Getting started:
What types of restaurants do you work with?
Fast-casual, QSR, polished-casual, and small-footprint concepts — kiosks, food halls, ghost kitchens.
We also help full-service groups tighten up menus or build counter-service hybrids.
If food moves and people pay for it, we can make it work smarter.
I only have an idea — can we start?
Absolutely. Bring the napkin sketch. We’ll pressure-test the concept, define the guest promise, set menu lanes, throughput goals, and run a first-pass P&L to see if the math smiles back.
Do you help existing restaurants or only new launches?
Both. We do turnarounds, menu profitability projects, rebrands, and “open-then-optimize” support for those who launched before meeting us.
What does “Human-Led, AI-Driven” actually mean?
People make the calls. Our AI tools just crunch numbers faster — modeling demand, testing kitchen flows, staffing, and drafting SOPs so decisions are grounded in data, not guesswork.
Timeline & pricing
How long does a typical launch take?
Most projects run 8–12 weeks from green-light to soft open — assuming permits, vendors, and landlords behave.
How do you price projects?
Scope-based. Each phase (Plan → Build → Train → Launch) has a fixed fee. Ongoing support is monthly. No surprises, no “mystery add-ons.”
What’s included vs. not included?
Included: strategy, models, playbooks, layouts (non-stamped), SOPs, training, launch plan.
Not included: construction, equipment, paid media, and anything requiring architects, engineers, or city clerks in hard hats.
Do you take equity or success fees?
Usually no. But if equity fits the deal, we’ll listen.
Process & services
What’s in “Concept & Brand Development”?
Positioning, guest profiles, name options, mood and visual direction, brand voice, and a lightweight kit — logo, colors, and type that actually match the story.
What is “Menu Engineering”?
Menu structure, pricing, and profitability — balancing what guests love with what pays the bills.
How do you approach “Kitchen & Layout Planning”?
We map demand → stations → equipment, then hand you a line diagram, adjacency plan, and recommended smallwares list. (Stamped drawings stay with your architect.)
Can you source equipment and vendors?
Yes — we build shortlists with pros, cons, and lead times. You sign the contracts; we keep score.
Do you handle permits?
We guide the path — checklists, timelines, submittal prep — and coordinate with your architect or expediter. We’re the sherpa, not the one filing the mountain paperwork.
What do “Ops Setup + SOPs” include?
Opening and closing checklists, pars, line checks, food-safety steps, cash handling, cleaning matrices, and weekly manager routines.
Will you create training plans?
Yes — role profiles, day-by-day training, job aids, and evaluation checklists.
Team & hiring
Do you recruit staff?
We build the org chart, define the roles, and design the interview system. Recruiting can run through your team or a trusted partner agency.
Can you train my managers and leads?
Yes — pre-opening training plus hands-on coaching during soft opens.
What about food-safety and compliance training?
We align SOPs with local code and recommend accredited programs; certifications stay in your name.
Marketing & launch
Do you handle brand launch and local marketing?
We set the strategy, calendar, and asset list (Google Maps, socials, local PR, partnerships). Execution can be done by your team, your agency, or ours.
Do you run paid ads?
We plan targeting and budgets; ad buying itself is optional through our or your agency.
How do you measure launch success?
Throughput, sales mix, COGS, labor %, guest sentiment, repeat rate, and ticket times — all tracked weekly on a 12-week scorecard.
Post-launch & support
What happens after opening week?
We host weekly ops reviews during the first 12 weeks, refine menus and staffing, and lock in standard work once things stabilize.
Do you offer ongoing advisory?
Yes — retainers for ops, menu R&D, LTO cycles, and new-unit rollouts.
Tech, data & AI
What systems do you recommend?
POS, KDS, inventory — we’ll suggest the stack that fits your concept and budget. Always vendor-neutral, always honest about total cost.
How do you use AI with our data?
AI models demand, drafts SOPs, and analyzes trends. Your data stays private and used only for your project.
Who owns the deliverables and data?
You do. We license the tools; the results are all yours to run, scale, or frame on the wall.
Logistics & scope
Where do you work?
Remote-first, with in-person visits for key milestones — layout review, training, soft open. We work across the U.S. and select international markets.
Can you work with my architect/GC/designer?
Absolutely — we play well with others. Or we can introduce vetted partners.
Are you architects or engineers?
No. We design operational layouts and specs; licensed A/E partners handle stamps and seals.
Do you work with franchises?
Yes — both building new franchise systems and opening units under existing standards.
Next steps
What should I prepare for the first call?
- Your concept vision and early menu ideas (even rough).
- Target location and square footage.
- Budget and timeline window.
- Any landlord or code quirks we should know about.
How do we get started?
Book a Launch Call. We’ll map the phases, align the budget and timeline, and start the pre-work before the coffee gets cold.