Let's Talk Through Some Shit

Words can’t express the sickness I have in my gut when I see friends, family and colleagues past and present, in such a state of “What the F*&%”. Now, it is turning towards spirit deflation. What do you do? What do you tell an owner that has been working the grind every day? Prep lists, service meetings, shift execution and the after shift drink because you survived rush are all staples to everyday life. A fast twitch worker is confined to their home, I am having anxiety just thinking about it. What about the staff that are now out of work, looking for help, screaming for bailout? How would that even work? The reality that I see is no one is going to save you, but you. No bailout is going to make this better. No one is going to be able to monetize this for each line cook, dishwasher, server, bartender or host to ensure everyone survives. I may be too early in my view on this situation, but what I see is a major disruption. And this one is scary.

Suppliers are either changing their purchasing patterns to support retail based customers or just shutting down completely. Farmers and Manufacturers are scrambling to push perishable products out, change for retail or lose it completely. The systems that support restaurant operations are suffering and struggling to figure this out. And some probably won’t. How is it possible to provide the whole restaurant industry relief from this unprecedented event? 

I do not want to get into a political argument, but honestly, I do not see much support for the restaurant on Main Street USA. From looking back at past bailouts, the money will be distributed to the supply channels, the major operations or government backed resources and probably give out a form of small cash distribution to everyone in hopes to stimulate. Then again, maybe the XXXFund ME page is going to help? Or not, now that everyone just got laid off and will either be creating their own page or collecting an unemployment check. Again, no one is going to save you, but you.

So, let’s talk through some shit. I understand these past few weeks have rocked your core. Your life investment in your dream, at risk. Your way of life, gone. I feel it too. Yet, if you are willing to fight, to learn, to adapt and push forward, then we can push through together and find some new friends along the way. Unlike non-essential businesses, you are essential and you can be open to provide a service to your community. You can learn to become a community hero and generate cash-flow like you may have never known. You can adapt and quickly find price points that will provide value for customers to come to you instead of retail stores without going into debt. You can push forward and build better partnerships with suppliers and vendors, they will support you! THEY ARE YOUR BAILOUT, CALL THEM!

If this resonates with you, if this makes sense to you, if you want to get moving, but don’t know how. Or you started moving and take-out/delivery is not working enough for you. Then, let's talk through it. Let’s get you on a plan to be successful.

If you are a supplier/vendor for restaurants, then we need your help. Some of your restaurants are scared, at risk, and possibly do not have the experience to get through a distressed situation. I am on a mission to help them get from distressed and survive this. Any connection or friendship that we can foster is appreciated. 

Good luck, connect and share. Thank you.