Monthly Archives: July 2014

Steakhouse concepts seek a wider audience

America loves a high-end steakhouse, and the pricey fine-dining chains offering big steaks and generous cocktails are seeing a recovery from the recession like no other segment. Chains like Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Del Frisco’s and The Capital Grille have been bolstered by the return of business travel and boons in the stock market, and their well-heeled customers are not balking at an average check of $100 or more. Still, even as the casual-dining segment struggles to build traffic, some steakhouse operators see an opportunity to bring the traditional steakhouse experience to the middle market as well. The ONE Group…

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Uno debuts new fast-casual concept

Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp. is experimenting with a new fast-casual concept, Uno Fresco, which opened in Stoneham, Mass., last month. The parent company of Uno Pizzeria & Grill, the 131-unit casual-dining chain, also franchises five fast-casual Uno Dué Go locations in Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio, and operates one location in Boston, where the company is headquartered. Uno Dué Go serves breakfast and lunch, and has a separate grab-and-go bakery section. Uno Fresco serves lunch and dinner. Chris Westcott, vice president at Uno Fresco, said Uno Dué Go is suitable for urban settings, while Uno Fresco is designed more for the…

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San Diego chefs, restaurateurs collaborate on new concept

As Mario Batali’s Eataly concept grows outside New York, a group of chefs and restaurateurs in San Diego next month will debut their own take on the restaurant-meets-market format that they hope to grow from the West Coast. Bottega Americano will open in August in downtown San Diego’s East Village. Inspired by the great food halls and specialty food marketplaces of Europe, the 8,000-square-foot concept is being developed by Giuseppe Ciuffa, founder and chief executive of San Diego catering firm Giuseppe Fine Restaurants & Fine Catering, and David Warner, a former chef of the chic ocean view restaurant JRDN. Greg…

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Starbucks Test Mobile Ordering

Chain to test mobile ordering, paying ahead for pickup later this year Starbucks on Thursday recorded yet another stellar quarter, saying food sales boosted the coffeehouse chain’s transactions and average check. The report came as competitor Dunkin’ Donuts relayed somewhat lackluster sales, blaming a challenging macroeconomic climate and competitive pressure during the breakfast daypart. Starbucks, on the other hand, said sales of its new breakfast sandwiches launched in March increased 40 percent during the quarter. Food attachments continued to grow as the chain completes the rollout of the La Boulange morning pastry lineup, and new lunch offerings to come later…

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Wendy’s testing customizable burgers

Chain joins McDonald’s in quest to bring fast-casual touch to QSR Neither of them is known as the national burger brand that wants you to “Have it your way,” but now Wendy’s reportedly is joining McDonald’s in the race to bring customized, build-your-own burgers to quick service. According to a report in USA Today, Wendy’s is testing custom burgers with a new operations process in two Columbus, Ohio, restaurants. The 6,500-plus-unit chain, based in nearby Dublin, Ohio, has spent much of chief executive Emil Brolick’s nearly three-year tenure trying to position itself as a “premium QSR” brand through its Image…

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Applebee’s teams with Flixster to help moviegoers find restaurants

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar has teamed up with smartphone movie app Flixster in a bid to lure moviegoers to add dinner nearby to their movie plans. Applebee’s, the 2,000-unit casual-dining division of DineEquity Inc., on July 1 added a “Find Applebee’s Nearby” button in the popular Flixster movie-discovery application that comes up when a user searches for a theater location. When users click on the Applebee’s “Find” button, it takes them to a page that features the chain’s new “Take Two Menu,” and another button that transports them to Google Maps and the nearest Applebee’s location to the theater…

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What Clients Say About Patrice & Associates

  • Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!

    I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support and guidance provided by Patrice & Associates during my job search. I was greatly impressed by the professionalism and commitment of your team in helping me find the right job opportunity.  In particular, I would like to highlight the invaluable assistance provided by Chris Bousquet, who stood by my side every step of the way in the search and interview process. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in achieving a successful transition to my new position.

     

    Once again, thank you for your assistance and commitment to my professional career. I wish you and the Patrice & Associates team continued success in your work.

     

    Sincerely,

    Miguel Pulla

    Chris Bousquet is Invaluable!
  • Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!

    To begin, Clint Carpenter was the ONLY recruiter I didn't get a generic template e-mail from. He actually took the time to look at my complete resume. In the first few days we spoke, he really took the time in our conversations to get to know what was important to me in a future job as well as what I knew I did not want. He checked in with me every day, whether it was to help coach me for an interview or just follow up if I'd gotten feedback. When I finally did get the offer I wanted, there was a snag and the paperwork with the company was delayed by 2 weeks. It was incredibly frustrating, but Clint called or texted me EVERY single day to encourage me and make sure I was ok as well as doing whatever he could from his end to help facilitate the paperwork. I never felt like I was alone in the job search process. Clint is professional, positive and you can tell he genuinely loves helping people. I would recommend him to anyone!!!!    

    Lethr' Rothert

    Clint Carpenter's standards of Recruiting are TOP NOTCH!
  • Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals

    Dave Evens has been working with me these past couple months as I transition from a restaurant owner toward a corporate environment.  Along with this, I'm relocating from TN to NY.  I feel that he was able to capture my unique experience in the updated resume he created for me.  Dave was great with communicating options and feedback from all sources. It was a true pleasure to work with him.  While we were unable to find a good fit for me, I am blown away by Dave's approach and enthusiasm.  I found a great job, on my own, but I do not feel that reflects poorly on Dave nor Patrice & Associates. When, again, I enter my next job search, I will be sure to reach out to Dave first!

    Sincerely,

    Neil Archibald

    Dave took the time to get to know ME, who I am, my experience and my goals
  • Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring

    I honestly didn't know what to expect from Patrice & Associates. Upon my first time speaking with Mr. Mike Buterbaugh, I was instantly put at ease with his genuine approach to helping me find the best fit for me overall in my next career decision. Not only did he coach me on how to drastically improve my resume, he also had me an interview within a couple of days. I have never had an experience quite like this during a job search, but I would definitely give 5 stars to this company and their recruiting team. I have gained a new career that not only met my salary expectations, but balances with my personal life as well. Thanks again for your help, and although I don't plan to be on a search again, if the need arises, they will definitely be my first point of contact.

    Eula

    Mike Buterbaugh is genuine and caring
  • Patrice & Associates Video Client TestimonialsClint Carpenter was wonderful!

    I worked with Clint Carpenter on getting a job. Clint did an amazing job helping me with my resume, walking me through the process and giving me help and interview tips.  He was in communication with me everyday about what was going on and keeping me in the know. I would call on Clint again if I ever needed him!  

    Gary Summers

    Clint Carpenter was wonderful!