When I was the chef of Lindbergh's Crossing (in Portsmouth, NH) in the 90's, I had no idea what lay ahead. Our menu changes consisted of some intense brainstorming sessions (usually accompanied by wine) and then a day or two of prep to get ready. Boy was I spoiled. My first menu change with Bertucci's shares only one thing in common - the brainstorming. Not to bore you with details but here's a few bullet points of what trainspired over the last 6 months to get to where we are today:
- Step One: Strategy presentation to the executive team
- Step Two: Presentation of tactical steps to meet the strategy
- Steps Three - Six: Tastings with the executive team on each section of the menu, sharing recipe concepts
- Step Seven: Online surveys and focus groups of menu item concepts
- Step Eight: Recipe Development (including sourcing, operational concerns, etc.)
- Step Nine - Eleven: Begin Implementation process - now we get to the fun stuff when we add in the finance, marketing, training and regulatory departments.
- Step Twelve: Take a deep breath
- Step Thirteen: Produce media content: menu pictures, digital video, ad campaign materials, etc.
- See the picture above - that's me getting ready to film a session of on line media.
- Step Fourteen: The launch - starts this March with some kick-off events, restaurant level training and a media push.
Amazing process: we've developed 29 new recipes a whole new menu layout and a new and evolved culinary voice for the brand.
Funny thing is, we will be starting the process all over again in a month as we begin working on the Summer and Fall recipes.
Stay tuned for more pictures and details of the launch.
Cheers,
Jeff
No comments:
Post a Comment