Are you playing Wacka-Mole?

How many owners and managers have watched one of the restaurant “rescue” shows and thought what a crock.  Reality TV is not so real and most changes they make are unrealistic to maintain.  That doesn’t mean that an underperforming restaurant can’t improve with professional advice.   SMF Training and Consulting wants you to succeed and flourish and I will work hard to provide you with the best service and tools to help you reach your goals. 

The restaurant industry has never been an easy one.  With COVID-19, owners and managers are struggling more than ever to reach goals or even keep the doors open.   Don’t wait until you are at the point of grasping at new ideas just to get a handful of customers through the door.  That will not sustain you through these rough times.  Every owner needs to maximize every part of the business.  Sometimes it is hard to see or admit what needs to be fixed from inside the operation.  I have what it takes to understand the organization from top to bottom, inside and out.  If you feel like you are playing wacka-mole everyday and struggling to get customers in your door, give us a call today we can help. 

What is the process?

  1. FREE CONSULTATION – First we start off with a free on-site* consultation to review your goals and concerns.  I want to hear from the you about what is working and what isn’t.  I will ask questions about the existing business model, goals (current and future), what you feel your challenges are. This is your business and vision and your financial stake is on the line.  I am not here to rebrand you with my vision.
  2. Assessment –   Based on what I learned in our first visit, I will provide a basic assessment on what areas SMF Training and Consulting can help and will provide you with a quote for services.
  3. Observation – Observing the operation is the best way to see what is going on.  This will include back of the house, front of the house, and general organization.   Guest experience will be monitored.   Existing management plans will be reviewed.  If permitted, anonymous interviews with staff will be conducted.
  4. Recommendations – Based on your objectives and my observations, I will provide a comprehensive recommendation report (CRR) on steps that can be taken to help you reach your goals.
  5. Review – The CRR will be reviewed and we will meet with key staff so they understand what needs to be done. Staff must get behind the improvements. 
  6. Implementation – We will work together to implement the new plan, re-train staff as necessary and monitor the success. 

About the owner, Sue Farace, CP-FS;  I worked in the construction industry as an accountant / business manager for 13 years.  I left the corporate world in 1997 and broke into the hospitality industry as an owner operator of several food service facilities.  I oversaw the planning, development and construction of 3 of my facilities.  I have been a consultant for the last 10 years completing a wide range of projects.  You can read more about my background here.   

*Travel charges may apply outside of 25 miles from zip code 21224

COVID-19 and reopening your restaurant

Attention all owners, managers and PIC

Congratulations! The announcement yesterday by Governor Hogan was the next step in reopening and is very exciting. It has been a hard time for all in the industry and you have taken the brunt of the pain. For those of you that cannot provide outdoor seating, we are thinking about you and hoping our state keeps moving forward with safe opening of indoor dining.

For everyone set up for outdoor dining, it is exciting to be able to see your regulars and do what you do best – serving great food. However, remember there are guidelines that you must follow to protect your guests and your staff from spreading the virus. 

I have compiled a few good resources for you to look at while you are planning your reopening. They are listed below. In addition to the excellent guidance from the FDA and National Restaurant Association I would like to remind you of a few key points.

Disinfectants are not sanitizers. They should not be used on Food Contact Surfaces. If they are the surface should be cleaned, rinsed and then sanitized in accordance with industry standards. 

Retrain staff on proper glove use. Some key points would be to never rewash gloves, they are a single task utensil, they should not be worn in replacement of handwashing, they can be a big source of cross contamination when used incorrectly.  Food handlers should wear gloves. Typically, servers and bartenders should not be wearing gloves. If they do, they must change and wash hands before putting on a fresh pair just as food handlers would.

Remind staff hand sanitizers are not a replacement to handwashing. They should only be used after proper handwashing when handling food.

Update your employee illness agreements. Many restaurants do not have staff sign the FDA forms for employee illness. Having these forms ensures that employee understand what they should be reporting. I recommend having an addition form specific to COVID-19 symptoms and exposure that the employee should be reporting to you. If you need assistance with the forms, we can help you with employee illness training. 

Flush your water systems, including hot water heater, all faucets and any where water may have been standing. If you have a decorative fountain you should ensure they are safe as well. Legionnaires’ disease is associated with water droplets that are inhaled from water containing the bacteria. Standing water could pose a greater risk.

Train your staff on how to handle COVID-19 related issues with guests.  Issues like too many guests at a table or maintaining facility-imposed time limits at tables could create problems. An improperly trained employee could escalate a problem unnecessarily.  Have a plan and train your staff on what the proper procedures should be to handle these situations.

Links for resources:

FDA Checklist for reopening a closed restaurant. 

National Restaurant Association Guidance Document

CDC information on Legionella

Free Training on COVID-19 for restaurants and food handler training until May 31st