What’s your main business priority over the next 12 months?
CRM and raising cash on the balance sheet is key. We seem to be at the top of the market and we want to be ready to expand as soon as rent levels become more sensible and opportunities arise.
What is the best marketing campaign you have seen in the past 12 months?
On a general note the Norwegian ad on Brad Pitt was successfully simple and quick off the mark. Industry wise the slickness and speed that M Restaurants recently completed their crowd funding was a credit to their product and effective experienced marketing.
Where did you have your best meal over the past year?
Ikeda on Brook Street. Small, discrete and family run for generations; never fails to impress.
Which business in the sector provides the best experience?
Fast casual seems to be flavour of the year at present. I look forward to the time when the customer sees the value in operators offering more than half a dozen dishes. I see the novelty and fun in “X or Y” but in effect the customer is being short changed by very limited menus.
What is your main concern for the sector?
Skill shortages would be high on the list however will be slightly alleviated by improvements in technology. Smart kitchen equipment is being developed to alleviate skill level issues and robots will be appearing soon, particularly back of house. Rent and rates are probably our biggest concern. Rental levels are beyond comprehension or common sense and the recent rates rise will unfortunately be the undoing of some smaller operators.
Which other business (any sector) would you most like to run and why?
A farm or fishing boat. The thought of being able to genuinely supply our own restaurants is incredibly appealing.
