Published Jul. 7, 2011
Download this article and get restaurant location best practices.
Published Jul. 7, 2011
Download this template to learn the ins and outs of bar and restaurant regulations.
Published Jun. 14, 2011
Though my wholesale building supply business is profitable, I can’t help feeling we’re not operating up to our potential. As the company’s leader, what can I do to give us the needed push?
As a Marine, Darryl Alexander understands the importance of discipline and commitment. So when he began planning his transition to civilian life, he had no qualms about investing the time and effort necessary to fulfill his lifelong dream of owning a barbecue restaurant that would transplant the spirit and taste of his native Memphis to his adopted home of southern Arizona.
When Darryl learned about SCORE’s free business mentoring services, he eagerly shared his idea with Phoenix SCORE Counselor Jim Batz, drawing on some “hip pocket” notes that Darryl considered the foundation of his business plan. After a lot of work and research Memphis Best Barbeque started serving Darryl Alexander’s recipes throughout the Arizona desert in 2007 and is going strong. http://www.bestbbqofmemphis.com/news.php
Buckeye
AZ
85326
United States
My Successes
After using SCORE’s free services in addition to receiving mentoring from Jim, Darryl showed his business plan to Jim and could tell his teacher was impressed. “He simply said, ‘What else do you need from me? You’re ready,’” Darryl recalls proudly. Equally wowed was the bank, which quickly approved Darryl’s application for a $250,000 SBA-backed loan to complement his savings.
But most heartening to Darryl has been the response of his mealtime and catering customers, who have helped Memphis Best BBQ exceed its first-year revenue projections. “I think the biggest thing is that people see me here working as hard as anyone else,” he says. “The quality I put into the restaurant transfers to the quality of the food, and they’re happy to tell others about it. I’m so happy that I can give the people of Buckeye a place to relax, enjoy the scenery, listen to some blues, and eat good Memphis barbecue.”
What's Great About My Mentor?
“SCORE Mentor Jim Batz has truly been a wonderful mentor. One of the things he stressed early on was defining the mission of my business, and considering every possible influence, threat and opportunity. Now, I understand what he was talking about.” Darryl says. “Jim felt my passion and sincerity, but he was very frank in telling me that I was way off-base,” Darryl recalls. “He started ‘red-inking’ my notes and asking questions that I couldn’t answer.” Undaunted, Darryl used Jim’s critique as inspiration. “I left his office thinking that if I was going to make this dream come true, now was the time to do it, and do it right,” he says.
After all was said and done and Memphis Best Barbeque was up and running, one of Darryl’s first customers was Jim Batz, who was visibly proud of his client’s accomplishment. “I’m going to put Jim’s picture up in my restaurant because he has truly been a wonderful mentor.”
How SCORE Helped
Darryl stayed in touch with Jim while taking a 10-week course in business planning at a local community college. Because their office appointments were limited to an hour, Jim gave Darryl his home phone number to call whenever he had a question. “Jim was no longer just a counselor, but a teacher as well,” Darryl says. “He continually kept me focused on developing a sound strategy.”
Following Jim’s advice, Darryl developed and fine-tuned his business plan, researching everything from equipment costs, payroll and insurance costs to product and price comparisons of Arizona’s other barbecue restaurants.
Are workplace conflicts sapping energy from your small business? Daniel Kehrer gives top tips to calming workplace conflicts.
Workplace conflicts can sap energy from any small business. Whether it involves employees, vendors or contractors, getting such issues resolved is critical to smooth sailing. Business managers overall spend an estimated 40 percent of their time dealing with conflicts both big and small.
About the Author
Daniel Kehrer, Founder & Managing Director of BizBest Media Corp., is a nationally-known, award-winning expert on small and local business, start-ups, content marketing, entrepreneurship and social media, with an MBA from UCLA/Anderson. Read more of Daniel's tips at
www.BizBest.com, follow him at
www.twitter.com/140Main and connect on LinkedIn at
www.linkedin.com/in/danielkehrer.
Published Jun. 1, 2011
Ramon Ray discusses how to better understand and use technology to grow your business.
The “Hot Dog Waggin’” will be serving customers this summer at the town beach in Bridgton, Maine. This new startup enterprise is off to a great start and shows what can be accomplished in a short time. The “Hot Dog Waggin’” offers three types of hot dogs, toppings from chili to baked beans, and lots of condiments. They also have chips and drinks to complete the meal. Located at the town beach on Highland Lake, there will be plenty of customers from the lake as well as downtown Bridgton which is just a block or two away. Business owner Linda Hamilton started with an idea and did a lot of research on her own. But, she wasn’t sure how to move her plans into reality. That’s where Oxford Hills SCORE came in.
Bridgton
ME
United States
My Successes
The “Hot Dog Waggin’” opened for business May 20, 2011 to a warm welcome from the community. It looks like things are off and running.
How SCORE Helped
In April 2011 Linda took advantage of SCORE’s free counseling. She met with mentors and, with their guidance, developed a business plan and cash flow projection. She also discussed licensing, permits, regulations, insurance, and incorporating. When she was satisfied everything was ready, she made her move.
Her idea is now reality. Here’s what Linda has to say about the help she received from SCORE. "So many great ideas are never actually put into action. SCORE made the difference for me. John Huffman and Mary Ann Brown made me realize how important it is to think things through and look at the numbers. They helped me in making some important start-up decisions. In addition to the reality check, I greatly appreciate John’s enthusiasm, support, and willingness to help me work on the financial plan. For anyone wanting to open their first business--SCORE is a great place to start!"
UPDATE: SCORE National award's local SCORE Client,
Raising Cane's, with prestigious award for Outstanding Socially Progressive Business
Print
