Jim Cruz

Dec
09
Confessions of a Cottage Baker

Confessions of a Cottage Baker

As a cottage food operator, I often find myself facing criticism over my pricing. Customers sometimes express concern (but more
3 min read
Dec
06
Get Paid as an Owner

Get Paid as an Owner

Understanding the various methods of paying yourself as a business owner is crucial for both legal compliance and financial health.
2 min read
Dec
04
How To: Start Catering Now

How To: Start Catering Now

Starting a catering business can be incredibly lucrative, but it requires careful planning, execution, and a deep understanding of the
5 min read
Dec
02
How To: Corporate Coffee Gigs

How To: Corporate Coffee Gigs

This is the first installment in a a new series on Fast Casual Consulting where we provide guidance on handling
5 min read
Nov
29
Checklists Matter Most

Checklists Matter Most

For fast casual operations, success isn't just about great food—it's about consistency, efficiency, and reliability.
2 min read
Nov
27
Marketing Your Product

Marketing Your Product

Effectively marketing your fast casual restaurant isn't just important—it's essential for survival. With consumers having
3 min read
Nov
25
Hire Quickly, Fire Quickly

Hire Quickly, Fire Quickly

Maintaining a positive, customer-focused environment is paramount to success. The philosophy of "hire quickly, fire quickly" might seem
3 min read
Nov
22
The Unwritten Rules of Food (TURF) #2

The Unwritten Rules of Food (TURF) #2

This is the second installment in a series exploring the harsh realities and unwritten rules of running a fast casual
3 min read
Nov
20
The Unwritten Rules of Food (TURF) #1

The Unwritten Rules of Food (TURF) #1

This is the first in a series exploring the harsh realities and unwritten rules of running a fast casual restaurant.
2 min read
Nov
18
The Case for Copying

The Case for Copying

In the competitive landscape of fast-casual dining, operators are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract customers and maintain menu excitement.
3 min read