Creating Traditions

The holidays are a time for seeing relatives, giving thanks, and enjoying a couple of days off.  As Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza draw closer, many of us are already starting to get wrapped up in our winter coats, gloves, scarves, and looking forward to spending more time indoors where it’s warm and toasty.

As a Chef, I enjoy the knowledge I am able to share in the kitchen over the holidays.  One of our favorite activities during the holidays is cooking together.  Helping your family members prepare the big meal not only takes stress off of one person making all the courses, but also creates an opportunity to catch up and create new traditions.   In our busy world, families are spending less and less time together. The demands of school, social activities, and all those other pressing engagements we have, from business meetings to doctor appointments, really get in the way of our family time. So, cook your meals together and you will find that there is plenty of time to catch up on one another's days, to talk about things that excite you, trouble you, or do nothing for you. Throw in a great bottle of wine and cooking Christmas dinner turns from a chore to an activity everyone can enjoy.  Don’t let the fact that you may not know how to cook slow you down, find a recipe you like and share it with your family.  Over time it will become your signature dish and will improve every year.  For those that refuse to join in on the cooking, a great mixologist is always welcome to provide liquid refreshments for the kitchen crew and join in on the conversation.  A new cocktail creation can get the conversation flowing in any kitchen and will be looked forward to every year.   

The holidays are not about gifts, but rather the creation of memories that you can enjoy for the entire year.  Take time to reflect on your past year and look forward to a new year with fresh opportunities.

Happy Holidays from GROW, Inc.  Restaurant Consultants.

Sangiovese 101

Winter is setting in here in the Rocky's and Reds are on my mind. The Italian heritage Sangiovese varietal vine is normally a very productive variety. Big berries, big clusters grown in deep, fertile soil produces a good grape for light wines and roses. By restricting water, thinning vines and growing in less fertile areas the grapes get stressed (who wouldn't?) and the wines (from red checked table cloth Chianti to big buck Italian Brunellos) become bigger, bolder, full-flavored and deeply colored. "Super Tuscans" are Italian varieties such as Sangiovese & Barbera mixed with bigger wines that bolster the main wine's complexity and depth. To label a wine a varietal , government rules require at least 75% of the blend to be the variety stated on the label. Temecula, California has the right temp and terra for these " Big Reds".  

Direct Reach

How much does a dependable network mean to a start-up, expanding or struggling business? Consultants like Grow, Inc. know that it could mean success or failure.We have the relationships and ability to get things done quickly and correctly. Knowing who to call is half the battle. If you,as a decision maker,
are cold calling and hoping for the best you may possibly be losing time and money. Take the time to make one call. Grow, Inc. has the time, motivation and experience to assist you with your business needs. You can directly reach us at grow-business.com.

Do Sustainable Practices Add Value?

It depends on what your definition of value is. If you think every sustainable step adds up and creates more space, less impact- then yes it adds value. If you think that sustainability costs more than it's worth-then the answer is no. I would like to think there is a middle ground. Restaurants and bars are in a very unique position. The chain goes full circle with many opportunities to practice sustainability in between. Communicating what specific sustainability practices are being followed on a menu or sustainability board may add value when customers who support these efforts stop by more frequently. Currently sustainability practices are driven by cost and accessibility which for most is a hindrance. Could there come a day when sustainability practices are reviewed on the same plane as product, price, service and atmosphere?

Critical Knowledge

All for profit businesses look at some type of financial report to tell them what is happening within their business. The infrastructure for correct financial reporting has many steps. Proper inventory, pricing and related procedures are critical to the integrity of your cost of goods sold. Labor is another area where knowledge of where the sales dollar is going is integral...and this continues all the way down to the bottom line.If you, as a business owner, are waiting for your accountant to communicate your numbers to you a couple of times a year...you are losing leverage. Businesses must have the means to quickly measure and identify problem areas where experience, knowledge and negotiation tactics will contribute thousands of dollars to the bottom line. Grow, Inc. has the knowledge, experience and motivation to make this happen for your company. Our operational support model includes specific steps and techniques to increase your financial knowledge translating into a stronger bottom line.Contact us today for a free consultation at grow-business.com