Calli Carson : Chavelas Restaurant
After a quarter worth of strategizing and planning, I am more excited than ever to begin to implement the changes that I believe will help Jose transform Chavelas Restaurant into a thriving business.
On April 7th, the Chavelas project team visited Chavelas Restaurant. After finals and Spring break, we were all eager to talk to Jose over lunch. Furthermore, we were anticipating the changes and progress that Jose made in our absence. Because Chavelas Restaurant is still in its first months as a business, every time that we return there is something new. Though this is exciting, it can be a bit challenging to help Jose succeed when he is constantly changing marketing strategies, adding menu items, and purchasing items. When we went to the restaurant today, we found out that Jose had spent several hundred dollars on a new banner outside the restaurant and had paid even more for a magazine promotion. Furthermore, Jose threw a grand reopening party that was expensive and poorly attended.
Despite the fact that Jose is extremely receptive to our ideas, I find that he is hesitant to independently reach out to the Chavelas team. It is clear to me that Chavelas Restaurant is extremely important to Jose and his wife and that they are desperate to try anything that will work. More than anything, my goal for the next quarter is to build a strong, positive relationship with Jose. I want him to rely on the Chavelas Team and know that he can reach out to us with any questions or concerns and that we will do our best to help him succeed. I believe that once Jose begins to see concrete evidence of our support and dedication through the implementation of changes he will understand our purpose and goals.
Though this quarter will be challenging, I know that it will be extremely rewarding. I really enjoyed talking to Jose today and am eager to continue working with him, his wife, and the CET team to help Chavelas Restaurant succeed!