. They will definitely be hurt by the move of the parent company through simple association. But, more on this at another time. The thing to remember when getting into a franchise deal is to make sure you know the dealer.
Starbuck's made some drastic changes this month also. In June Howard Schultz and company were preaching "back to the roots-isms" with the fresh brewed smell of coffee wafting from every word out of the CEO's PR department. Today, at the end of July Howard is boasting fancy signage, colorful aprons and placards on the sidewalk promoting smoothies. Focus, Howard, focus.
On the calorie counter, Dunkin Doughnuts have thrown their creative hats into the ring. Last month while in Boston, I stopped into a beautiful new DD and ordered a coffee and a doughnut. Of course – a New England breakfast was in order as I had a frozen dinner – an ice cream cone- the night before. While getting my doughnut I could smell eggs cooking. Another menu diversion. DD was getting into the egg business. If that wasn't enough of a struggle for the New England Icon, today they have announced a low calorie egg white breakfast as an addition to the menu. Who would think of Dunkin Doughnuts and low calorie? Would you really want them as a customer? Focus, Dunkin, Focus.
In Sonoma, California, Sondra Bernstein of The Girl and the Fig fame has once again thrown her hat into the ring of culinary adventure and is about to take over the General's Daughter and transform the beautiful mansion in The Estate, an Italian-Mediterranean restaurant to compliment her other properties in Sonoma County. This will put Bernstein at the top of the Sonoma County non-chain multi-unit operator list. Her food is also at the top of the list. She has a great operation and I know that she is still driving around, late at night, looking for other locations. Yes, she is focused. And doing a great job. But, she still needs a restaurateur anonymous meeting. She has it bad.
And finally, speaking of focus, my dear friend Andrew Zimmern, star of Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern will be tossing out the first pitch at Friday night's Twin's game in Minneapolis. If Zimmern can throw a baseball as rapidly as a mutual friend can throw an Idaho baker the catcher better beware. If you happen to be in the Twin Cities this weekend, show up for the game. It will be a case study in how a great chef turns tv star and akes the fans by storm while donning a Minnesota Twins uniform.
Steinbrenner, eat your heart out.
https://kitchentable.andrewzimmern.com/?q=node/889
