Chris Cardone, Founder of Continuous Beverage Solutions, has over 24 years of experience in hospitality. He's trained staff, consulted on openings and serves as Chief Mixologist for Via Carota Craft Cocktails. Named Bartender of the Year in 2017, Chris now judges Diageo World Class competitions and has been featured in numerous prominent outlets.
Running a restaurant isn’t just about serving great food and creating a welcoming atmosphere; it’s about ensuring every element works seamlessly, from the kitchen to the front of the house. Whether you’re launching a new concept, struggling to stay profitable, or looking to elevate your business, a restaurant consultant, like Continuous Beverage Solutions, can be a game-changer. With expertise in operations, menu development, marketing, branding, and financial management, consultants turn challenges into opportunities. Here’s how they make a real impact.
Optimizing operations for efficiency
A well-run restaurant thrives on efficiency. If service is slow, the kitchen is chaotic, or costs are creeping up, a consultant can streamline operations to improve the guest experience.
Improving service flow
The way guests move through your space, from seating to ordering, dining, and paying, affects their perception of your restaurant. A consultant can:
Streamlining processes
Every restaurant has inefficiencies, and a consultant’s job is to identify and fix them. This includes:
Reducing ticket times by refining prep and service procedures.
Improving communication between the kitchen and waitstaff.
Implementing smart scheduling to balance labor costs without sacrificing service.
Optimizing inventory & cost control
Effective inventory management is key to maximizing profitability. A consultant can help by:
Implementing inventory tracking systems to minimize loss and improve accuracy using programs like Toast and xtraChef.
Establishing pars and order points to prevent over-ordering or stockouts.
Controlling food and beverage costs by monitoring usage and adjusting purchasing strategies.
Standardizing portions and recipes to reduce waste and improve cost predictability.
Training staff on waste reduction techniques to maximize ingredient usage.
These strategies help reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance financial performance.
Crafting a profitable, on-brand menu
A great menu isn’t just about delicious food; it needs to be profitable, on-trend, and aligned with your restaurant’s identity.
Maximizing profitability
A consultant will analyze sales data and cost structures to make strategic adjustments, such as:
Highlighting high-margin items and optimizing pricing.
Finding cost-effective ingredient alternatives and deals on sites like Provi.
Balancing portion sizes to maintain value while keeping costs in check.
Staying ahead of market trends
The restaurant industry evolves constantly, and staying relevant is key. A consultant ensures your menu reflects current customer preferences by:
Incorporating dietary trends like non-alcoholic cocktails or gluten-free options.
Balancing signature items with innovative additions.
Adding seasonal and locally sourced dishes for freshness and sustainability.
Strengthening your concept
A menu should tell a story and reinforce your brand. A consultant can refine it by:
Defining a clear culinary vision.
Enhancing menu design to subtly guide guests toward high-margin items.
Training staff to confidently sell and serve each dish.
Elevating service and guest experience
Amazing food alone won’t ensure repeat business; service plays a crucial role. A consultant refines service standards to deliver a memorable experience.
Enhancing staff knowledge & confidence
Training staff on menu ingredients and cocktail pairings.
Educating servers on wine varietals and tasting notes to improve sales.
Building confidence in upselling high-margin items.
Improving sales without being pushy
Teaching staff to read customer cues and tailor recommendations.
Implementing subtle sales techniques that feel natural.
Enhancing suggestions for appetizers, wine pairings, and desserts.
Managing table turnover without rushing guests
Optimizing service timing for a seamless experience.
Training staff to manage table transitions effectively.
Implementing reservation and waitlist strategies to maximize seating efficiency.
Capturing additional sales opportunities
Boosting wine sales through better education and presentation.
Encouraging guests to order dessert and coffee through strategic menu placement.
Promoting after-dinner drinks to extend visits and increase check sizes.
Strengthening financial health
At the end of the day, numbers matter. A consultant helps ensure your restaurant is financially stable and positioned for long-term success.
Smart budgeting
Creating realistic financial plans based on revenue projections.
Managing cash flow to cover payroll and unexpected costs using programs like Quickbooks.
Allocating capital wisely to prioritize key investments.
Cost control without cutting corners
Reducing food costs by improving sourcing and portioning.
Managing labor costs through better scheduling and cross-training.
Negotiating better supplier contracts to maximize value.
Driving revenue growth
Analyzing menu pricing for maximum profitability.
Training staff to increase check averages through effective sales techniques.
Exploring additional revenue streams like catering, delivery, and private events.
The smart investment
A restaurant consultant isn’t just another expense; they’re an investment in success. Whether refining operations, optimizing your menu, enhancing service, or strengthening financials, their expertise can transform your business. In an industry where competition is fierce and profit margins are tight, having the right consultant in your corner can make all the difference.
Read more from Chris Cardone
Chris Cardone, Beverage Consultant, Chief Mixologist & Public Speaker
In 2015, Chris took a year-long break from alcohol, recognizing that his dependence was harming his life. After nine months without alcohol, he realized his fears about quitting were unfounded and that he was becoming a better person overall, which led him to quit drinking permanently. However, he noticed the lack of non-alcoholic options in bars and the skepticism towards a sober bartender. People suggested he change careers, doubting his ability to stay sober or create balanced cocktails. This inspired him to launch Continuous Beverage Solutions, with the mission to educate, empower and inspire people to decide for themselves how, when and why they drink, ensuring everyone feels included.
