A Challenge Solved, A Relationship Built
In today’s world, restaurant operators find a constantly changing landscape as they navigate daily tasks, try to outflank competitors, and plan for the future.
At Shamrock Foods we’ve taken a progressive approach to our job as your trusted distributor, leveraging our deep understanding of diner segments and categories to take our customers Beyond Delivery and provide them with a complete foodservice resource.
This article presents a case study selected by our business consulting team.
Meet Our Customer, CO Ranch house
Owned and operated by Tom Brennan and Krissy Clary, this stylish, lunch-and-dinner gathering spot also offers coffee and bar drinks, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
The building features Western-inspired décor and patio dining by the Roaring Fork River/ Colorado River. The menu is loaded with modern takes on traditional American fare (think Colorado beef, elk burgers and duck wings).
And congratulations are in order – they’ve just passed a huge milestone: 2 years in business.
Their Challenges
As with many startups, CO Ranch House brought plenty of ambition, skills and enthusiasm to the table. But they needed support in a couple of areas, including:
- Day-to-day activities keep Tom and Krissy busy, making it difficult for them to focus on any one area.
- They need products that give them an edge in the competitive landscape.
They consulted with the Shamrock Foods team twice, once before they launched, then during their second year in business.
Their Questions
- How do we go beyond a basic concept for CO Ranch House’s opening menu?
- How do we keep a simple menu fresh and on point with the restaurant’s concept and with relevant trends in the market?
- How do we get an outside perspective on food cost trends and analysis in order to
optimally plan and price everything on the menu? - How do we make the best showing on the chosen online format (Facebook)?
Our Solutions
Tom and Krissy met with Chefs Tim Maness and Mieka Gordon from the Shamrock Foods business review team. The goal was to visit critical areas of CO Ranch House operations so that Tom and Krissy felt they had them in hand, and also pinpoint products that brought them a competitive edge – on the menu and on the balance sheet.
The benefits to CO Ranch House were both fast and lasting.
Recipe Development
“In creating our burger, we sampled four different patty blends, various rolls and local Colorado sausage.”
Unique Products
“Markon® Urban Blend [baby greens mix] and a single-source organic polenta from which they made croutons – these became part of our signature house salad.”
Menu Analysis
“The business review helped us understand, anticipate and prepare for shifts in seasonal food costs – transportation, labor, specialty items like avocados, and commodities – and would recommend different products based on food spikes.”
Marketing & Branding
“We looked at social media marketing and how our local competitors were using it. Shamrock Foods offers great insight that could really make a huge difference in profitability and brand longevity.”
Fresh Ideas
“Shamrock Foods helps to spark creative energy! It’s fun and focused – we don’t usually get to focus on one single area. The environment they create helps generate ideas.”
Moving Forward
“We’ve built a great rapport with both the sales team and the executive culinary team; we look forward to connecting with them at EXPO and continuing to benefit from the business review. Creative input on the menu keeps selections fresh and on trend!”
Partnering with Shamrock Foods brings you access to in-depth industry knowledge, through experienced experts.
We address key components of your business to help make it truly outstanding – and profitable.
Culinary, of Course
Shamrock Foods helps operators choose the right products – in line with your culinary dreams and the practicalities of your budget.
We begin with what our customer wants, and then suggest 4–5 options that fit the concept, clientele and price point.
The result: the best possible menu for profitability, honed with deep knowledge and careful planning.
- Taste comparison and product attributes, e.g., steak marbling
- Ingredient blends for cost reduction and quality.
- Pairings (beverages, sides, garnishes, etc.)
- Plating & presentation assistance
- Trends, competitors’ offerings, opportunities for signature style
Food Cost Focus
We carefully examine industry macro trends and compare those with core information about the customer’s restaurant concept and business objectives.
We’re then able to identify areas for optimization, with the goal being to streamline where possible, for greatest efficiency. For example, a task that’s currently managed via physical labor might be better served through a technology solution (e.g., online or via software).
So Much More Than Food
Shamrock Foods brings real-world advice and strategies to help operators find success using a truly comprehensive approach:
- Operations
- FOH/BOH efficiencies and ideas to delight customers
- Social media marketing – comparing and strengthening
- An objective look at your business’s community standing and competitive landscape
- Pain points/strengths/opportunities
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MyShamrock
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Conversion Charts
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Menu Wizard
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Talk food to us.
Our team of seasoned professionals is ready to help you choose the right products for your business, and put our deep knowledge of the industry to work for you.