How To Create An Excellent Restaurant Menu

How To Create An Excellent Restaurant Menu

by | Aug 26, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

Lots of people remember a restaurant from their past or even in their present in which they enjoyed a neighborhood kind of aura, friendly, laid back with some of the best food on the planet. The food might have been a mix of your everyday sandwiches and a steak to die for, or the food could have been something a five-star chef would turn out. The menu was a typed list of the food and its description, every now and then paired with a wine or beer to complement the food. The ambiance might have drawn people to the restaurant initially, but the food kept them coming back for more. Times change, though, and menus reflect that change. If you need to know how to create a good restaurant menu, we have five tips that will help.

1. Create the goal of the menu

A menu should represent the personality of the restaurant. Your brand is at stake, here, and the diner will recognize this in the menu. Diners should be impressed with the presentation and be ready to recommend the restaurant to one and all. We know that’s a tall order, you should pardon the pun, but take a look at American restaurant Cracker Barrel’s menu: homestyle fixin’s, Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast, fancy fixin’s, wholesome fixin’s –  we’re sure you get the idea. The whole aura is homey, comforting and the food filling for a great price.

Tip: Your menu should be logical. Begin with appetizers, followed by entrees, perhaps fixin’s, desserts then drinks. Pictures help, but don’t overload the menu. Just a few pictures and a personality-indicating description will do just fine.

2. Do your homework

You’ll need to research how a successful establishment presents its menu. Check online as well as the brick and mortar store. Figure in your own financials, marketing and potential sales. Look up either online or in a library professional publications describing what’s new and selling wildly in certain areas. Additionally, you’ll need to decide your personality. Shall your establishment be a beanery, a classy joint or quick-natured?  What do you do well, and will it sell in your area? Compare pricing, too.

Tip: Balance your food costs by offering several dishes using one ingredient. For example, if you offer a burger, offer to top it with ingredients from other dishes such as lobster, shrimp, gourmet cheeses, specialty sauces like truffle aiola, and even bacon and eggs.

A menu should represent the personality of the restaurant. Your brand is at stake, here, and the diner will recognize this in the menu.

3. Come up with a design

The eye follows many things, among them light and color. Highlight your specialties or any new ideas you’re trying out. Keep it simple. Stick to one easy to read font. Don’t make the menu sixteen pages; this annoys diners, who must search for what they want. One or two nicely typewritten pages tell diners what is available with no fuss. Remember that if you laminate your menu, you can’t change it without going back to the printer. Plastic covers allow you to update or change menu items when needed. Having more than one menu isn’t expensive, and it makes things easier on diners when they don’t have to get past breakfast items to get to lunch or dinner items.

Tip: The color of your menu should reflect the personality of your restaurant. For example, reds and yellows would feel natural in a restaurant serving spicy dishes, while blues and silvers would better suit a seafood restaurant. Place pictures or a special label around specialties or new menu items. Offer a variety of prices to suit a variety of diners. Keep the descriptions short and sweet.

4. Avoid mistakes

We’ve all handled menus that were taller than we were, heavy ones we almost couldn’t lift and menus that presented too much color or pictures for us to take in. Mistakes you want to avoid include making your print too small to read, excluding English terms for foreign dishes, menus without daily specials or weekly specials, and using generic clip art from the Web to illustrate dishes that won’t look like the pictures when they arrive.

Tip: You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Ensure your menu presents your restaurant’s personality without all the hype.

Analyzing which dishes sell the best and which are slower in comparison to your competition should enter the pricing picture.

5. Price it right

Items like certain meats and cheeses tend to fluctuate in price, and we mean going up not down. Keeping this in mind, price your dishes competitively with other restaurants of your type. If the prices of your ingredients go up, cover it by raising prices by a dollar or two. Most diners won’t notice a slight rise in price, but they’ll know instantly if a six to ten dollar price increase will strain their budget. Not everyone can afford filet mignon, so offer dishes lower in price but just as tasty.

Tip: Examine your menu from a customer’s point of view. Taking pictures of the food will give you an idea if the dishes are worth what you’re charging. Analyzing which dishes sell the best and which are slower in comparison to your competition should also enter the pricing picture.

How your restaurant is perceived by diners begins with your menu. Making it attractive, fun and properly priced is essential to weather the changes happening in restaurants today. Want some menu design ideas? Head over to Envato or Graphic River to browse and download.

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How Culinary Internships Can Get You a Job

How Culinary Internships Can Get You a Job

by | Aug 24, 2016 | Career

It’s been said that you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience unless you have a job. So, what do you do about this? Take an internship! This is even true about culinary internships.

Benefits of an Internship

You’re probably wondering how culinary internships can get you a job. Well, to begin with, as a culinary intern you’ll learn many new techniques for cooking and baking in the “real” world (outside the classroom). You’ll also learn speed, organization, time management, and perfect your knife skills while working on the line during service.

Regardless of what path you see your culinary career taking, your internship time spent in a professional kitchen is invaluable to your career. For instance, personal chefs must understand how to set up a kitchen, private chefs must learn how to act quickly, and a test kitchen chef must learn to think on their feet while creating recipes.

Sometimes accepting an unpaid internship and working at another job while interning pays off with bigger returns than if you’d accepted a paid internship.

Considerations When Pursuing an Internship

Having some idea of where you want to see your career go is the first step, and a very important one, in deciding where you should seek out an internship. It’s also important to think about what city you want to spend most of your life living in. While moving to a big city for an internship is fun, moving away from there afterwards may prove difficult.

This is because one of the main points of doing an internship is creating contacts and networking. If you do this someplace, you may find they don’t have contacts available in the city you actually want to live in. Simply put, good local references are more beneficial than all your great skills and techniques combined.

When interning in a small, chef-driven place you get to work directly with the chefs and line cooks.

Another important consideration is the environment you wish to do your internship in. When interning in a small, chef-driven place you get to work directly with the chefs and line cooks. This doesn’t always happen in big restaurants, where it’s easier to ignore you.

It’s also important for you to consider whether you can afford to take an unpaid internship. Sometimes accepting an unpaid internship and working at another job while interning pays off with bigger returns than if you’d accepted a paid internship. If you feel as though you can keep up with everything, then you’ll look as though you’re truly dedicated to your profession. Of course, only you can decide this.

One other thing you’ll want to do before choosing where you’ll do your internship is to actually spend time reading about the restaurant. You not only want to lookout for what employees are saying about the restaurant and its work environment, you also want to learn what diners are saying about the food, service, atmosphere, and chef.

Working every station looks good to potential employees as they recognize you have basic experience in various areas of the kitchen.

 

Getting the Most out of Your Internship

In the same way you must take some time to consider whether the internship is right for you, it’s also important to stay on your feet while working an internship. This is a time during which you can do some really great networking. Get to know the line cooks, servers, and other restaurant staff. They’re all an important part of the team when you’re working in a kitchen as a chef.

Some people sincerely believe small, successful restaurants are where you’ll find the best internships because you’re expected to actually do some work. In fact, by the end of your time there, you’ll probably have worked every station. This looks good to potential employees as they recognize you have basic experience in various areas of the kitchen.

Remember, you don’t want to take an internship at a big restaurant just so you can have its name on your résumé. Make sure it sounds as though it will meet your expectations. Instead, accept an internship at a restaurant where you think you’ll be happy (you never know until you start working there). It should also be a place that challenges you so you have a great opportunity to build your skills.

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Sirvo Says: Where to Eat, Work & Live in Denver

Sirvo Says: Where to Eat, Work & Live in Denver

by | Aug 22, 2016 | IndiNews

Whether you’re a native or just moved here recently, you are already aware that Denver is one of the best places to live! We are a rapidly growing city with more and more places to eat, work and enjoy your life! So much so, that it’s often hard to keep up with all of these new areas of town on the rise.

One of the fastest growing industries to work in is the hospitality industry, which makes so much sense considering Coloradans love working at places where they can have fun, and that affords them time to explore this majestic state. Below is our list of some neighborhoods and places that we absolutely adore!

Where to eat, work & live in Denver!

RiNo (River North)

denver best places to eat and live

RiNo is an obvious choice to highlight first. This has been Denver’s hippest neighborhood on the rise for the last two years. It’s where we go when we want to feel apart of the “now” in Denver. There is also the most recent announcement of a new music festival ground! This neighborhood just keeps getting better and better!!!

Where to Eat or Work:

Acorn – One of the best restaurants in the city of Denver by Chef Steven Redzikowski and beverage extraordinaire Bryan Dayton. If you are interested in working at Acorn, check out their Sirvo page to see if they are hiring!

Americatus – RiNo’s premier neighborhood Italian eatery. Americatus may be hiring for open positions, check their Sirvo page here.

Comida – Mexican Street Food at it’s finest! Also located at The Source, Denver’s premier artisan food market. Comida is not only a great place to eat but would also be an amazing place to work.

Los Chingones – Two leveled neighborhood Mexican eatery by Chef Troy Guard. Go here to view all TAG Restaurant Group open positions.

Where to Live:

Cornerstone Apartments has two buildings in RiNo worth checking out, the newest is Link 35 coming in September!

LoHi (Lower Highlands)

denver best places to eat and live

LoHi is still one of the fastest growing neighborhoods/districts in Denver. While locals haven’t always been impressed with the “Lego” style architecture, it’s hard to deny the appeal to new and old Denver residents. This district is home to great food, art and events that seem to be happening all of the time! There is a reason that late on a Friday or Saturday night you see throngs of people walking back down 20th heading home. This is the place to be.

Where to Eat or Work:

Central Bistro & Bar – “Central Bistro is a contemporary American bistro with a focus on local, fresh, organic produce without the pretentious shenanigans.”  Wondering if Central Bistro & Bar are hiring? Check their Sirvo page!

LoHi Steakbar – A great neighborhood hangout with delicious food and drinks. View their Sirvo page if you’re interested in joining their team.

Lola Mexican Fish House – “With food inspired by the coastal regions of Mexico and a bar named one of the Top Five Places to Drink Tequila in North America is the spot for serious eats and crafted cocktails”. LoHi has a great food scene and Lola would be a great job with a fun staff, so look into joining the team on Sirvo!

Linger – Located in an old mortuary, Linger is a unique establishment and offers some of the best patio views in the city! Edible Beats is a great company to work for with a lot of great concepts, view Sirvo to become their next great hire. 

Where to Live:

Check out B Street LoHi or the Vallejo Street Apartments if you’re looking to find a hip place to live.  

Uptown

denver best places to eat and live

Though some might have forgotten, this is still one of the best neighborhoods in all of Denver. There are great brunch locations, shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, dive bars and all in walking distance of each other. One can spend an entire day roaming 17th Avenue and not be disappointed.

Where to Eat or Work:

Ace Eat and Serve – “Inspired by the comfort foods and shop houses of Southeast Asia, Ace Eat Serve combines Asian-inspired cuisine with an expansive indoor/outdoor bar, year-round patio, and Denver’s only dedicated Ping-Pong hall”. Check Sirvo to see if Ace is hiring.

Beast + Bottle – “A rustic American restaurant serving hand-crafted cocktails, eclectic wines and responsibly sourced cuisine for dinner and weekend brunch”. Interested in working at B+B? Check their Sirvo page!

Coperta – From the owners of Beast + Bottle, this uptown neighborhood Italian eatery is one of the hottest restaurants in town right now! New restaurants like Coperta are usually looking for fresh talent, view their open positions.

Masterpiece Deli – They are exactly who they say they are, a masterpiece. Look into possible job opportunities at one of the best places to work in town.

Steuben’s Food Service – Some of the best comfort food you will find in the entire state. Check out their Sirvo page for current open positions!

 Where to Live:

“Urban Apartment Living” is what Cornerstone Apartments offer, there are three locations located in the Uptown neighborhood worth looking into.

West Wash Park & SoBo

denver best places to eat and live

This area of town has always been a Denver resident favorite. It has everything you want in a neighborhood, shops, restaurants, bars and a happening nightlife! There is such a great energy about this neighborhood, it’s easy to see why it is so popular. There are bike paths all around, a quick hop to the light rail station and of course Wash Park (the most beautiful park in the city).

Where to Eat or Work:

Atticus – “Atticus is comfort food, good friends, warm hospitality, laughter, and libations”. This neighborhood joint is a popular destination for residents and would be a great place to work as well!

Beatrice & Woodsley – One of the most beautiful restaurants in Denver with some of the best food and service you will ever have. Getting a job here is an opportunity to say the least, head to their page on Sirvo.

Cho77 – SOBO’s and Denver’s best Asian street food neighborhood spot! Looking for a new job, check Cho77’s Sirvo listings.

The Rosedale – From the owners of Atticus and located next door, this is a great place with delicious wings and burgers. Go on Sirvo to see their job listings.

Sushi Den – A great destination to spend a wonderful evening with a group of friends or your significant other. We imagine working here is just as enjoyable as dining here would be!

Where to Live:

With almost 20 locations in this area to choose from, Cornerstone Apartments has plenty of options when deciding where to live in this thriving neighborhood!

 

Downtown

denver best places to eat and live

We understand for a lot of people downtown Denver is too hectic, loud and crowded but that is exactly why we love it! If you are new to town and you want to be where all the action is, then work, eat and live in the epicenter of it all. Denver is alive and has a nightlife that competes with any other similar city out there. We have five major sports teams with year-round schedules, constant events and a great food and beverage scene. The best part of living downtown is that in ten minutes you are on the highway and within another thirty minutes you are in the mountains on your way to hike your next 14’er!!!

Where to Eat or Work:

TAG – Chef Troy Guard describes this concept of his as “Continental Social Food” and represents his journey as a chef and restaurateur. Check Sirvo for possible open positions.  

Osteria Marco – Chef Frank Bonanno’s famed Denver Italian gathering place named after his youngest son. See what potential employment opportunities they might have here. 

JAX Fish House LoDo – “Jax Fish House LoDo has served FRESH and sustainable seafood to the masses that pack into this hot spot since 1996″. Go on Sirvo to see their latest job listings!

Snooze at Union Station – There are reason people wait in line to eat here, and it’s because it’s delicious. Snooze has a great reputation and is one of the most popular destinations to eat and work, head to their Sirvo page!

Where to Live:

If you are looking for a unique downtown location to live, Tamai Tower at Sakura Square.

Denver is on the rise and has been rapidly growing for the last couple of years. We have so much further to go, but we are on our way for sure! The rest of the country is looking to us as to how to take their own city to the next level. We have some of the best neighborhoods in the country to live with amazing options for leisure, dining and entertainment. We are the place to be right now!

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Easy Ways to Turn First-Time Customers Into Regulars

Easy Ways to Turn First-Time Customers Into Regulars

by | Aug 19, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

Regular customers are the heart of your restaurant business. They’re the ones who come in over and over again, sharing information about your restaurant with others and encouraging them to eat there, too. Turning first-time customers into regulars is a profitable way to encourage further business at your restaurant. 

Build Opportunities to Reconnect

Customers come into your restaurant for a relatively short period of time. While they’re there, you want to do your best to build a relationship with them. That includes:

  • Using multiple opportunities to discuss specials, take their drinks, and share information about special events.
  • Making sure each table knows the server who is responsible for taking care of them.
  • Making eye contact, staying friendly, and chatting with customers, even on a busy night when it’s hard to keep up with everything.

Make It Memorable

Your town is filled with restaurants. Turning your restaurant into the place people want to visit, whether it’s for a Friday night date or a mid-week stop on the way to another activity, means making each visit memorable. There are several strategies that can help you make your restaurant stand out from the rest.

  • Send them off with a souvenir, whether it’s a business card, a pen, or a copy of your menu.
  • Make the last bit count: the perfect after-dinner coffee, the ideal dessert, or a final interaction with the customers.
  • Do something special. Set your restaurant apart by offering a signature dish like no one else’s, creating a unique ambiance, or offering a different kind of special.
  • Make sure that it’s obvious where customers are. Set your restaurant’s name in their minds so that they’ll remember where that perfect dish they’re craving came from!

Your customers should know what to expect every time they walk through the door of your restaurant.

Keep the Experience Constant

Your customers should know what to expect every time they walk through the door of your restaurant. If your food is excellent one time and so-so the next, it’s hard to encourage customers to keep coming back. Excellent service should always be paramount. There are several ways to encourage this consistent experience for every customer, every time.

  • Specifically train each new employee who comes through your restaurant. Make sure they know exactly what’s expected. When realistic, allow them to shadow another employee who is already in their position.
  • Create clear guidelines and directions to ensure that each process is easy to follow. When possible, write them down so that employees can reference them when they need them.
  • Discuss proper tone and attitude with regards to customer service. Young people, in particular, may struggle to speak respectfully simply because it’s something they’ve never been taught.

As you work to increase your repeat customer base, you’ll find that your restaurant flourishes as never before. Your customers will love finding out what you’re offering next, checking out your new dishes, and coming back for their old favorites time and time again. Your serving staff will get to know those regulars, making a better experience for everyone.

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Tips for Effective Body Language During An Interview

Tips for Effective Body Language During An Interview

by | Aug 17, 2016 | Career

When it comes time to interview for that next job, be ready to impress your future employer with not only stellar answers but also effective body language. With only a limited amount of time to prove yourself during the interview, it’s crucial that you use your body to convey your confidence and know-how. And here’s how.

Stay positive

Your body language follows your mind. If you’re thinking negative thoughts, your body will consciously create negative energy. Instead, stay positive inside your head, and your body language will respond with confidence.

Also, if your mind is thinking positive thoughts, you’re more likely to smile. When you smile, the room will glow, especially if the room has bad lighting.

Sit up straight

A third of all job hunters have bad posture. Practice sitting upright in a chair. Slouching interviewees look like insecure people who aren’t confident in their skills.

If you’re thinking negative thoughts, your body will consciously create negative energy.

Practice a firm handshake

Since first impressions are crucial within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone, your need to perfect the handshake. All good handshakes have between 60% and 75% pressure. Don’t go 100%, but don’t be lazy and give 50% effort. Find that Goldilocks medium, and you will do great!

Make reasonable eye contact

You don’t have to stare into your interviewer’s soul, but you should at least make some eye contact with your interviewer. If you need to look somewhere else when you’re talking, look up, not down. You don’t want to look down often because the top of your head is not what companies are looking for.

Reduce nervous ticks

These habits might include playing with your hair, biting your fingernails, or crossing your arms. Have a friend tell you (in a nice way) which of your habits they notice so you don’t repeat them during an interview.

Stay positive inside your head, and your body language will respond with confidence.

React to their body language

Do your research on the company to get a sense of their business. Once you’ve done your research, read their body language during the interview. If they look puzzled, elaborate on one of your answers.

If the interviewer gets excited or their eyes light up, give them a couple more details, then let them ask you more questions. This keeps them involved in you, which is your only goal at the interview.

Less is more

Talk less and gesture less. The more nervous you are, the more talkative you become. Go over your strong points and say less. This keeps the interviewer on their toes. You will notice quickly if they’re interested in you or not, and most of their interest is in your body language.

Calm down on style

You’re not applying for a famous designer. Your business-casual style shouldn’t stand out. Don’t go overboard, but don’t look like a slob. Stay in the middle when it comes to style. Force the interviewers to like you for your brain, not for your clothes.

Reading the body language of your interviewer keeps him or her involved in you, which should be your only goal at the interview.

Don’t stress too much about the results

If you’re nervous about the interview, it’s usually because you a) are not prepared or b) believe that this job will solve all of the life’s problems. After reading this guide, you will become prepared, so don’t worry about preparation. But if you think this job will solve all of your problems, remember that this is just one of many opportunities that will come your way.

When it comes down to it, the entire package, from speech to posture to movement, is analyzed during the interview. So, leave the nerves at the door, remember a few of these tips, and be yourself!

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Experience Sirvo for yourself

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