About Jeffrey Summers Expertise I am the Founder & Owner of Restaurant Coaching Solutions, Inc. We have experience on any topic related to the restaurant & hospitality industry - from Menu R&D, Menu Engineering, Marketing Strategies, New Store Openings, P&L Analysis, Lease Negotiations, Staffing, Policies & Procedures, Building & Design, Site Location, Branding, PR & Promotions, Multi-Unit Development, and any other area effecting the operation of your business. Check us out on the web for more information at www.RestaurantCoachingSolutions.com or call us toll free at 877-535-2324.
Experience I am a recognized expert in the hospitality profession with over 26 years of success at planning, developing and executing strategies for delivering dramatic results. A former "GM of the Year" for 2 major, full-service chain franchises, an Award winning Multi-Unit Executive with two of the largest International Restaurant Chains in the U.S., business owner, published author, husband and father of two.
I have been recognized for achievements in our industry for successfully managing a wide variety of franchise, independent and corporate hospitality industry challenges. These include new store openings, turnarounds and new market development in a variety of venues including; casual-fine dining restaurants, on and off-site catering facilities, banquets, clubs as well as casual full-service, quick casual and fast food. I have planned or opened 22 new restaurants, developed new production, service and business models and operational cost control strategies that have significantly lowered operating costs, improved productivities, increased overall food quality, increased and improved service models, lowered staff and management turnover, increased sales and guest counts using initiatives developed, planned and executed through my Leadership Circle Initiatives.
This background also includes extensive experience in coaching, recruiting and training over 100 managers and over 2,000 hourly employees to date.
Organizations The National Restaurant Association
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association's mission is to represent, educate and promote a rapidly growing industry that is comprised of 925,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets employing 12.5 million people.
The Society of Hospitality Management
The Society for Hospitality Management is an education and professional development association and organization serving the hospitality industry. The SHM is a network of hospitality professionals committed to the education, training, and professional development of employees at all levels in the industry. Through training and educational programs, products, and services, industry professionals grow personally and professionally and in the process improve the performance of the properties and companies they serve.
The Gerson Lehrman Leisure & Lodging Council
The Gerson Lehrman Group Councils are global networks of executives, physicians, scientists, engineers, attorneys, and other professionals who deliver expertise and decision-making assistance to businesses, governments and investment leaders from around the world.
The Professional Business Coaches Alliance
The Professional Business Coaches Alliance is a knowledge sharing and peer coaching organization that concentrates on the delivery of effective business coaching - with an emphasis on usable strategies and tools - for the small business owner.
The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education
Founded in 1946, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education is the global advocate of hospitality and tourism education for schools, colleges, and universities offering programs in hotel and restaurant management, foodservice management and culinary arts.
Publications My articles and opinion pieces have been featured on several industry websites, magazines, blogs and forums including:
RestaurantOwner.com
RestaurantEdge.com
FoodService.com
Ezinearticles.com
Restaurant Startup & Growth Magazine
American Express' Briefing Newsletter
Nation's Restaurant News
and tons more!
Education/Credentials I hold degrees in Economics, English, Culinary Arts and industry certifications in Hospitality Management and Restaurant & Catering Management.
Past/Present Clients Here's a list of some of the teams Jeffrey has coached!
Hardee's
Connie's Pizza
Burger King
Chili's
Long John Silver's
The Purple Sage Bistro
Applebee's
Shoney's
T.G.I. Friday's
La Dolce Vita Pastries & Catering
5 Seasons Sports Clubs
Wendy's
Bennigan's
Godfather's Pizza
Question I own a small upscale diner-like restaurant run only in the summer months. We are in very high traffic tourist area in New England and have plenty of customers. Problem is, year after year I have greater and greater difficulty finding qualified people to run and work in my kitchen. Because it is so competitive around here to find people to work in the kitchen, I end up paying people who are just ok top wage. Not to mention I cannot find a decent cook who can pump out the mainstay of my business, breakfast. I have tried working through local culinary schools and of course help wanted listings. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer Marketing isn't just for building sales. It's also for finding and keeping "A" level talent.
You're going to have to go out of the area you are currently looking in to find what you need. Help wanted ads never work and "A" level talent never has to answer them anyway. Nor does "A" level talent do anything "seasonal". You have to go to the places that have "A" level talent and give them a bigger, better deal. That's the bottom line.
"Why would anyone work for you in any seasonal capacity, when I could get a permanent, full-time job (and full-time income) somewhere else?" Answer that question in the positive and you have the beginning of an offer someone won't be able to refuse.
