If you folk may remember , I posted some time ago an article about" in the area we live " .. I posted the eateries existing and failed .. at the time one of the eateries was Frangipanis .. It was initially opened by Sonja , she started off well but got tired due to various domestic pressures and issues ... she sold it to two of the employees , they continued the business but ran it into the ground .. it closed abruptly in june this year , with many unpaid acccounts to the current property owner .. he had plans in place to renovate the building and build it up to double storey .. I suppose the current owners saw the writing on the wall and decided to do the dishonourable thing .. Paul used to work there till the abrupt closure ,,, here pics of the old premises ..
Ok the story continues ,,, I have had my eye on this place for the last 2 half years ,, but knew the lease would end and that renovations were in the pipeline,, so to invest then would have been foolish .. so left it ...
When the abrupt closure happened ,, I mulled over things for a while ,, then asked Paul who working there had all the inside info to pull together a financial plan ,, duly done we considered ,, and then i took the LEAP ... approached Shahid the owner and asked if I could take over the lease and bring frangipanis back to life and its original intent ,, He was more than happy with my proposal and the business plan ... so for the last fewmonths we have been working away at it very secretly ( only a few good friends knew ) ... Paul had to in the meantime work with the contractors regarding interior layout etc ,, Well its now at the point that we take occupation 1st December .. We have in the meantime been hunting bargains for movables etc ,, a lot ordered ready for delivery early dec .. and one side of the house looks like a damm store room .. Key staff already sorted etc ..
The gist of the move ,, I have inherited money sitting in investment account drawing puny interest and tax .. I have my own personal pensions etc so why not do something different with the money ?? according to the business plan it will work especially if we offer the best , a fresh new venue ( kitchen suppied compliment of the porperty owner ) its a gift that if I did not take this chance would regret for the rest of my life ... I will continue with my well enough paid job which will sustain the home and Paul will manage the venture , all I want is a reasonable return ... and yes being a business I can do a lot more with legally reducing tax load ..
Its been difficult ,, keeping an open mind , knowing that I'm taking a chunk out of a financial "safety blanket " and putting it out to risk .. but then life is about taking chances at times ,, and so far this chance seems pretty sure to reap benefit for all concerned .. I attach pics of the now almost completely renovated building ,, a fresh new colour outside ,, incidentally its the colour of my home and the interior colour is the same as the home as well .. my theme was to bring the restful energy of my home into the business ,, well there is a twist .. everybody that has so far walked in has said ,, " this place has such a nice happy feel about it .. same colour but a different energy to it ... suppose its the karma attached to it .. I will be chronicling the progress from now on so keep your eyes peeled .. its gonna be stunning ... Fragipanis " from home " here we go !! wish us luck .!!
December month is there for set up , the key staff ,, chef and FOH start then and its hard work for them setting up , any type of work necessary ,, and getting menu together suppliers sorted etc , and so that when we open early january we hit the runway with no skidding ...
PS the downstairs is our venue and the upstairs is out for seperate rental as either residential but preferably office or studio space ,,,
congrats :auguri1: :emot112_2:
Sandy - why am I not surprised!
It sounds like a great opportunity and listening to all of your culinary visits over the past 3.5 years you are sure to know what will work and what won't! As for atmosphere - it sounds like you've had great compliments already!
Wishing you and Paul all the very best with your new venture, I know you will both make a huge success of it and one of these days we'll be reading about Frangipani's in the Food&Home magazines!
3d smiles(281)
Good Luck Sandy!
Rule no 1 in Business..... DON"T TRUST ANYONE!
allgood
Mike ,,, Mmmm .. dont trust ... my credo .. a certain amount of trust ,, going to be once we get the big picture of margins working on profit incentive for staff .. believe its the way to go , ,, but then some folk do not see the big picture ,, so its all a wait and see .. I believe what one puts out comes back .. my safeguard is Paul , he too has the profit incentive and opportunity to buy in more shares ,, he has extensive management experience in various venues including CTFM ,, and yes can be a mistrusting b... tch had enough knocks in life to teach that one ..
Sandy this is fantastic, wishing you all the best in your new venture...and i know you will make a good go of this, the place looks fantastic and i am sure the inside will be just as good if looking at the pictures of inside your house is anything to go by..
woo_hoo I wish you all the very best of luck but i am sure you do not need it....
A bold move Sandy but here's wishing you the very best in your new venture
:emot112_2: Great Stuff.
Am's we gettin an invite for the Grand Opening? OR Am I just gathering the troops?
Let me know a date....don't know why I read the 3rd Dec image061 .... So Richard when you read this thread looks like January.
Congrats Sandy and all the very best. xxx
Hey Sands, awsum stuff, well done bravo - nothing ventured nothing gained. Yes, life is about taking risks, we'll never know if something's gonna work unless we try. You have the voomah, right thinking and social skills to make it work. I'll defos pop in for a meal once you're open. I can just picture it being the perfect place for all seasons, dunno why but the place all cosy like springs to mind - a crackling fire roaring in the fire place, warm bowls of hearty soup steaming away, gluwein, soft chatter in the background amongst friends and families......all the good things in life.
I like it .. I like it ... I like it ... Good on you Sandy and best of luck :emot112_2: You must let us know where it is so that when we do come to SA we can pop in.
Hi Sandy, this is great news. You did the right thing and said the right thing. If you take the first step in Faith, the rest will follow. I wish you all the success and only the very best. woo_hoo
went in this afternoon to try out the dimmable energy savng light bulbs I had bought ,,, thought it appropriate to take some pics ( I do need some because as things stand certain parts ie Kitchen only expected 15th Dec completion and possibly serving area will not be entirely completed , so when i visit the attorney for signing of lease I have to have reduction of rental according to floor space I do not have use of ,, fact is we have stuff being delivered from friday 3rd ... so although taking occupation 1st for set up .. will be hindered and inconvenienced )
more you can see the kitchen door in the pic looking in from disabled entrance
you rock
Great stuff, Sandy! Even with the venue being "unfinished" in your pictures, I already get a very good feeling looking at the pics! It does look like a place with great energy and positive vibes.
Congrats once again, I can't wait to pop in and see for myself.
yes1
Apart from the last minute hassles occuring ,, telephone line delays ( TELKOM ) contractors hashing some of the kitchen fitments ,, yes we will survive ,,, we have had a truly humbling experience ,,, put advert for waitrons and kitchen staff ,, hell man inundated with phone calls , and CV's .. and yes one realises how many people are out there desperate for work ... thank goodness I did not have to deal with it .. that was Pauls job ... by last night he actually cried from emotional overload when he realised how many folk are out there desperate for a job .. ok many not seeming deserving .. but it was a whole mix ..
Now we are taking a big leap of faith ,,, counting on the fact that we have the ideal spot ( a corner ) .. lots of goodwill and yes the economy will turn ... we are blessed .
to those not so blessed and the article that still angers me re the R 40 Million of lotto money squandered on the youth conference .. how many infrastructure jobs could that monet have created ?? how many more poor and disposessed ?? the elderly ?? how many battered womens shelters /?? care for aids orphans ... how much to animal care charities .... and here we forging ahead with a venture and yes gonna have to pay tax to these palukkas ??? dont mean to spoil the energy of whats here but yes my conscience screaming ..
@Sandy, how you guy's planning to market the place?
THE NEWS IS OUT IN THE AREA .. AND YES WE GOT A SPOT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ,, INTEREST IS HIGH AND YES FLYERS DISTRUBUTED BY LESSER FORTUNATE FOLK ... CONSIDERING A PAYBACK TO PAMPHLET DISTRIBUTORS FOR EVERY HIT WE GET ... SIMPLE PHILOSOPHY .. OF BENEFIT ...
BUT KNOW THE PLACE WILL SELL ITSELF ...
Keep those standards up...... one bad review and it spreads like wildfire.....
ThatStinks2
MICHAEL ... QUALITY INPUT + HARD WORK + GOOD INTENT = QUALITY OUTPUT .. WHICH = SUCCESS .. OR AT THE LEAST SURVIVAL .. BEEN DOING IT ON WORKFRONT AND HAS PULLED US THROUGH SO FAR ,,,,
Richest blessings. If any body deserves it, it is you guys. Can I book a table for luch when we come to Cape Town to sort out our perm res? Congratulations may you both go from strength to strength.
P.S other half would like your artichoke recipe please.
Thanks for the message of encouragement Bradley ,,, the artichokes .. verry simple .. but yes pop in ,,, regards Sandy
Hey Sandy, how about posting a telephone number for the restaurant, as well as address/directions to get there?
pls
@ Bertie , as things are going at the moment delays and obstacles ... awaiting a Telkom line ....
Update .. things falling into place ,,, got the outside roof covering in place today ... tomorrow we doing assembly of interior ... so watch this space ,,
Well what a day !! We got to the shop at 07:00 and pulled day plan together : staff were all due to arrive at 08:00 for final setup and clean .. all arrived .. got busy .. later in the morning had a meeting and outlined game plan .. then me went off shopping for last minute ingredients as our one supplier let us down .. got back to the news the one waiter went off to " go down to the corner shop " never to return , bad enough we had to fire the aspirant chef after only 3 weeks trial , she had no passion for food and no commitment to our dream , found a mature ( my age divorcee who has walked lifes mile and is not afraid to work has a passion for food and our dream as it presents an opportunity for her too to share in our success ) ... interesting times ... here some pics of the now setup interior ,, no pics or anything on the walls yet but that's all to come ...
Please excuse some of the fuzzypics had severe shakes today ...
Note Paul and Gairo ( front of house posing )
More
More
Looks absolutely fabulous! Good luck! You opening today?
cheers faceinfood
Sandy - your place is looking amazing!
Unfortunately when you need to employ a number of people there are always hassles but eventually you will find a team that will work well together and provide the level of service that you require of them!
Wishing you everything of the best and look forward to reading lots of reviews!
Please scan a copy of the menu so that whilst we're sat here eating our Spar food we can drool over what you have on offer!
3d smiles(281)
Great Idea Michele, one scanned Menu please Sandy!
... and don';t trust anyone!
faceinfood
Velly Velly Nice Indeed. :emot112_2: 3d smiles(281)
Yup, great idea Michele - waiting for that menu... we Oranjemunders can order online and have a virtual table in the restaurant!
Ha-ha, dont think Sandy will have any free time for the next few days to scan, etc,etc.... We'll just have to wait until we can visit! rooster1
Well helloo ,, first day .. considering the year barely out of holiday mode and all businesses not yet open or locals not yet back from holiday our day did well ,, a slow start .. not much in the way of breakfasts , I left at 10:30 to do shopping for ingredients ,, dropeed of the first lot ,, saw some feet in the door ,, then went off again for more ingredients, got back at lunchtime ,, had to do the drive by to go fetch the afternoon paper ,, well I cried tears of gratitude I saw the front balcony full of people , a 35 % plus inside .. businees meetings being conducted etc .. and now we still getting a trickling of folk we have reached our theoretical break even point on first day ... I am gobsmacked ... thanks for all the support and good wishes ... fantasy-18
Great stuff, Sandy! Can only get better. I'm sure you'll be experiencing stampede soon!
woo_hoo
Well second day going .. cash inflow improving each day ,, I took some pics .. one a senior colleague his wife and daughter popped in .. the front at lunchtime and a snap of the balcony with patrons ...
woo_hoo
I must say, it looks very impressive Sandy B. Here's hoping everything with your venture is of a huge success from now on and also to you for 2011
Yes it does Sandy. Must pop in some day. woo_hoo
@Sandy, the roof needs something.......
bear in mind that people still have moola at this time of the month, come the 20th, it might get a bit tight, on the other hand, maybe that's just in mining towns....
:ciupa1:
Pay days down here start from the 20th through to month end. Differs from company to company.
This is so exciting! Can't wait to come to Cape Town to see the place. Good luck Sandy.
Ditto... cant wait to pop in. Looks wonderful and peaceful. congrats
@ Diana - time for Brekkies again - should we try that new spot in Woodstock??
Quote from: Verona on January 06, 2011, 06:25:00 AM
@ Diana - time for Brekkies again - should we try that new spot in Woodstock??
LoL.......was just going to say the same thing before I read your post. Later in the month will be good.
Good luck with your venture Sandy! image203 image203 image203 image203.............. image04
well first week went of nicely considering the time of year , that we dont yet have a credit card machine installed , Saturday breakfast and light meal run netted more than the week days .. next week a lot of businesses in the area start up again , now we wait and see ...
Me dog tired , cannot wait to get back tomorrow to my job of managing people and resources , this week has been one of trying to keep the landing without skidding ,,, From tomorrow Paul is on his own ,
Happy first week went well. Will probably take a while to get things running as smooth as you'd like, but like you say, folk have no money this time of year, I see it here as well - but things will pick up soon.
:emot112_2:
Well done Sandy bravo, I believe that things will pick up. As Bertie says, this time of the year people are low on cash due to the holidays, schooling etc. After having a business, we also realised it takes 3 to 4 months before all gets back to normal. Just keep up the Faith and as all will fall in place.
Well all so far so good ,, almost two weeks of operation .. surprisingly we not making any loss neither any huge profit .. its pretty much a swings and roundabouts thing .. we been able to sustain the business on incoming cash , pay wages , pay suppliers , and still bank money which will take care of the rent etc , and month end not near yet .. I have put the huge initial startup cost for foodstuffs into the startup cost register , what I am now interested in is the daily fixed and variable costs and they are teeing up ..
Morning all , Report back --- well things still going well with the shop .. the anticipated post christmas pre pay day slow down has now occured tipping the books to a tiny negative of 0.5 % - again considering we still dont have our phone line installed and as a result no credit card machine its damn good going . We have the contingency cash reserves , our freezers, fridges and pantry are all fairly stocked , all commitments met ... all that is needed is the consistemt and sustained flow of feet in the door and that will happen from Feb onwards ... the take out business now picking up nicely ...
When you getting a credit card machine then?
We generate a huge portion of our sales on those machines....
Glad it's going well! I'm sure it will be picking up very soon, and when the phone line is installed many more options will be available. I take it you cant really advertise too much yet if the potential customers cant get in contact with you to make bookings... Let's hope the dreaded Telkom will WAKE UP!!!
cheers
@ Mike ,, Telkom now say they will do installation of phone lilne on monday and then on Tuesday the bank can install the machine , its been the waiting game due to the incompetence of Telkom ... image14
Nice breakfast, good coffee, friendly staff and the care and attention Sandy & Paul have put into the decor & furniture is lovely - make a turn people! yes1
So sorry that I did not get a chance to go say hallo and grab a bite to eat at your place. Next time round in town I hope my time will be better organized and then I can go sit down and relax and enjoy.
All the best Sandy & Paul - hope the business booms real soon and may you find real fulfillment in the success story of the restaurant. Keep us posted.
Oh - Sandy : the full street address please - need that for the blokes who don't know Woodstock all that well (that's me) so we can ask our GPS thingy's to lead us there.
daman woo_hoo
good Luck Sandy and Paul have just read about your NEW VENTURE!!! From the pics it looks really GREAT!! am sure the food will be too!! You go guys and knock 'em dead!!LOL!!! PAM
yes1 yes1 yes1
woo_hoo got my telephone line today .. 021 447 3760 ... credit card machine will be installed today ...........
I just HAD to try the line to see if it works .... IT WORKS!!!! Just spoke to Paul, so come on everybody in the Peninsula, make your bookings!!!!
congrats
Yes! I phoned Paul also, er...uhm just to make sure that the line was accessible from an international phone, in case I was gonna be in town anytime, Paul just laughed, told me that Bertie had already phoned to check the line....
image201
OK y'all, now you know where they are .....go eat!
Definitely on my "to-do" list when I visit Cape Town again!
faceinfood
Let us know when you're coming through Bertie - we can meet up there. Love to your folks too.
UPDATE ... The shop running well and getting into the rythm .. first month books showing a small profit ... second month now that we have telephone line high speed adsl and credit card machine on steroids .. daily income climbing .. we await the saturday breakfast run .. just hope for windless umbrella day on saturday as the clients love to sit on the balcony .. and the full balcony pulls in even more feet .. Our Waitron staff settled down for now .. Shiela quiet lady Growing with us and blooming .. new guy Selso .. straight into the breach and there ... the stalwarts .. Paul as partner and manager .. Gairo as front of house sarmie prep .. waitron .. pro ..anything goes ... Linda our chef a total gem ,, Jill the kitchen prep lady coming to the party ... Andiswe the scullery in training for kitchen prep as when things pick up the chef gonna need more support ...Phumla our new housekeeper helps with deep clean 3 x a week before doing the house and works scullery on saturday breakfast run .. I'm truly grateful for all those that have elected to stick with us during this adventurous startup .. and to the quality that is migrating toward us .. I was doign a mindbender last night .. directly and indirectly our little concern has generated employment opportunity for 8 - 10 people ( thats temps included ) .. there is a good team spirit . room for growth .. staff are given a lunch once tings quieten down after kunch rush .... everybody happy ... thanks for the messages of support ...
THE DOWNSIDE - RUDE CUSTOMERS....
Apart from the staff and supplier hassles ( having to reject chourizo , pork sausage etc for poor quality ), staff not pitching on Saturday mornings quickdop hammer ... there are creatures called rude customers .. first sort ,, they got spoilt by the never changing prices of the previous owners ( explains why they went out of business ) complain that Oh ! your'e so expensive .. we look them calmly up and down and say .. " look around you , its all new and fresh not dingy and run down as previously , the kitchen is new and clean and the food quality is better so yes youre getting value for your money ,,We have invested a lot in this venture to ensure this to the majority of our clients who appreciate it " that puts them in the eyes as cheapskates invariably they back down , and yes then still come back when they realise they cannot chance their luck ...
Then you get cretins .. we had one such creature today , he arrived , then two eastern gentlemen , they sat on the valuable balcony space .. ordered something really light , no value added coffee etc and then spent two hours sipping the free water ice and lemon , holding a business meeting , but how well was this cheapskate prepared he did not even have a folder on which to write , instead hogging one of the menu covers .. we had another rush and due to the fact that we were doing re printing of menus we did not have enough to go around ..so Selso our one waitron asked if he could have the menu .. this cretin shouted at him , cant you see I'm busy !!! I very nearly got up and went to him to say " do not be rude to my staff " but bit my tongue , we are a start up venture so sometimes better to let things go , but hoo boy if we were spinning over I would have put him in his place ,,, one thing we want to encourage is business meetings but then not with cheapskates ... use the venue theres lots of tables inside and yes in future come prepared with folder and clipboard ... next time he is ever so rude I will use right of admission reserved ,, Uughh !!
Oh yeah ... those cretins come with the territory! Looking forward to the booking for my team this coming Friday - we will all come hungry! faceinfood
Quote from: Cherry (Alcock) on February 06, 2011, 09:47:43 AM
Oh yeah ... those cretins come with the territory! Looking forward to the booking for my team this coming Friday - we will all come hungry! faceinfood
... so get the free water with ice and lemon ready Sandy ... image201
image201 I like your thinking Patricia! Maybe we should just ask for 3 breakfasts to share .... do need to look after the budget!
No, Cherry. Just buy some MacDonalds on your way, and pack it out on the table. image201
Sandy, throw them off the balcony... you'll have many people to come see where it happened when it hits the papers!
10 /10 trust me its happened to a friend that owns a restaurant as well , 3 women arrived ordered coffee and proceeded to take out cake they ahd bought elswhere ... told her she should have charged them cakage ( a play on corkage ) ....
Even better Bertie, I'll buy breakfast from their competition and then eat it there! image201
Dead woman walking .. we have some news ....we have no opposition ..... 16_1_231
Sandy do you think your Chef is on the Michelin star rating! watched a program the other night on how they award the chefs with a Michelin star, one star up to four star Chefs braii. They have these spy's for the want of a better description go around and order a meal off the menu, at randomly selected restaurant's. Then at the end of the year, their experience's at these restaurant's (they may visit the same restaurant two or three times in the year) of the meals are measured up and in January of the following year Michelin award the Chef with a star or they can take away a star. "Gordon Ramsay" has twelve of these stars so beware if you have a Scottish sort of speaking person visit your restaurant, and ask for egg and chips!. Good luck in your venture sometimes a little of it can take you to greater achievements................................................. image04
We better be careful, Cherry. You never know what happens to our order in the kitchen before we receive it.... maybe the resident cat is asked to lick the plate first, he-he.
faceinfood
Hi Frank , no not on Michelin rating , just a good food cooking type of person .. why I say we have no opposition , we have only had good wishes from all the other eateries in the road , each one has an aim at a different segment of the market and have different operating hours ... we all agree on the expression of " your success is our success" the more folk drawn to Roodebloem road as a place to eat ,, a destination the more success for all concerned ... we leave the michelin tyres to the speedsters image201
Aplologies for this boykie being so quiet on this site ... we been busy ... update .. January a surprise ... february intersting month with everybodys debt load from december coming home to roost plus school fees uniforms etc ... then March also interesting .. seems many still sufering debt hangover ... but yes we pulling through ... we have done Sunday buffet lunches as private functions . ( we not normally open on a sunday ) a breakfast birthday for 54 the one sunday ,, and now this friday night we did a wedding reception for 40 ... hell the place looked like a bomb hit it ( we closed at 01:30 ) and had to have place cleaned by 08:30 the next morning and we had people wanting coffee at 07:30 when we arrived ... thank goodness the front part of the shop looked reasonably decent to alow them to sit down .. apologised . for the mess and cleaning activity . they understood our normal hours are from 08:00 onwards ... when they left we could complete .. anyhow day went well ... all a bit tired cos of the hours and ending up partying as well ... but yes we wnet to bed early last night .. and slept in late today .. did a nice braai slept again .. tonight did the books and now chilling a bit .. Helooo Oranjemunders .. Im still alive ...
Thanx for the update Sandy! Glad it's going well. It will only get better. Hard work though, hey. But that's part of growing, so ENJOY!
Brilliant Sandy.... well done and will definately pop in when in Town again xxx
THE DEACONS AND THE UNPAID BILL .
Had an interesting incident this saturday ,, two gentlemen came into the restaurant sat in the back section ,, ordered two cofees and two croissant with scrambled egg .. The shop got a bit busy and at the height of it these two men walked out and said " thank you goodbye " Shiela our one waitron , ran after them and said " excuse me you have not paid the bill " Paul saw what was happening and asked what was going on ,, they said " we left the payment in the bill folder on the table " Paul said we dont have bill folders to which they started to squirm and then said they left it on the saucer ,, walked to the back and asked other people seated there if they saw anybody take their payment .. No ... then he saw on the floor next to the table a crumpled piece of paper ,, it was their bill ... when he presented it to them they suddenly made motions to pay ,, saying "how can you treat us so badly we are deacons" ,, as though he was supposed to crawl into a corner and die of guilt ??
Normal practice in any establishment is to either call the waitron to effect payment or to take your bill to the front desk for payment ??? bloody chancers .. and definitely not deacons ...
How about placing a "wanted" photo of the two "deacons" in the reception! That's really low of them. Bet they will be asked to pay in advance next time! Or to asked to rather go to MacDonalds next time... image21
THE TIME FOR BALLS OF STEEL ...
The general trend in our road ,, we have 5 + a half opened eaterie in our road .. since the winter settled in its getting quieter ,, worse so seems folk are cash strapped .. we have in the last week or so had 4 decined credit card tranactions .. seems lots of folk are maxing out .. anyhow we either know them and put it on tab or if we dont put trust to the test , take their name , and by the next day they back to pay .. so far trust has worked .. looking back at the books comparing Jan , feb march april .. to the now .. we see a declining income ... we have provision for it but yes its not nice to dig into reserves ... so today it was the pep talk .. all I said is we must have balls of steel and never get despondent when we have the quiet days ..... we will weather the storm and ride the adverse wave ... 16_1_231
Hi Sandy ~
It's called winter - and winter is always the most testing period for any retailer or provider of consumer services (from food to entertainment), irrespective of where you are. If your business survives it's first winter you will have learnt a lot and will be in much better shape post the event than you were before it. In my previous life in retail I really enjoyed winters because this is the season which separates the REAL retailers from those who just pack shelves and hope the stuff sells itself. It is the time of the year which invites retailers and service providers to use their ingenuity, to react to the situation, to set themselves apart from their competitiors and to create some excitement.
Having "been there, done that" through six Cape winters with a professional retailling outfit, and at the risk of repeating what you know already, some pointers which may help (and with the benefit of having visited your establishment):
1. Ask every single customer whom you deal with what would make their winter "warmer" and more pleasant for them. Grab the practical ideas that are relevant and flesh them out - there'll be some seriously good suggestions in there!
2. Develop a seasonal plan/strategy. Work to the weather. Watch the 5 - 7 day weather predictions. We know they're not always accurate but, generally speaking, they're fairly reliable. If it's going to be cold or icy, a soup promotion is the way to go. Deliver to offices/homes in your immediate facility. Although the margins are not great, this is about staying in business!
3. Have the warmest premises (temperature-wise, as well as hospitality) in the neighbourhood. This links back to the first point.
4. If the "opposition" appear to be succeeding where you're failing (that is, getting feet through the door) study what they're doing - and copy and improve on it. It's called innovation and it's perfectly acceptable. Always keep it simple!
5. Is there a chance to collaborate with the "opposition" - after all, you all want to stay in business? How about a progressive dinner idea (share courses over 3 or 4 establishments)? There're lots of music venues, clubs, bars etc close to you in Obz, for instance. How about twinning with some of them - eat with us before a show and get 10% off your theatre ticket - that sort of stuff.
6. Understand where the waste is in your business - shrinkage (all ingredients accounted for? cash balances? not too many "free" cups of coffee for cold staff members? electricity bills? what food is being dumped at the end of a trading day and why? overtime being paid? Is everything your team's doing adding value to the business? Don't ask me because I don't have the answers!).
7. No customer base is static - are you sure of their needs and requirements?
8. If something doesn't work, understand why it didn't - then try something else!! Don't become dispirited because, when that happens, you may as well close your doors.
Please accept this from whence it comes ~ hope something I've said is of use!
(http://tinyurl.com/63ulpok)
Hugh says: As somebody in marketing and branding, I talk about brands a lot. A lot. A ton. It's never-ending....
The latest cartoon from Hugh. He ensured Stormhoek became a global brand. Most likely his cartoons or something from him will still be gracing the Stormhoek bottles.
The point is that in an overcrowded marketplace (or street) your brand has to outshine your neighbouring competitors. How you do it is the trick to learn. There is merit in what Paul says, what Hugh advocates and in what I relate.
Excellent service, quality product and competetive pricing might propel a business to the top of it's sector.
But the singlemost important thing that will almost guarantee a business's success is to go viral. Referral is simply the cheapest and very best marketing you will ever get. Go viral. Hard work at improving service, the product and its visual appeal, textures, taste, content and cost will get your existing clientele to spread the word about how you have provided them the best service, the best quality and tastiest product and importantlyat a price reflecting the high quality. Satisfied customers will tell somebody else who will visit your business to test what they have heard and they in turn will tell someone else about the wonderful experience they had at your shop.
Ask customers for testimonials and you must ask if you can publish what they say on your website. This is very important for potential clients to see and read.
As your business goes viral, it will perpetuate footfall to your door.
.... If you are selling shampoo, deodorant or mayonnaise, then you'll probably have to sell to the mainstream. You'll have to sell your soul, water it down, pander to the usual suspects and then try to find pleasure in your golf game, bourbon or PTA. However, for those of us who have a choice, we have no alternative but to push it to the edge. Go for the 10% that will die to get your stuff and stay true to your beliefs. Who knows this is a one in a billion chance that you will become the main stream, like Mr. Jobs.
Find your USP and develop it like Heston Blumenthal did. One important point to keep in mind - do not be afraid to re-launch the business. Change what needs to be changed to leverage your brand awareness and make a big spiel about re-launching with added or decreased but better quality product. This happens a lot in the tech world. So think like the tech world and borrow from them. Look at Apple now. Mr Jobs made it happen.
Ever considered using txts to contact customers? Found this at a site I linked to from Duct Tape Marketing http://ducttapemarketing.com (http://ducttapemarketing.com) which I read very regularly and subscribe to for John's marketing tips.
Copied the images and bundled them into a pdf for you. Sorry the text did not copy too clearly but, you'll get the gist of how you can use txt to get clients into Frangipani on a cld wet winters day/night.
Robert , currently doing a customer feedback sheet and asking for email and mobile numbers for feedback and obviously to communicate ... We have harvested today from our veg plot ( search under anything goes Woodstock peace garden ) More peppadews rocket , pakchoi ,,, spinach .. we have another half plot that we developing ... so yes we have an increasing amount of organically grown veg and herbs for the shop .. we also tonight have made the decision to convert to free range eggs ( we have found a reasonably priced supplier ) and will promote the shift to our customers ...
Regards Sandy
Brilliant! I have seen the photos and Sandy, you put me to shame! My little salad bar compared to your plot....? No comparison!
Be well!
RB
Mmm so far all going well , let things take their course while keeping a gentle eye overview .. no more , not shirking responsibility yet letting the energy flow by itself instead of trying to make it ... its changing the dynamic ... today I was in the area doing a supplier visit and popped in at lunchtime .. the front balcony was full the front section full the back filling up but mainly business meetings with the laptops and lots of cofffees ..
The clinking of the knives and forks on the plates was music to my ears .. happy eaters ... feet in the door ...
and to add to it I get the news this afternoon . a student film group want to do a shoot in the shop next friday .. nothing high powered but yes its a compliment .. and we will be credited .. can only lead to more ??? read mail sent tonight ..
Hi Paul!
Thanks so much for our short meeting today and for your support and enthusiasm!
Hereby a short overview what the movie is about:
movie:
The movie is called CAKE and is written by a 3rd year student. The story is about a top black laywer who falls in love with its witness. He is then forced to choose between his dad's successful law firm or for his love.
The restaurant scene is where they declare the love for each other.
This project is part of a national movement that supports young filmmakers. By combining skills, networks and resources we make it possible for young film makers from the ghettos to make films. It is a way to tell their stories, bring across youth's aspirations and dreams and promoting Cape Town.
practicalities of shoot:
There will be a crew of 4 people shooting this film and about a cast of 10 people, including a waiter. During the scene the patrons will be eating and drinking, which we will buy from Frangipani's.
The shoot will take about 2 to 3 hours. It is an evening scene, so minimal lighting will be used.
Ideally we would like to shoot this friday late afternoon or perhaps early morning.
If you agree, Frangipani's will be credited on the film and will be acknowledged in the branding material as a partner.
I hope this gives you a good idea of what this is about and what we are asking for.
Looking forward to hear if this would be fine with you and your partner!
Thank you!
Jodie and Lourens
Sandy, this is excellent news. A breakthrough methinks. People in the crew and cast will talk. Word can spread far and wide from just this type of seemingly innocuous event which it is not. Many things have grown from word of mouth and also having a filming credit is bakgat ou pel!
Absolutely Wonderfull Sandy..... 3d smiles(281)
bravo Great news!! woo_hoo
woo_hoo feedme allgood
Congrats to you - let us know how it went (take a pic or two)! It may be the beginning of great things!!
fantasy-18 Spreading extra fairy dust on you .....
Update .. the movie shoot fell through die some logistics issues from their side .. no train smash as we were having a busy time and even more busy for Pauls birthday party that was held at the shop on Sat night ,, it went well Linda excelled herself with a variety of regional curries both vegetarian and and meat .. It was a good evening , the place looked like bomb hit it when we closed up at 02:00 sunday morning ,, Guess what ?? Monday morning just after the staff get the place cleaned and set up and running ... two reporters from the Argus arrives ,, now who sent them ?? especially on a day that we start from scratch as most food is done fresh each day unless it improves with a lie in to merge flavour .. anyhow they interview Paul , ordered a breakfast and ciabatta sandwich ..( I think ) and left looking satisfied .. said we should be appearing in the good weekend .. well lets wait and see .. mmmmmm still want to know who sent them on a monday of all days ...
Holding thumbs there for you Sandy, a good review can make a business....
cheers
Well it all falls into place .. leave it to the universe and ask for whats deserved and appropriate ,,
Friday Morning we get mention on Expresso live morning chat show on the box , they were interviewing the band Van Coke .. they were asked their fav spot and said Frangipanins Woodstock for breakfast .. then with bated breath we collect the Saturday papers , open up the good weekend section and there it is ... a good review ... apart from the typo of frangipanis Friut and deli ( we know Paul is a bit of a fruit buuut ?? ) and they forgot to mention my name but thats no train smash ,, as long as we got a fav review and it puts us more on the map ...
Wowser - see it does happen!
Excellent. I like it and am very pleased for you all at frangipani. Put in the hard work. put out the word to the universe and hey - good stauff does come back to reward you.
Brilliant.
Yes, yes, yes! That's great! I'm so happy for you guys. You deserve it. Like Robert said, you did the work, it's just fair that you will pick the fruit (not meaning Paul here). bravo
I had a busy day today .. my friend Maggie was back from the UK and she popped around and then lo and behold .. Shiela Fry and her Mom Flora popped around as well .. so i was flitting from table to table .. Flora is still one of those formidable "adopted Aunts " but yes with time has gained more wisdom and a totally pragmatic view on life ... Me and Maggie thereafter got trashed on lots of white wine with ice and chatting / catchup ....
and........(Trumpets and Drum Roll).... to-day Verona and I popped round...well not quite a pop a whole day affair. Great resaurant and great company and......great Shiraz. Will be doing this more often. Thanx Sany for a realy good day. xxxxx
..
Ok Shiraz must have been good then ,,,first 4 pics again
Diana, gee! Aunty pissed again, are you banned from all the pubs in your suburb, now that you have to roll on over to Sandy's corner of the cape?
Hehehe! Nice snaps guys, looked like a mellow day out there....
giverose
That's the way life should be Sandy! and remember the good times always PS good photo's............................................... image04
WHAT AN AFTERNOON ,, HAZARD OF A RESTAURANT ,, LIVER DAMAGE ..
OUR NEW ACCIDENTAL TABLECLOTHS .. WE WERE DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR NEW TABLECLOTHS AS THOSE FUSSY LAYS WERE LOOKING TIRED .. SCOURED FABRIC SHOPS ,, FOUND NOTHING .. LAST WEEK AN EXHAUSTING AFTERNOON LOOKING FOR SOMETHING .. I SAW THIS FABRIC , PAUL SAID TOO FUSSY .. I SAID LOOK AT IT FROM A DISTANCE ,, SO I GAMBLED OF 4 AS A PREVIEW .. WELL THE RESULT IS GOOD .. THEY TIE IN WITH THE PICTURES AND THE COLOUR SCHEME ... HAVE ORDERED NOW FOR THE BACK SECTION ALONG WITH A PLAIN ONES AND PLACE MATS IN A SHADE OF THE BURGUNDY COLOURED FLOWERS .. .. WILL BRIGHTEN THINGS UP ...
MY CAMERA STILL AT THE SHOP ... WILL DOWNLOAD SOME PICS LATER ...
OK GOING TO HAVE TO SENDTHE PIC TO MIKE ,, I GET A FEEDBACK THAT SAYS THE PIC FILED SECURITY ... ???? MUST BE MY ANTIVIRUS ...
On Behalf of Sandy!
Ta Mike ... check out why my pics fail security settings ?? Pls
Quote from: SandyB on October 30, 2011, 12:41:45 PM
Ta Mike ... check out why my pics fail security settings ?? Pls
Too much salt on the tables perhaps..............???!!
Very nice Sandy! Hopefully one day (when the kids have mastered the art of using a knife and fork, or we can leave them with their grandparents!) we'll be able to come and visit your establishment!
feedme
Thanks Michele , just finished closing off the month , not bad excepting 3 of our suppliers , ( obviously trying to get turnover up ) delivered today and not tomorrow or later in the week ,,no train smash its all stock and we have the cashflow to allow it . Odd enough we have two customers we do deliveries to every day and we only invoice them on the last day , all sent off tonight , and then we wait for 4-5 days for payment , again we have the cash flow to allow it and its business we did not have before so we grateful and its now just a case of it rolls over from month to month ,, look forward to your visit .. we currently perfecting a vegan scramble ( no egg ) for the breakfast menu so far interesting flavour dimensions .. getting there ...
Well my vegan scramble has passed muster ... we have been sampling clients meat eaters and vegeterians ,, they all love it .. I invited two good long term honest trusted friends David and Victor around .. to sample the vegan scramble .. a new coffe suppliers offering ( which i did not like and they confirmed it on top of other regular clients input as well ..) and for david with the cake tooth to sample Pauls lemon mereangue .. all went well a nice ending to the day ,, a few glasses of vino and chat ...
Oh Shyt .. dont know whats going on .. gonna have to send the pics to mike to upload ... they keep on faing security checks ( dont know why ..) so be patient .. Mike will upload for me in the spaces ..
More visitors one of my venerable adopted Aunts Flora Fry and daughter Shiela ... becoming regulars ... Flora is from the same age group as my Mom that I miss so much .. we had a good chat and as they left she hugged me and said in her still broad accent " Sandy my boy your Mom would be so proud of you right now .. you have done good "
again Mike will attach the pic ...
A few pics from the day Diana and Verona visited ... Diana's handbag , she went to the loo and verona and I had a fun moment ,, with her bag .. all the specs the empty wallet and the bottle of wine ... a good pic Of the two girls .. and an end of day one ... Me , Paul , Linda our chef Diana and Verona ..
Again Mike to attach the pics ... Grmmmph ... bloody antivrus system ...
On behalf of Sandy......
(Thanks for the snaps Sandy!)
Mike did you get the pic of Flora and Shiela Fry to attach ???
Good L*rd Sandy you could have cropped me out of the phone one......blady awfull.... sorriso2
Re the handbag you litlle shites ...... Hey a girls got to have her priorities right. Wine,smokes and glasses..... rooster1
Sorry Sandy, working from 2 PC's .... rushed out this morning...
Must say Flora looks well...
woo_hoo
Luv all your pics Sandy, Flora does look well ,sheila too, must be
the luvly food and drinks and company they've been keeping! Well Done Sandy!!
daman
Finally remembered to do it .. Flora and Sheila Fry after discussing with me on their last visit Ena Bennet and her difficulty with stairs .. told them I have a disabled entrance around the side .. they arrived this Saturday with Auntie Ena with Ailen in tow as well .. It was good to see Auntie Ena . last time I saw her was at Flo Worths memorial service .. I attach the pic
How cool is that. My old neighbours The Bennetts.
We'll be attacking your liver again on the 10th....did you get my PM
sorriso2 I was looking for the like button forgot this wasn't FB.
Quote from: Diana Rudd (Boehme) on November 30, 2011, 04:08:56 PM
We'll be attacking your liver again on the 10th....
What's happening on the 10th and where?
Sandy's place is turning into an Oranjemund expat restaurant....
woo_hoo
Wow! That is nice. Good to support a local yokel. BIS there free Tapas! ;0)
Paul Kruger also popped around yesterday for lunch ......... cat3
Robert , once the so long in the pipeline liquor licence arrives we will be doing early evening tapas/ mezze selection .. ideal for summer .. also working on a lighter selection for the menu for summer ..
allgood How zit sandy well if you can pass on the adress will sure pop in and suport make sure the beers are stocked up Cheers
Peter du Toit
CHRISTMAS BREAK , WE SHUT SHOP YESTERDAY AFTERNOON TILL THE 4TH OF JANUARY , A WELL DESERVED BREAK FOR US ALL ,, STAFF ALL RAN OFF HAPPY WITH THEIR LEAVE PAY AND AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS BONUS , ITS BEEN A HARD YEAR AND THEY DESERVE IT FOR STICKING WITH US ... christmas-tree.gif
Well off Verona and I went to Frangipani's for breakfast and another visit to our Sandy. Arrival: 10.00a.m departure 5.45pm. A wonderful day in wonderful company and the bestest.....butternut, feta and pepperdew quiche ever......followed by plenty red wine. For those of you that haven't visited this restaurant.......please..... this realy is a MUST. feedme drinking-41
Well we had our first time being used for a movie series shoot ,,,, we have had 3 other near hits but due to logistics etc never came to fruition ,, the downside of shutting for a few hours , and in the morning which is breakfast tiem for many regulars ,, we notified and apologised ,, long term these movie shoots have advantages for the area and businesses in the area ... so we bit the bullet ...
The men with the big lights and tons of equpiment invaded the shop at 07:00 and left at 11:30 .. the the day despite shortened trading hours took off ... mmm
click the frangipani's facebook link and read ...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frangipanis/186488841435931 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frangipanis/186488841435931)
Nice exposure, I hope you sold a few meals to the crew to cover the morning overheads...
36_1_72
indeed so tons of coffee
Best news , a very tired wednesday as we hosted a surprise 70th birthday party at the shop on Tuesday night , only got to bed at 01:00 + not too clear ,, got a call from the consultant , my liquor licence is approved and I can collect the form .. I am ecstatic ,, its been 13 months since application , lots of frustration and gnashing of teeth at beurocratic bungling and a no care attitude ,,, I can now move forward with my plans to grow the business ,,,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frangipanis/186488841435931 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frangipanis/186488841435931)
Congratulations Sandy and team. Well done. All my best wishes and hoping that your "Cafe" grows from strength to strength. woo_hoo
Almost 3 years down the line , another cat to let out of the bag,,, read .. most importantly I would not hand my "baby" to someone I did not feel comfortable with ...
Frangipani's
a few seconds ago near Cape Town
We have after being approached by interested buyer some time ago , much consideration and some reasonable negotiation accepted the offer to purchase Frangipani's by Jonothan Pepler of the Silverline group . His Brother Michael Swart and his Wife Johalize will be staying in Woodstock and be running Frangipani's as the Mom & Pop business as from the 1st of October , pretty much as we ran it . That is no curved balls being thrown in the path ..
Frangipani's is sold as a going concern keeping its name with all the staff retained excepting Paul as a member of the CC electing not to stay . He will be taking a sabbatical ( lucky him ) for a while and then decide his next life adventure .
When I use the word consideration , there was much consideration and good reasoning , we have had quite a number of approaches over the time we have traded , some flatly ignored on first approach , considered some and declined for various reasons . This time we came to a decision as a lifestyle choice and the fact that I feel at ease with the purchasers .
I have since having Christmas 2012 marred by the death of a family friend on Christmas eve and having to face up to more loss of friends a few more times in this year been contemplating life a lot and have come to decision to try simplify my life and this move is one of the steps in that direction . To split myself between career and Frangipani's would in the long term be to the detriment of myself , career , and Frangipani's . I was feeling it strongly and glad I listened to the inner voices and heeded the universe putting the right stepping stones in place .
I can say that am really going to miss being part of Frangipani's . The amount of pleasure I have derived from Frangipani's getting it re opened , up and running in 2011 , setting a standard , Sitting on the balcony having a glass of wine looking over our beautiful city and mountain and on many occasions pinching myself to the reality of " this is ours " .... The pleasure of interaction with clients and staff , the adrenalin rushes when hosting functions etc , the panic attacks only to see it all comes right and flows the way it should . It is a wonderful memory that I will carry with me for the rest of my life . The challenges faced along the way also good life lessons I will carry with me as well. All this could not have happened without our regular clients , the new clients and of course the wonderful Frangipani's Team , the hardworking staff , I will especially miss them .
I am pleased at this outcome I look forward to being an "ordinary citizen" again .... And yes to be able to as a customer sit on the balcony have a nice meal without having to have my eyes darting around to see if everything is Ok ,ha ha
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frangipanis/186488841435931 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frangipanis/186488841435931)
Not sure if I should congratulate you or burst into tears....
Hope you made money out of the deal Sandy!
Could have gone into franchising with the brand!
smiley-hug008.gif all Ok ... enjoyed the whole experience , but have had to listen when the quiet voices tell me what is good for me or else I would find myself in my fathers shoes passed age 56 , my brother Ian 57 . If you read carefully a lot going on in my mind and yes the universe even put stepping stones on the path ,,
Asset stocktake done roday all went fine ,, tomorrow food stock take and then handover on the 1st ,, a strange feeling but yes enjoying the prospect of simpler lifestyle ...its all good .
So far all going well , me relaxing and yes very happy with outcome . Michael and Johalize in the process of handover have become good friends , they are good solid folk and we have had a few miniparty after hours . They did not expect things to go so smoothly and so well . Paul still doing the baking of cakes for them as they cannot find a supplier that makes the same quality that customers want and yes we go there for dinner and breakfasts , some of the clients are puzzled , all we say to them is , Frangipani's was part of our life when it first opened in about 2004 , then became more so when we took over , now its part of our lives again as customers and friends of the new owners ,, its all good ... 16_1_231