How to Choose a Memorable Name For Your Restaurant

How to Choose a Memorable Name For Your Restaurant

by | Nov 23, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

You’ve readied your space, hired your staff and now the only thing standing between you and opening night is thinking of a great restaurant name. It’s almost like naming your baby… with a few big differences. Name your kid Apple, and you get a few eye-rolls from the adults in the playground. Name your restaurant Rat’s Nest Kitchen, and you just lost whatever money you invested. So how do you go about choosing the right name for your restaurant?

Good characteristics for names

A good name for a business has a couple of traits. Remember that it is all about branding and you want to choose a name that will be easy for your guests to remember. No one wants to be known as “That one place with the sandwiches”. Make it is easy to spell too, so that people can write about you. Keep it simple and choose a name that can possibly be utilized effectively as you potentially grow someday.

The most important part of a good name is that it targets the audience you want to draw. You’ll need to research your potential clientele to find out what will make a good impression on them before thinking up names.

Your restaurant, like your baby, needs a good name.

Location is a great starting place

People who love your town will appreciate a place named after it or some piece of their history. Visitors will like the historic appeal and may even come to conclusions about the historical importance of your establishment, even if there isn’t much past the use of the name. In other words, choose a timeless name.

You can take the location inspiration in many directions. For example, The French Laundry got its name from the French Steam laundry that was housed in the same building in the 19th century. Go ahead and dig deep in local color. It’ll do your name good.

Keep the theme in mind

Have you ever seen a Chinese Restaurant named Joe’s? No, and you won’t because a restaurant serving ethnic food wants potential customers to know what they are in for. Your restaurant’s name should reflect the theme of your business. The name is the first impression people get, and you want it to be accurate.

Keep it simple and choose a name that can possibly be utilized effectively as you potentially grow someday.

… And the cuisine

While naming your pizzeria Pepperoni Pizza With A Soda may be a bit restrictive, calling it Just Pizzas is pretty effective. It may even help in marketing your brand, as it tells the customer exactly what to expect from the menu. A vegetarian will know to avoid something with ‘steakhouse’ in the name, and people in the mood for tacos will gravitate toward a restaurant named ‘taqueria.’

Use personal inspiration

A common naming trope is to use the name of the person who inspired the owner. For instance, Wendy’s was named after the owner’s daughter. Naming your restaurant after a loved one makes for a great advertising hook, and people will eat up the story along with the food.

You can also name it after a time or place that holds personal meaning or your favorite play on words. Everybody loves a joke, and puns work on many levels. It conveys a relaxed attitude, and it puts people In a sunny mood. It also gives you a chance to get creative.

What to avoid

For both legal and branding reasons, you will want to avoid trademarked names. You’ll confuse customers and get yourself sued.

As a general rule, run potential names past other people and look to their reactions.

As a general rule, you should run potential names past other people and see their reactions. They will think of associations that you might have missed. Plenty of people have come up with what they thought were lovely names, only to have everybody assume they were insulting someone or referencing something off-color. Getting input from peers or local industry leaders keeps you from getting embarrassed later.

Your restaurant, like your baby, needs a good name. Your restaurant needs a name it can stick with for life. Take the time to research the market, brainstorm ideas, and test it on people. Getting the right name will be worth every minute. 

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How To Make Your Menu More Healthful

How To Make Your Menu More Healthful

People want to eat healthfully. That’s not a ‘craze’ or a fad; it’s a part of the human condition. Any restaurant that accommodates that wish will reap the rewards. Here are a couple easy ways to revamp your menu so that it provides consumers with what they want.

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Sirvo Says: 5 Denver Restaurant “Hidden Gems”

Sirvo Says: 5 Denver Restaurant “Hidden Gems”

by | Nov 21, 2016 | IndiNews

Whether you’ve just arrived in Denver or have been here for some time, there are a few spots in town that only a few of us know about. Most of these places have been around the Denver scene for some time and if they haven’t, they sure feel like they have. We have compiled a short list of establishments that would be great for entertaining friends from out of town, taking your S.O. to or checking out alone on those days you are feeling adventurous. We present for you, Sirvo Says: 5 Hidden Denver Restaurant “Hidden Gems”.  

1. Potager

Potager is the creation of Chef Teri Rippeto and her father Tom. This lovely establishment has been one of the best restaurants in Denver since 1997. Long before the farm to table trends that have hit the local (or even national) scene, this garden-inspired menu changes with the seasons and utilizes those fresh seasonal ingredients in an awe inspiring and delectable way. Part of their vision states, “It is crucially important that we do something we feel good about, everyday”. This bodes true for rest of us when trying to find that perfect place to dine. Potager is located in the Cap Hill neighborhood at 1109 Ogden, Denver CO 80218.

2. Devil’s Food

Devil’s Food, what a name! There is nothing evil about this lovely Wash Park establishment, it is more heavenly and charming than anything else. While the neighborhood may be a bit “upscale”, the interior of Devil’s Food is everything but. They first opened their doors in 1999 and it is definitely the type of restaurant one seeks out when they are looking for a place that has a little character. They recently just added onto their location at 1020 South Gaylord, Denver CO 80209, where they will be one part bakery and one part restaurant. Keep in mind, there may be a line if you choose to go there for brunch. So worth it…

3. Ernie’s Bar & Pizza

Established in 1948, Ernie’s Bar & Pizza is a throwback with a contemporary twist. This pizza establishment features fresh made dough and mozzarella that add a unique flavor to their delicious pizza. Selected by the Westword in 2015 as Denver’s Best NY Style Pizza, Ernie’s does not disappoint. Not only do they have 30 beers on tap, but they also infuse their own whiskey. Located in the Sunnyside neighborhood at 2915 W 44th Ave. Denver, CO 80211, Ernie’s is worth the visit for pizza lovers and is a great place to entertain friends or family. 

4. Solitaire

Say it’s your anniversary and you are trying to find the perfect place to go that has great food and a romantic atmosphere, Solitaire is the place you are looking for. Nestled in the Highlands neighborhood at 927 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80212, this wonderful restaurant has only graced our presence since 2015. The service is hospitable and the Charred Spanish Octopus is almost reason enough to go. Chef/Owner Mark Ferguson overtook the space when a former Denver restaurant hidden gem, Highland’s Garden Cafe, closed its doors after 20 years.

5. Adrift Tiki Bar

Recently purchased by the owners of Little Man Ice Cream (a not so hidden gem), Adrift Tiki Bar residing at 218 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, is quite the restaurant for those looking for a unique experience within the Denver dining scene. With an exotic ambiance and a cache of rum based cocktails, Adrift is one of a kind. It’s dark, it’s got an island vibe and the Polynesian/Hawaiian themed menu is to die for. Adrift reminds us of how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful city, with an eclectic and thriving food culture. 

We here at Sirvo are in love with Denver and enjoy exploring all of the different places there are to eat and drink in town. The hospitality scene (especially locally) is growing fast and is a great industry for those seeking a job that supports a work/life balance. Head to our job board to see all of our open listings and then set a date to visit all of these hidden gems!

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Pro-Tips to Get Hired on Sirvo

Pro-Tips to Get Hired on Sirvo

Welcome to the inside track on how to best use Sirvo to get hired. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science and it won’t take much effort (or time) at all!

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Why Giving Thanks is Good for Your Career

Why Giving Thanks is Good for Your Career

by | Nov 18, 2016 | Career

Soon, we will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, acknowledging our blessings and giving thanks for our good fortune. It’s a lovely tradition. But this year, why not try to extend the practice of gratitude beyond the Thanksgiving table to the workplace? Most of us rarely give or receive thanks at work, but why’s this the case? In part, there’s the belief that we shouldn’t have to thank people for doing things they’re paid to do. But it’s also because we often feel uneasy about the correct way to say thanks in the workplace. So, in the holiday spirit, here are a few suggestions to help ease the way.

Just say it

Skip the email or text and go tell that awesome co-worker or manager how much you appreciate him or her. But tailor your delivery to the recipient; some people prefer to be acknowledged in private, others bask in public praise. Exactly what you say is up to you, but for the greatest impact, make sure it’s specific, heartfelt and genuine. It’s remarkable how even a few words of praise will help improve your work relationships.

It’s remarkable how even a few words of praise will help improve your work relationships.

Send an e-note

We all complain about getting too much e-mail. But have you ever complained about getting a personalized e-mail expressing genuine thanks? I doubt it.

In his book, The Happiness Advantage, positive psychology researcher Shawn Achor recommends starting your mornings by spending two minutes writing an e-mail of praise or thanks to a different friend or colleague each day. It doesn’t need to be long; just a few sentences will suffice.

Try to do it for at least 21 days (the time it takes to establish a habit). Sending these e-notes will not only increase your happiness, they’ll help broaden and cement your work relationships.

Write a thank-you card

Handwritten cards are an increasing rarity in the Internet age. So the next time you want to show your appreciation to a work colleague or someone in your professional network, consider doing it the old-fashioned way. A thank-you card is a heartfelt way to express your gratitude when a co-worker has gone above and beyond, or after the completion of a huge event or project.

If you’re in job search mode, you should always send a thank-you note soon after an interview, either by e-mail or card. But don’t forget to send a handwritten note of thanks to friends and colleagues who’ve actively helped you during the search, too.

Within every workplace, there are employees who put incredible effort into jobs that few ever notice.

Thank the people who never get thanked

Within every workplace, there are employees who put incredible effort into jobs that few ever notice: the janitor who mops the floors, the admin who perfects her manager’s PowerPoint, the cashier who always remember your lunch order, the temp who answers the phones…

If you’re in a position where you can thank these workers with a raise, bonus or promotion, I urge you to do so. But all of us, no matter what our rank, have the power to make other people feel appreciated. It may not offer a direct payoff, but it’s the right thing to do and good karma is never a bad thing.

So the next time you’re about to walk past one of these workers, stop, chat and express your gratitude. Doing so won’t take much time and will likely prove the highlight of their day — and yours.

Practice gratitude

Beyond expressing thanks to others, it’s equally important to focus on all that you are grateful for in your own life.

Positive psychology research shows that by regularly practicing gratitude you can significantly improve your happiness. This can ultimately pay off for you in your career, since happier people are more productive, engaged and resilient workers. It’s why Achor says, “The greatest competitive advantage you could have is a positive and engaged brain.”

Here are three simple practices to consider:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. Spend two minutes a day making note of at least three new things you’re grateful for and do it for at least 21 days. Positive psychology research has shown that keeping track of what you are thankful for trains your brain to scan for the positives in your life and stimulates production of serotonin and dopamine — the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. That in turn, reduces feeling of anxiety, stress and helplessness, which is an invaluable aid for navigating an uncertain workplace.

2. Savor happy memories. Rekindling happy moments from the past is a proven way to boost your mood, which, in turn, can make you more productive and resilient at work.

Fortunately, the holidays offer a wonderful chance to share treasured family videos, photos and family stories with loved ones. But you can reap the benefits of savoring fond job-related memories, too. Surround yourself at your workplace with things like photos of conferences you attended or awards you received. Or get together with colleagues to swap humorous “war stories” and remind each other of important accomplishments.

3. Be grateful for what you’ve learned from career setbacks. Nobody enjoys when things don’t go well at work. But you can lessen the pain when you acknowledge their lessons and reframe the losses as potential gains.

A few questions to help you find the silver lining:

  • What lessons did this experience teach me?
  • Can I find a way to be thankful for what I learned or gained from this experience, even though I was initially disappointed by it?
  • What new abilities did the experience draw out of me?

This article was originally published on Forbes.

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Pro-Tips to Get Hired on Sirvo

Pro-Tips to Get Hired on Sirvo

by | Nov 14, 2016 | Career, IndiTips

Welcome to the inside track on how to best use Sirvo to get hired. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science and it won’t take much effort at all. Just a few tricks of the trade that will increase your chances of finding that great job that you’ve been looking for!

Upload eye-catching photos

While there are several ways to distinguish your profile from others’, one of the most effective is to include unique profile and cover photos that showcase your personality. If you are a chef who is passionate about food, use a photo of a dish you created and want to show off. Perhaps you are an adventurous individual and enjoy rock climbing, diving or hiking, then add photos that highlight those interests.

Not everything on your profile has to be industry related; it should be a well-rounded representation of who you are.

Not everything you do on your profile has to be industry related; the employers on Sirvo are looking for those who will fit in well within their company’s culture. And, isn’t that what you’re looking for too? You want to find a job with a team you’ll jibe with and at a company that supports who you are. This is the whole point behind profiles and business pages; to help provide more insight into culture and personality so that you find a great job that you love!

Sure, experience in the industry is important, but it’s not everything. Employers want to hire unique individuals who will add an interesting dynamic to their teams.

Pro-tip: To further highlight your personality, complete the interests section on your profile. Having a common interest with the person who may hire you can be very beneficial.

Speaking of experience…

Yes, one can simply list their past experience within the industry and leave it at that. Or, you can choose to go into more depth about your previous positions and explain exactly how you contributed and what you learned in the process. The latter will definitely do more for you in the long run because it shows employers that you not only take pride in your work but you’re also passionate about what you do.

Don’t limit yourself by only including a few past jobs.

Also, don’t limit yourself by only including a few past jobs. Restaurant and hotel managers aren’t just looking to fill the positions they have listed, they are often looking for candidates that may one day ascend to mid to upper-level management positions, HR positions and marketing positions.

Use the experience section to highlight why you are best the candidate for the position for which you are applying and also for the position that could quite easily jump-start your career.

Pro-tip: Including your job title in the profile header as well as completing the skills and certifications sections can help you get recruited by employers via candidate search.

Utilize our search features

New jobs are posted daily, which means that more tenured posts move further down the list, but you can easily hone in on the type of position you’re looking for by using a keyword. Whether that’s a specific job title, restaurant section (like FOH or BOH) or shift, your search results will appear in seconds!

Maybe you already have a decent job, which you’d only leave for a position at certain company or concept that you’ve been wanting to work for. Easy! Simply toggle the Search Companies tab, type in that company’s name and head to their business page to see all of their open listings.

If you’ve had your eye on a certain company and you’re just looking for a way to get your foot in the door, this the perfect tool to take advantage of.

Sirvo was designed so that both employers AND job seekers can throw out the big net.

Apply to more than one position

The more jobs you apply for, the higher the chances are that you’ll get hired. This is a competitive market right now and there are many qualified candidates these days who are applying for the same positions you are. It’s possible (and even probable) that someone got to the punch before you did. Or, maybe you weren’t the right fit. Whatever the reason, one application may not do the trick.

The great thing about Sirvo is that it was designed so that both employers AND job seekers can throw out the big net; your profile makes it fast and easy to apply for several positions at once and, if you’ve uploaded a resume, Sirvo saves it so you don’t have to keep attaching it to every application.

The point is that it doesn’t hurt to apply to as many positions as possible even if they aren’t exactly what you are looking for. The industry is suffering from a 70% turnover rate, which means there is always the opportunity for upward mobility. You never know when that Barback position may turn into the Bartending position you were originally gunning for.

Unlike other hiring platforms, anyone can start a conversation on Sirvo, including you!

Message employers directly

Unlike other hiring platforms, anyone can start a conversation on Sirvo, including you! Perhaps you have questions about the position or simply want to send a message expressing gratitude for consideration. No matter the subject, this is a great way to separate yourself from the pack.

When the opportunity arises, just click Send Message from the company’s page and reach out with any questions or comments. All business pages on Sirvo are managed by those responsible for interviewing and hiring, so your message will be read. Whether or not it stands out is on you.

Sirvo is a great resource for anyone looking for a job within the hospitality industry. We have all kinds of job listings, from entry level to management, with some of the most renowned companies in town. Thanks to the partnerships we’ve formed with the Colorado Restaurant Association (over 4,000 members) and EatDenver (Denver’s Independent Restaurant Network), we have the inside scoop on Denver’s best jobs!

Click on either link above to see open listings from partner members specifically or head to our job board to see all of our listings and start applying today.

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How to Run a Successful Wine Program

How to Run a Successful Wine Program

by | Nov 11, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

There’s nothing quite like a glass–or a bottle–of wine with dinner when you’re out to eat. Unfortunately, all too many restaurants are failing to take advantage of this great source of income. You have a wine list, but you’re not using it to its full potential! Below we offer some suggestions on refining your wine program in attempt to offer your guests as dynamic of an experience possible!

Choose Your Wines Carefully

Ideally, you want to have a rotating selection of wines that reflect the trends your customers will enjoy most. Some customers are eager to check out the new wine that you’ve just added to the menu, others have old favorites and won’t often branch out.

Choose your wines with care, being sure to offer them at a variety of price points to attract as many customers as possible. Always keep in mind the cuisine you offer and ensure that your wine selection can be paired with any dish you serve.

The excuse of, “well we just don’t sell that much wine” is essentially inexcusable.

A great resource for information is your liquor sales representative/consultant. Liquor distribution companies train their staff very well and provide them with a multitude of educational sessions throughout the year.

Don’t get us wrong, they are always trying to make the sale and get you to purchase higher priced bottles or ones they can’t seem to unload out of the warehouse. But they are also very, very knowledgeable of their product and can walk you through the selection process.

Watch Your Prices

Base your glass prices on market value/competitive pricing as this will encourage customers to consider your particular wine options. By pricing your glasses of wine reasonably, you encourage more guests to (at the very least) try a glass. A well-chosen glass can easily lead to a bottle, as well as a satisfied guest with the intent to return!

A well-chosen glass can easily lead to a bottle.

As for bottle pricing, an effective strategy is to offer a reasonable price on bottles of your house red or white; select a price point that makes it cheaper than it would be by the glass. Your house wines are great options to include on happy hour menus as well and are an easy choice for many of your guests who are not picky about their wine.

As for the higher end bottles, charge market price because these should not be discounted and won’t ever have to be as long as they are attractive options.

Educate Your Staff

It’s crucial for your waitstaff to be knowledgeable about your wine selection and be able to properly talk about wine with guests. A waiter who is uncomfortable speaking about wine and/or guiding guests through the selections will be a poor salesperson, and that’s not necessarily their fault!

It’s crucial for your waitstaff to be knowledgeable about your wine selection.

Ideally, you want as much of your staff possible to have tried the wines that you’re offering. Not only that, they should have an idea of the characteristics of the wine, what wine pairs well with the signature dishes on your menu, and how to choose a wine that will fit your customer’s preferences.

Discussing the wines you carry during any type of pre-shift meeting is an ideal time to provide information for your staff. Maybe even consider a bi-annual all-staff meeting to go over your entire beverage campaign and include a wine education portion in those meetings.

Improve the Experience

All waitstaff should be presenting and offering wine service in a professional and proper manner. There are traditionalists out there that will refuse a bottle or ask for a replacement if it is not presented properly.

Wine service takes practice and a first timer is always going to be nervous. It’s a pretty simple process, made easier by following these steps:

  • Always carry a wine key and not a cheap one either, they don’t last and often don’t work all that well.
  • Carry the bottle with the label out with the palm of your hand placed on the bottom of the bottle
  • Ensure that all wine glasses are polished and feel free to carry the glasses on a tray or in your other hand
  • Bring a linen folded and draped neatly across your arm to help with small spills
  • Present the bottle to the guest who ordered it prior to uncorking
  • Always be talking to the guest as you are uncorking the bottle (this avoids awkwardness and allows time to talk menu options)
  • Pour a small sample and present to the guest who ordered the bottle
  • Once an approval is given, pour for each guest (ladies first)

Selection, price, variety, pairings, presentation and education are essential to a restaurant’s wine program.

Selection, price, variety, pairings, presentation and education are essential to a restaurant’s wine program. The excuse of, “well we just don’t sell that much wine” is essentially inexcusable. If you do not have an attractive wine presence on your menu or a staff that is uneducated about wine you are letting money walk out the door as a business owner. Make it a priority and be passionate about an age old beverage selection that will not only attract a certain audience but will also make many of your guests feel that they were provided with an experience and sometimes an education. 

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How To Make Your Menu More Healthful

How To Make Your Menu More Healthful

People want to eat healthfully. That’s not a ‘craze’ or a fad; it’s a part of the human condition. Any restaurant that accommodates that wish will reap the rewards. Here are a couple easy ways to revamp your menu so that it provides consumers with what they want.

read more

Experience Sirvo for yourself

Sign up now to find hospitality jobs and hire top industry talent.

Sign up