February 1, 2011 > Survive to thrive in the restaurant industry Survive to thrive in the restaurant industry Submitted By Gloria Ortega The Hayward Redevelopment Agency is hosting a free, half-day seminar "Survival Strategies for Today's Restaurateur." "The Agency is very pleased to give restaurateurs the opportunity to come together, to learn from industry experts and identify ways to prosper during these challenging economic times. The seminar will also give restaurateurs the opportunity to network and share ideas. The City is very proud of our diverse restaurant base and we hope this seminar will benefit all who attend," says Agency Director Fran David. The seminar will focus on the top five strategies that restaurateurs need to adopt to keep their doors open during an economic downturn. Attendees will learn how to approach their landlord for rent abatements; analyze profit and loss statements to set goals that are inline with industry benchmarks for success; begin implementing weekly inventory systems, weekly business analysis (flashcard); and operating the business from a budget. Attendees will take away hand-outs and will be able to implement the strategies immediately to see results in their restaurants. The seminar will also include a panel of industry experts in marketing technologies and social media, which will discuss the importance of an updated website, social media applications, such as Facebook and Twitter, and strategies on review sites, such as Yelp. In addition, the panel will provide an introduction of some newer platforms such as mobile marketing, text marketing and smart phone apps. "I look forward to meeting with fellow restaurateurs and to hear of the latest trends in the industry. I've been in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years and always receptive to new strategies," remarked Martin Oviedo, owner of Buon Appetito, 917 A Street, Hayward. Survival Strategies for Today's Restaurateur will be taught by Louise Dawson, Lead Restaurant Consultant of Five Star Restaurant Consultants. She is former restaurant and catering businesses owner and her clients include: Medjool, Foreign Cinema, Beard Papa, Bristo Burgers, District SF, Peet's Coffee, and more. The schedule is as follows: Registration and Opening Remarks (12 - 12.45 p.m.), Survival Strategies for Today's Restaurateur (12.45 - 2.15 p.m.), Refreshment Break and Networking (2.15 - 2.45 p.m.) and "Create the Buzz" Marketing Technology and Social Media Strategies for your Restaurant (2.45 - 4. p.m.). Please RSVP to Colleen Kamai at (510) 583-4260. For more information, contact Gloria Ortega, Redevelopment Project Manager at (510) 583-4262 or by email to Gloria.Ortega@hayward-ca.gov or Louise Dawson, Five Star Restaurant Consultants at (707) 567-6739. Survival Strategies for Today's Restaurateur Monday, February 7 12 - 4 p.m. Council Chambers Hayward City Hall 777 B St., Hayward (510) 583-4260 Gloria.Ortega@hayward-ca.gov Free admission