Ready to go back to Work

Only a couple more days left before I'm back to work. Yesterday I went and checked out the restaurant I'll be running. Of course, I didn't tell anyone who I was or anything. I just sat and observed. If I were to grade the place, I'd give it at least an 85% if not higher. It was very clean and very nice looking - at least the dining room and everything I could see from it. The server was really nice - personable and attentive. She did a good job. There were a couple minor service issues that I saw in general, but nothing that can't be easily fixed. And the food was good. So, overall, I think I'm farther ahead in this place than I've been in a lot of them that I've taken over.

Of course, sales are down quite a bit right now. It's a tourist town - it's not summer, and winter is on its way out. So, it's really in between seasons. Of course, there is the question of the economy and how that affects how often people dine out.... but people do still eat out. They just want to make sure that they are having a great experience when they are dining out.

That might seem like a no-brainer. People always want to go to the places with the best food and the best service. But, when every dollar earned needs to stretch even farther, people make different choices based on past experiences. They might really want Greek food, for instance. But, the Greek food place in town usually has slow service. In good times, they are more apt to give in to their desire for that kind of food even though they know the experience might not be the best (I chose a Greek restaurant only because there are none around here and I didn't want anyone to think I was picking on them). But, in a tough economy, people may forgo a desire for Greek food because they know there's a little diner where the service is always great, the portions are big, and there is consistency in the food.

Overall, I really think I'll like this store - and the company I am going to work for. After the last fiasco I went through.... I would say anything could be better, but then again - I don't want to temp fate. At least this company pays their bills and I don't have to go to the local credit union and pay the power bill in all ones every month. Those of you who know what I'm talking about will wish you would have thought of it.

So, it's on to a new adventure.....