Why You Should Become a Restaurant Expeditor

Why You Should Become a Restaurant Expeditor

Have you ever wondered how even the busiest of restaurants are able to coordinate kitchen and service staff while ensuring orders are accurately recorded and cooked to perfection each time? More than likely, those establishments that are able to accomplish this have hired effective restaurant food expeditors.

What exactly is a restaurant expeditor?

At its most basic, the job description of a restaurant expeditor is to serve as a middle-man between the workers in the front and back of the house – in other words, the service staff and the kitchen staff. Expeditors work to ensure that service staff accurately communicates customer orders and that the cooks are preparing those orders properly and promptly. The principal goal is to keep solid communication between the two groups so that customer service is the best that it can be.

Their principal goal is to keep solid communication between the service and kitchen staff so that customer service is the best that it can be.

Expeditors typically work in the kitchen and are often seen checking order tickets to confirm that orders are being called and prepared accurately. These individuals are also responsible for ensuring any incoming special requests are done correctly. When they find something being done improperly, the expeditor is to inform the kitchen staff before the food is taken out front to the guest.

What skills do you need to be an expeditor?

To be effective at their jobs, expeditors must be excellent communicators with top-notch customer service skills. When a restaurant is regularly busy, it is often not productive for the front and back staff to communicate with each other directly. That is where expeditors come in. Besides checking tickets, it may also be their responsibility to read them and call out the orders as they come in.

While not a requirement, basic cooking skills can be assets to expeditors. As is familiarity with the menu because it’s expeditor’s job tell whether or not a dish has been prepared correctly with just a glance and update service staff regarding any changes to the menu

Managers will frequently ask the expeditor for their opinions on how service is going and if something needs to be changed.

Many restaurant kitchens are fast-paced environments, so it’s vital that an expeditor is able to handle the pressure, as they may spend their entire shift moving between the front and back of the establishment with no break, particularly on busy nights.

Because this individual is in such a unique position, managers will frequently ask the expeditor for their opinions on how smoothly everything is going and whether something needs to be changed to improve the flow of customer service. This input is extremely helpful and important to the continued existence of the restaurant.

How do you become a restaurant expeditor?

In many cases, it is as simple as putting in an application, which you can do on Sirvo in just minutes. However, in busy high-end restaurants, at least some experience is likely to be required. Individuals who have worked in both the front and the back of the house will be at an advantage.

Most of the time, hiring managers are less concerned with credentials and prefer to find individuals with the right personality for the position.

Generally, the more experience an applicant has in a restaurant setting, the better. Most of the time, though, hiring managers are less concerned with credentials and prefer to find individuals with the right experience and personality for the position.

The job of restaurant expeditor is the perfect position for those who possess strong communication skills and enjoy working in all aspects of a restaurant setting. It is also a solid step forward for anyone who wants to work toward a long and rewarding career within the restaurant industry. To search for expeditor jobs on Sirvo, click here!

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Sirvo Presents: 2016 Colorado Restaurant Show

Sirvo Presents: 2016 Colorado Restaurant Show

Join Sirvo at the 2016 Colorado Restaurant Show! The Premier Restaurant and Foodservice Conference in the Rocky Mountain Region!

Wednesday, Nov. 2, and Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016
Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center

Presented by the Colorado Restaurant Association, the Colorado Restaurant Show is the premier networking and learning event for restaurateurs, chefs and restaurant and bar managers in the Rocky Mountain region. Over the course of the two-day event, the leading restaurant suppliers in Colorado and the nation will meet with industry leaders and tastemakers at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center, to discover the newest trends, ideas and products in the business. A selection of panels led by industry experts aim to inspire professionals, and spark collaboration between sponsors, exhibitors and attendees.

Sirvo will have a booth both days of the event so be sure to come by and say hi! We’ll be doing some giveaways and will have a special surprise for all those who stop by! We’ll also be presenting a panel discussion with some of the top thought leaders in the industry on the future of human capital in the restaurant industry. Read below and don’t forget to register!

Panel Details

The Future of Human Capital: Hiring and Retaining Great Employees for your Restaurant
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Panelists:

Craig HakesSirvo
Michael PullmanZuus Workforce
Taylor StonackSnooze A.M. Eatery
Andrew HudsonAndrew Hudson’s Job list
Rayme RosselloComida

Show Schedule

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 :: SHOW DAY #1

  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Hall open to attendees / educational sessions concurrent
  • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hall open to attendees / dedicated expo floor time
  • 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Hall open to attendees / educational sessions concurrent
  • 5 p.m. Hall closes to exhibitors and attendees

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 :: SHOW DAY #2

  • 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Hall open to attendees / educational sessions concurrent
  • 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hall open to attendees / dedicated expo floor time
  • 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Hall open to attendees / educational sessions concurrent
  • 5 p.m. Hall closes to exhibitors and attendees

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18 Marketing Ideas to Bring More Customers to Your Restaurant

18 Marketing Ideas to Bring More Customers to Your Restaurant

With sales on the rise, restaurants are expecting to see an influx in business. To make sure some of those customers visit your restaurant, you’ll need to hone your marketing skills. Advertising isn’t always cheap, so here are some inexpensive marketing ideas to use instead.

1. Sponsor a local team

There’s a lot you can do on the local level to get word out about your restaurant. To start, consider sponsoring a local team, whether it’s adult volleyball or kid’s hockey. The team could be named after your business or, if they’re already established, your logo could be added to their uniforms and equipment.

Not only will this increase exposure, but you’ll also be supporting your community. And if you’re really crafty, make sure to offer drink specials or happy hour on the day of the week they play so they’ll celebrate their wins with you after the game.

2. Join the local Chamber of Commerce

Pretty much every community has a chamber of commerce that promotes local businesses. Joining it will expand your network as well as open the doors for catering or hosting chamber events.

If your restaurant has just opened its doors, a grand opening is a great way to generate publicity.

3. Donate to charities

With a little searching, you’ll find local charities that might be willing to team up with your restaurant. You could provide food for the organization’s events or schedule your employees to volunteer. If that’s too big of a commitment, donating to smaller fundraisers accomplishes the same end.

4. Have a grand opening

If your restaurant has just opened its doors, a grand opening is a great way to generate publicity. You might offer some sort of special, like a deal on a sampler dish, to encourage visitors to try several foods.

5. Host a holiday party

Make plans to decorate and host a dinner party during an upcoming holiday or event. You can even create a theme centered on local culture or a popular television show just for the fun of it.

Occasionally bringing in local musical talent is a surefire way to entertain your customers.

6. Hold a customer appreciation dinner

This will get the message across that you appreciate the support of your guests. Again, try offering deals on various foods and drinks.

7. Offer live music

Everyone loves dinner and a show. Occasionally bringing in local musical talent is a surefire way to entertain your customers. Include the community by asking them to vote for the next performer on your social media pages.

8. Twitter

Twitter is a good platform for those who are new to social media advertising. It offers ad options that are simple to understand, and users can select a target audience and budget that works for them.

9. Facebook

Facebook ads also allow users to set a target audience and budget, but they can seem a bit more complicated because there are more options to choose from. So designate someone who understands social media marketing to put together some ads for a particular demographic.

Write up a press release and send it to local media whenever you’re hosting an event or teaming up with another organization.

10. Email marketing

You may feel like you’d be spamming your customers this way, but don’t underestimate its reach. Collect emails wherever you can on a sign-up sheet or through your website. The emails can be discounts on specific items and holiday deals, and they can also include invitations to events where you’ll be catering or hosting.

11. Yelp

This is a popular online directory for restaurants because of its review system. It provides potential customers with business information as well as offer a venue to leave reviews and feedback.

12. Restavista

Restavista is a directory that allows customers to find restaurants in the area based on their specific needs, whether its dietary or they just have a craving for a specific food.

13. Foursquare

This is kind of like the “check-in” option on Facebook. By having an account, your guests can check-in while they eat. This info is shared with their connections and extends exposure to those who otherwise would be unaware of your establishment.

By establishing your social media presence on social media channels, you help your business get a better online exposition and spread the word about your restaurant among users.

14. Whitepages

Yes, these still exist. Having a Whitepages account offers information about your restaurant, but there’s no rating or review option. Think of it as an electronic phone book listing that people can access it from their mobile devices.

15. Write a press release

Write up a press release and send it to local media whenever you’re hosting an event or teaming up with another organization. Make sure it’s sent directly to the reporter or their assignment editor so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

16. Sign up for HARO

“Help a Reporter Out” is a way to get media attention outside your community. Those who sign up receive daily emails on upcoming news stories that need sources. When one pops up that’s relevant to your restaurant, contact the reporter. It may lead to an interview that will increase exposure for your business.

17. Contact reporters with your opinions

Reporters often search for local angles on a story. If, for example, the city is changing liquor license requirements and you have an opinion about its impact on the restaurant sector, reach out to local media and tell them what you think. Who knows – you just might land the lead story.

18. Get found on Google

Last, but not least, make sure your business address is set up correctly on Google. You will need to create or claim your Google for Business Page. Make sure ALL the information is filled out wherever you can, including phone number and website. Test to make sure your restaurant shows up by searching for it in Google Maps or Waze on your phone.

Happy Marketing!

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Sirvo Says: Let’s Get Pizza!

Sirvo Says: Let’s Get Pizza!

Colorado isn’t exactly known for its pizza, but the pies in Mile High definitely pass the test. Many newcomers who come into town often ask, “Where is the best pizza?”. Well…

People often wonder, what makes a good pizza? Well it often has to do with the oven it is prepared in. Chef Max Mackissock has that essential tool in an Italian imported Mario Acunto oven. This place isn’t just about pizza, there are a variety of amazing Italian dishes to choose from, like their “to die for” Tagliarini. As for the pizza, we suggest the I’anatra: a pea purée, duck conserva with mortadella, pecorino, fresh mozzarella and sorrel. You will fall in love with this amazing establishment.

If you’re on South Pearl and wanting a slice, this is the place you should find yourself at. Staying true to Southern Naples style is essential to the quality of pizza you will experience at Kaos. One doesn’t need to get too exotic when choosing which pizza to get, but if you’re looking for the best then look no further than the Cappocolo: Evoo with roasted garlic, cappocolo, oven roasted tomatoes, fresh arugula and goat cheese. Our mouths are watering just writing about it (seriously). You can also check out Mas Kaos, located in the Berkeley Neighborhood that combines owner Patrick Mangold-White’s Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina and Kaos Pizzeria. Divertiti!

Located behind Work & Class (one of our favorites) is another one of our favorites, Cart Driver. The building itself is a 640 sq ft shipping container and inside is an absolute wonderful place to be with friends enjoying wine, some oysters and of course-the pizza. The Four Season is exquisite, potato, squash, asian pear, ham, arugula pesto and burrata. This RiNo establishment is here to stay and should be on the list of places to dine at if you have not already. 

Created by restaurateur Bobby Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, Pizzeria Locale is one of Colorado’s best restaurants. Obviously it starts with excellent cuisine, but it’s solidified with an elevated level of hospitality. Seriously, there may not be a better experience unless you were to visit neighboring Frasca Food & Wine (Stuckey’s other exceptional establishment). We won’t make a specific suggestion as to which pizza to choose, literally you can take your pick here and be well satisfied. In 2014, Pizzeria Locale teamed up with Chipotle to create a fast-casual version of it’s more upscale version in Boulder, different experience-same result.

Chef Frank Bonnano’s downtown Denver Italian eatery exceeds the expectations one expects when they go out to eat. Named after his youngest son, Osteria Marco will be celebrating its tenth anniversary next year. We recommend the Short Rib: Fontina Fonduta, Spinach & Roasted Red Pepper. Located in Denver’s famed Larimer Square, it will be no surprise to see this fine concept around for a lot longer than just a single decade.

Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood hosts some of the best cuisine you will find in this rapidly expanding Denver food scene and Hops & Pie represents a great option to choose when visiting Tennyson street. An excellent selection of hand tossed pies with a wide choice of toppings and beers to pair. Within the crust is a 50/50 mixture of water and house IPA that gives this pizza joint its unique flavor. We realize that almost every place in town has some form of Mac & Cheese, but we suggest ordering Hops and Pie’s version as well because it is what dreams are made of.

Yass! This list is compiled of a lot of great pizzerias and we could reshuffle the order a thousand times and still get it right. Racca’s (formerly Marco’s Coal Fired Pizza) is just one of those places that can be very easily at the top of this list and has been at the top of many others. Being certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, Racca’s is the only certified Neapolitan pizzeria located in Colorado. Yet another establishment that one would be satisfied with any selection. Pick any of it’s three Colorado locations, request an Uber and then go, like tonight. Oh yeah, and if you’re looking for a job, check out their Sirvo page for open jobs!

This is one of the most amazing pizza places in town and is a fan favorite. It doesn’t hurt that you can get a slice at their walk-up window till 2 AM, which we suggest when you are wondering what is the best place to eat quickly after you’ve left the bar a little early. This is Denver’s best version of a New York slice of pizza. Residing within the Atomic Cowboy, owners Drew and Ashley Shader seem to understand perfectly what this town craves.

There are two locations to choose from, one in downtown Denver near Union Station and also in Louisville, Colorado. Their slogan is simple. Pizza. Beer. Love. We agree with all three options. Twenty seven beers on tap, a hand-built brick oven and some of the best pizza in the state! Go against the grain a little and get the Cornball Wallace: creamed greens, Benton’s ham, mozzarella, fontina, roasted corn & organic arugula in a cider vinaigrette. Eat. Drink. Fall in Love.

Start with the Maine Mussels, select one of their twenty-seven Mountain Sun Ales, split the Gnocchi and the wood fired Bianca Pizza: charred onion ricotta cheese, organic baby kale, chili flake, house-made sausage & Grana Pada. This is the second Boulder establishment to make the list and if Boulder isn’t on your list of places to eat pizza, it should be there now.

Now, time to enjoy! ??

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How to Take Pictures of Food for Your Restaurant Portfolio

How to Take Pictures of Food for Your Restaurant Portfolio

There are four basic elements of a great food photo: lighting, composition, styling, and equipment. Once you’ve got a handle on these basics, drool-worthy food photos are a mere snap away! Let’s talk about how to take pictures of food for your restaurant portfolio.

Lighting 

Lighting will make or break your shot. It is the single most important photography element there is. But don’t worry if you don’t have a studio full of lighting equipment. Natural daylight can make your food look phenomenal when manipulated correctly.

Stay away from direct sunlight! It might seem like a good idea at the time, but it will be harsh, flattening, and can create shadows that distract from the food. Your goal is to shoot in a shady spot on a sunny day. This will allow the bright color to shine and texture will be more discernible in subtle shadows.

The prep work will enable you to find the best time and position to set up your actual food shoot.

Spend a few days looking at different locations in your restaurant throughout the day. Take a plate of food with you and look at it through your camera in different spots at different times of the day. This prep work will enable you to find the best time and position to set up your actual food shoot. Near a window is usually a good bet. (Tip: hang a white sheet over the sun-filled window to diffuse the light and create ‘shade.’)

Composition

As chefs, you know the old adage, “you eat with your eyes.” Never has it been more true than with food photography. These pictures have no heavenly aroma, and the ambiance of your restaurant can’t help you. They have to tell the complete story for you. The composition is not just plating, though that’s a huge part of it. It includes everything in the shot including the backdrop, plate, utensils – everything. Even including just food on a white plate is a stylistic composition choice.

The composition is not just plating – it’s everything in the shot including the backdrop, plates and utensils.

The ‘rule of thirds’ is a helpful one here. Imagine your framed shot is divided into nine squares – like a tic-tac-toe grid or sudoku. Now the main subject of your photo should sit on one of the grid lines, not in the squares themselves. This gives the image a dynamic feel. The main subject could be many things, your chef, the meat on the plate, the cheese bubble on French onion soup, the sugar flower on a cake, or the plate on a tablescape. This works for things big and small. If your shot is Thanksgiving, the turkey would be on a grid line. If your shot is the turkey, the crispiest, most delicious piece of skin would be on the grid line.

Styling

The devil is in the details, but so is the fun! Now’s the time to think about plates, silverware, and tablecloths. Do you wrap sandwiches in wax paper? Serve pie with printed napkins? This is a way to tell the story of your restaurant and chefs along side the story of your food. Colorful food can benefit from simple or highly contrasting props. What fits best with your restaurant’s style? Very brown food (think stew or chili) benefits from patterned props, but be careful not to distract from the subject.

Active moments are a great way to break up a static photo gallery and inspire the viewer to imagine them holding that spoon.

Food sitting flat? Get a model! Maybe a scoop of mac and cheese on a silver spoon held aloft looks more appetizing than the bowl. Take a bit out of a sandwich and photograph a spoon cracking a crème brûlée. Active moments are a great way to break up a static photo gallery and inspire the viewer to imagine them holding that spoon!

Equipment

How much equipment do you really need? With the right lighting, an iPhone or similar phone can absolutely take a fantastic photo. And maybe that works for you right now. There’s nothing wrong with that! But, if you’re ready to step up to some real photography equipment, these are good places to start.

  • Clip Lights – found at most hardware stores. Can act as back-up to a main light source (“fill”) or be the sun for you on a rainy day. Hang up a white sheet to diffuse it or use a big piece of white poster board to reflect the light onto your subject.
  • TripodManfrotto makes great tripods for those starting out. But for an even cheaper option, AmazonBasics offers a couple of different models.
  • Editing Software – Polish up your photos before you send them out in the world! Photoshop is an obvious choice. But there are more options out there. Canva is a great design platform for those who don’t like to spend too much time editing pictures but still want to have pretty images.

Hopefully, this has inspired you to step up your food photo game. Make sure to share them on social media as well as your website to get the most bang for your shot.

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