Monthly Archives: September 2014

Burger Fi – Better Burgers Made by Scratch

Fast-casual chain touts scratch-made items to stand out in competitive segment The “better-burger” segment is crowded lately, with Smashburger, Shake Shack and others expanding apace, but the four-year-old BurgerFi chain has held its own with healthy sales growth. The company tripled its systemwide sales for the year ended Dec. 31, to an estimated $42.8 million, according to NRN research. More importantly, estimated sales per unit also showed robust growth of 25.6 percent, to $1.9 million. The North Palm Beach, Fla.-based chain, whose name stands for “The Burgerfication of the Nation,” has equally ambitious expansion plans. BurgerFi Intl. LLC plans to…

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Black Bear Diner

Lodge-themed concept elevates family-dining experience with casual-dining touches. At Black Bear Diner, it’s all about value — and bears. Bob and Laurie Manley, along with partner Bruce Dean, founded Black Bear Diner in Mt. Shasta, Calif., as a restaurant offering American comfort foods in a bear-infested, mountain lodge-themed setting that defies simple categorization. Black Bear offers food and service more befitting of casual dining, despite its diner name. Guests feel they’re getting a great value, said Doug Branigan, Black Bear’s vice president of franchise development and operations. “We’re polished family dining, in the upper tier of family dining,” he said.…

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Buffalo Wild Wings invests in taco concept

  Casual-dining operator acquires majority stake in Dallas-based Rusty Taco Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. has made a majority investment in nine-unit Rusty Taco Inc. of Dallas as it continues to buy into emerging brands, the company said Monday. Terms of the Minneapolis-based casual-dining operator’s investment in the fast-casual concept were not disclosed. The deal follows Buffalo Wild Wings’ minority investment in March 2013 in PizzaRev, a Los Angeles-based fast-casual pizza chain that at the time had three units. Buffalo Wild Wings has 1,030 casual-dining restaurants in the United States and Canada. “Rusty Taco’s fresh approach to tacos truly sets this…

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Dunkin’ Donuts introduces almond milk

Dunkin’ Donuts has introduced almond milk as a premium nondairy option at most of its more than 7,500 restaurants in the United States. Vanilla Almond Breeze Almondmilk is now available at about 75 percent of domestic locations. Parent company Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. has suggested a 50-cent surcharge for adding almond milk instead of dairy to hot or iced coffee, although pricing is at the discretion of franchisees. Dunkin’ Brands president for global marketing and innovation John Costello said in a press release that almond milk was being introduced in response to consumer demand. “Over the past couple of years,…

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Web Based Restaurant Training

Restaurateurs know proactive training translates to bottom line performance, and things like great service, high standards, and expert menu knowledge don't come easily. Precious time required for training can be obliterated by the chaos that defines the restaurant business. Successful restaurants depend on teamwork: they huddle up for daily pre-shift meetings, hold each other accountable, and look to their veteran players in every position to make great service happen.Yet, when it comes to training, too many owners and managers attempt to go it alone, committed to the notion that one person, should write, produce, deliver, and measure a company training…

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Food Investing Continues

Just grabbed these from Tabeau Public as a point of reference> Interesting how VC's have decided now is a good time to do what they could have been doing for quite some time. I guess, better late than never? I just hope they enlist some real industry experts that have real perspective to ensure sector investing isn't a bubble and crashes because too much money is flowing to the wrong entrepreneurs and/or the wrong deals. VC's generally don't get (a) consumer or (b) foodservice. Read more: http://fohboh.com/profiles/blogs/food-investing-continues#ixzz3CdsXZBjT

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Should You Take a Job With a Startup or Big Company

Startups invoke images of employees playing foosball during brainstorming meetings, riding through hallways on scooters, and drinking endless PBRs from the kitchen fridge. Whether it’s the truth or not, startup culture has a certain appeal to plenty of job seekers. But when it comes to job security, a run of the mill corporation will most likely offer better benefits and more structure. There are certainly a number of perks that come with taking a job at a startup, especially if it takes off. If you get in at the ground floor you will be able to rise up the ranks…

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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!