Edward Thomas Companies

The project entailed preparation of feasibility study for a luxury group of hotels (Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach) to launch an off-premise catering division. Included concept and brand development, identifying market share and sales strategies, outlining operational setup and personnel needs as well as creation of a 5 year financial proforma. Consulted on purchase of an existing off-premise catering company, negotiations suspended.

Tavistock Restaurants

Includes Napa Valley Grille, California Cafe, Cafe del Rey, Blackhawk Grille, Ondine and Horizons

Objectives included:

• Increased group sales revenue goals to levels reflective of each applicable unit’s abilities based on concept, product, price point, capacities and market share
• Systemized department reporting and tracking to provide accountability
• Identified and placed key sales personnel, as needed
• Identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in current group sales scenario of each unit
• Set group sales annual budget
• Developed and implemented sales plans to set tasks and path to increasing group sales revenues
• Developed and implemented marketing plans as related to group sales for each unit identifying opportunities in presentation, promotion, advertising, etc.

Lawry's Restaurants Inc.

This venerable Los Angeles institution required a feasibility study to launch an off-premise catering division in the Los Angeles market. The feasibility study included concept and brand development, identifying market share and sales strategies, outlining operational setup and personnel needs as well as creation of a 5 year financial proforma.

The Kitchen for Exploring Foods

The Kitchen, as it is known among its loyal clientele, has been in existence for well over 20 years. As this catering company has grown exponentially each year the systems had not developed at the same pace. For this four month project we provided operational consulting including systems review recommendations and implementation, labor analysis and cost reduction, payroll system analysis and recommendation, as well as cost reduction in controllables. Gourmet to Go division marketing and promotion support provided.

Vibiana

Most recently, Gilmore Associates and Weintraub Financial Services, co-owners of Vibiana approached elements to provide in-depth services for this historical landmark developed as an events venue. These services included the following:

• Business plan development defining Vibiana and the objectives of the operation.
• Identification of the best organizational model for Vibiana.
• Sales plan development
• Marketing plan development including specific strategies.
• Venue operation plan New business development opportunities