tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.comments2023-04-13T02:59:01.946-05:00The ScoopJPechehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719972409389933734noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-89898398267533382008-11-12T12:02:00.000-05:002008-11-12T12:02:00.000-05:00Here's what George Gombossy said in an e-mail in r...Here's what George Gombossy said in an e-mail in response to some comments I e-mailed him earlier:<BR/><BR/>We had had a dozen restaurants close abruptly in central conn with hundreds of people stuck with worthless gift certificates, the way the economy is going i am willing to get that we will have at least 100 more closings.<BR/>My point is this, if the restaurant association does not do something to protect people who buy gift certificates, no customer should.<BR/>What is the point of buying a Morton's if the only on in central ct closes and the company goes into bankruptcy<BR/>GeorgePeter Romeohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07180004898051387237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-45008113866814635952008-11-06T15:14:00.000-05:002008-11-06T15:14:00.000-05:00Why would anybody be worried now? Got a labor issu...Why would anybody be worried now? Got a labor issue, Obama will take care of it. Got a sales or food cost issue? Don't worry, Obama has you covered. Concept needs to go chapter 11? Don't worry, Democratic congress will bail you out. Heck, I didn't take the trash out last night to the curb. Obama is going to handle it. I can't wait for when he negotiates a new interest rate for me and pays my mortgage.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/>SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-6138188307196053022008-11-06T14:25:00.000-05:002008-11-06T14:25:00.000-05:00None of these ideas seems particularly innovative....None of these ideas seems particularly innovative...these all sound like re-treads of what's working elsewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-57330068985822669342008-10-31T10:52:00.000-05:002008-10-31T10:52:00.000-05:00Im sorry to say this, but anyone who hasn't made a...Im sorry to say this, but anyone who hasn't made a decision by now and doesnt understand how clear cut the the decision is from a business standpoint. Please stay home!<BR/><BR/>Sincerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-38419753754868755392008-10-29T21:42:00.000-05:002008-10-29T21:42:00.000-05:00Build My Bistro,What you're contemplating has ...Build My Bistro,<BR/><BR/>What you're contemplating has been tried many, many times. New York alone has seen the start-up of places that specialize in macaroni and cheese, rice pudding, risotto, noodles and milk shakes--all aiming to tap that yen for comfort foods. The problem: Frequency. It's one thing to venture out once and awhile for mac and cheese. But do you want a steady diet of it? <BR/><BR/>I understand that you're talking about a variety of the old favs. New York has a number of places that have successfully taken that route, from EJ's, a chain of updated diners, to Chat & Chew, which got my lunch business at least once a week (the turkey dinner is the real thing). But part of their appeal is a relatively low price.<BR/><BR/>A low price, and the danger of low frequency? Not exactly what they drum into would-be restaurateurs at Cornell. <BR/><BR/>But I'd be curious as to what other operators think. Is it crazy to attempt a bistro with comfort foods at this point in time?Peter Romeohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07180004898051387237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-47293772375675488232008-10-29T11:27:00.000-05:002008-10-29T11:27:00.000-05:00The only thing more gutless than rollouts to hide ...The only thing more gutless than rollouts to hide poor performance is a chain eliminating an ingredient to cowtow to political correctness, example, Jason's Deli removing corn syrup from all products based on bad science. <BR/><BR/>SIncerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-13479025336727803852008-10-29T04:58:00.000-05:002008-10-29T04:58:00.000-05:00What do you think would happen if I opened my bist...What do you think would happen if I opened my bistro with a concept that brought back the beans & rice, grilled cheese sandwich, and other cheap home food 'forgot-abouts'?<BR/><BR/>It will be awhile before my ideas come to fruition, so I am having a good old time blogging about it.<BR/><BR/>Any ideas?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-24201307627343660662008-10-28T08:33:00.000-05:002008-10-28T08:33:00.000-05:00Yes, great story. This is what's called "weeding o...Yes, great story. This is what's called "weeding out the idiots" - which means that those not deserving to be in the restaurant and HOSPITALITY business will eventually die off. <BR/><BR/>Now, is there any correlation to a story I saw yesterday about Cheesecake Factory's stock price fall???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-70546722876600037662008-10-28T05:09:00.000-05:002008-10-28T05:09:00.000-05:00Peter,This is a great story. I wish the team all t...Peter,<BR/>This is a great story. I wish the team all the best. We have a Steak and Ale in our town and it too is closed after 25 + years. It would be a great location for a local ownership to create a concept that would give families a place to meet and a place to call work.<BR/>Keep the success stories coming!<BR/>-BillUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04511144765988436801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-44418804500445463522008-10-26T21:37:00.000-05:002008-10-26T21:37:00.000-05:00Jim,I am in that boat. I can't tell you how crazy ...Jim,<BR/>I am in that boat. I can't tell you how crazy it is.... but it is now is getting scary. I am a very respected operator and I wonder if I will make it through this challenge?<BR/>I will search and hunt but I will have to take something soon to keep my family healthy.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04511144765988436801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-41699813837249115562008-10-20T20:58:00.000-05:002008-10-20T20:58:00.000-05:00Steakman and Michael, Riddle me this why is are th...Steakman and Michael, Riddle me this why is are the wealthy and corporations the OBAMA rescue package. If we are all in this together, shouldn't everyone be in it regardless of tax bracket. And on taxes dude, what's up with the spreading of the wealth and the socialism of medicine. Can we make the hard choices of not saving 84 year old grandma or on the other end of the spectrum the child that will never see its way off life support. Sorry to be direct. But these are times for directness and get in the game Steakman you may not like him but Matthews is watched by millions of voters!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-9192293267063161442008-10-18T18:20:00.000-05:002008-10-18T18:20:00.000-05:00Gez Steakman. Have you been living under a rock fo...Gez Steakman. Have you been living under a rock for the past 8 years? Do you REALLY want the John and Sarah show solving all the problems we have inherited form 8 years of Bush? Are among the 23% of American's that think Bush is doing a good job? <BR/><BR/>I am a republican but have zero interest in voting along party lines. This is a country first statement. Here is the reality...no one will ever be ready or fully prepared to assume the role of President. <BR/><BR/>On taxes. Steakman, dude. Think wealth creation. If you are making $250,000 a year and don't have assets and a plan to create wealth, then taxes aren't your biggest problem.<BR/><BR/>However, I am concerned about making it easier to organize labor with the proposed card-check program. Obama is pro labor and that does give me pause.Michael, CEO FohBohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15469877922622693708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-13326974164158023102008-10-16T10:40:00.000-05:002008-10-16T10:40:00.000-05:00Your first mistake is believing anything Obama say...Your first mistake is believing anything Obama says is the truth or if he has any intention of really doing anything he says. As for the the $3,000 an employee tax credit. He will make that up by increasing the capital gains tax on small business owners. Riddle me this,Peter: Is a $3,000 per employee tax a real break if you have to fire employees and the capital gains tax increases? Add, the socialized health care program costs, along with no more secret ballot for unions along with rchanges in the right to work law changes. As for Chris Matthews, I can't believe MUFSO would invite such partisan idiot to speak. What happened, Was Keith Olbermann not available?<BR/>If NObama gets elected, expect the stock market to take a plunge that will make the last month look like a picnic.<BR/>Also, Obama plans to only increase taxes on $250,000 and above. How far does $250,000 a household go in NYC, or Boston or anywhere in Northeast. DO you think any of those families think they are rich?<BR/><BR/>As for his experience, answer me this? Would NRN hire a College Freshman in Journalism to run NRN?<BR/><BR/>So whats the difference?<BR/><BR/>Anyone who thinks this guy pro-business is insane.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/>SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-75232703390138756242008-10-14T13:21:00.000-05:002008-10-14T13:21:00.000-05:00Given that food is not a luxury, there's no need t...Given that food is not a luxury, there's no need to be on suicide watch, one of the panelists explained. "If I was selling Mercedes-Benz, if I was selling jewelry, I'd be worried," said CKE's Puzder. "But I'm selling fast food. If that soccer mom stops coming into Carl's Jr. for a burger, then our economy would be in worse shape than I thought."<BR/><BR/>Greg Creed, president of Taco Bell: "You can't go to a supermarket and get the ingredients and make it yourself for what we charge."<BR/><BR/>Puzder again: "We think next year will be a good year for this industry and a good year for us."<BR/><BR/>Keep Drinking the Kool-Aid, Boys. Just look at the comments the idiots in congress were making two years ago about Fannie and Freddie.<BR/><BR/>Food is not a luxury, but there is a choice. What if that soccer mom decides to go to a grocery chain for her meals? You can't go to a supermarket and get the ingredients and make it yourself for what we charge." That's a tag line to remember. How about, "Nobody serves crap cheaper than us." <BR/>"If I was selling Mercedes-Benz, if I was selling jewelry, I'd be worried," How about, "If I were selling houses I would be worried" or "If my customers lived in houses, I would be worried" or 'If my customers became unemployed because of the credit crunch, then I would be worried". Oh wait, that is happening.<BR/><BR/>What was the theme song playing during the panel? Send in the clowns?<BR/><BR/>sincerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-89703005787781181602008-10-13T10:41:00.000-05:002008-10-13T10:41:00.000-05:00The concept might fly in left coast cities like sa...The concept might fly in left coast cities like san francisco and LA, probably would work in Taxachussett. As long as the market demo includes a primary market of grass eaters and suckers willing to overpay for glorified sausage and peppers. The stick in the roll reminds me of the microwave hot dog cooker my mother used. I always get a laugh out of ex big company CEO's going through a midlife crisis who try starting these concepts. It wreaks of wanting validation as a foodservice guru that they feel they never got credit for as a CEO.<BR/>I call it ther Fredo Corleone syndrome: "I'm smart Mike. Im not dumb like everyone says." <BR/>Lastly, The real entrepreneurs ae the guys that try these new concepts with their last buck, or put their house up as collateral. Not former CEO's with millions in the bank who are looking for a new toy.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-36022607038413242422008-10-13T06:10:00.000-05:002008-10-13T06:10:00.000-05:00One thing that you also forgot to mention is the l...One thing that you also forgot to mention is the low turnout at MUFSO this year. With so many companies tightening down on travel for Q4 and trying to push as much expenses out to 2009, there are a lot of vendors here at MUFSO! Unfortunately, this credit crisis is making its way into the restaurant industry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-6503931995666898552008-10-09T20:38:00.000-05:002008-10-09T20:38:00.000-05:00Peter, really now, I agree, pizza needs a creative...Peter, really now, I agree, pizza needs a creative boost and you may have something here. Is this craziness just a reflection of the current state of the economy? Innovate or die? Distinguish your offering and draw attention to your menu? Is there a direct connection between rocky mountain oyster pizza and losing $2 trillion in our 401(k)? Maybe we just need a hug.Michael, CEO FohBohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15469877922622693708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-25662436637063173572008-10-07T10:02:00.000-05:002008-10-07T10:02:00.000-05:00This is absolutely hilarious! The city that nobody...This is absolutely hilarious! The city that nobody tells what to do. The city that survived the worst terrorist attack in US history. The city known for its great food and indulgence is being told to eat 2,000 calories a day. Are we witnessing the sissification of the big apple? I'll donate to a ad fund that depicts an overweight cop, fireman, city worker holding their crouch giving the middle finger to the camera with the tag line: "Here's your 2,000 calories"<BR/><BR/><BR/>Sincerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-60288037622664596042008-10-04T05:35:00.000-05:002008-10-04T05:35:00.000-05:00What do you base that statement on, steakman? Both...What do you base that statement on, steakman? Both of these companies do indeed use real beef. That has never been an accusation aimed at Wendy's or Arby's. You need to check your facts before you levy harmful claims against honest companies. God forbid you would have to someday work for a company that has to deal with false accusations like this.BurgerTimehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06180200974604459038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-66322239523600231412008-10-03T14:13:00.000-05:002008-10-03T14:13:00.000-05:00You would think the arby's/wendy's combo would be ...You would think the arby's/wendy's combo would be hit a hit with the new healthy crowd since neither concept sells real beef.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely steakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-9015782026686451702008-09-30T14:11:00.000-05:002008-09-30T14:11:00.000-05:00"They also blasted the alternative of making ..."They also blasted the alternative of making nutrition information available via computers, noting that their meals are often a hurried, spontaneous affair. That objection could be echoed as the industry tries to deflect demand for on-menu postings by promoting online or kiosk postings as replacements"<BR/><BR/>This is too good to be true! Watching do-gooders get caught in their own web of good intentions and political correctness. Boy, Have things have really changed from when I was in college. We weren't worried about nutritional info when we were fishing through the couch cushions for change to buy a box of Kraft Mac & Cheese and a quart of bud. Ah, memories!<BR/><BR/>Sincerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-47182548229102146862008-09-26T20:41:00.000-05:002008-09-26T20:41:00.000-05:00Chipolte food is great and fresh all the time. It ...Chipolte food is great and fresh all the time. It seems that this cafe will do well and continue to grow even in the recession that is bound to hit every corner of this land. However; in the Dallas area, most all locations, the help is substandard to say the least. They employee rude Meixcan women and men who could care less about anything but hurring someone through the line and skimping on the servings. They seem irritated to slow down if a person needs some time to evaluate the ingredients they are getting. Since there is no contact on any of their web pages they don't seem to want to hear about any negative issues. One thing is very certain as money gets tight as it will the rude employees could cost a location to go under unless they address the real problem instead of just sluffing it off. RC Lewisville, TexasAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15158392091396344343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-91158592676181274622008-09-26T10:10:00.000-05:002008-09-26T10:10:00.000-05:00Riddle me this Batman. Why would 200 restaurateurs...Riddle me this Batman. Why would 200 restaurateurs go anywhere without knowing the reason why? What policy initiative from a lame duck president with four months left, have any impact at all? The only initiative that ould be worth going to Capital Hill would be the President putting the Burger King "King" on the terrorist watch list and banning those stupid commercials.<BR/><BR/>The cancellation reminds me of the riddle: "How do you keep someone in the dark?"<BR/><BR/><BR/>Sincerely, SteakmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-11437089811185702008-09-24T10:07:00.000-05:002008-09-24T10:07:00.000-05:00This subject is near and dear to my heart. Peter, ...This subject is near and dear to my heart. Peter, You are being too hard on PETA. I love all of God's Creatures (Pause) Right Next to my mashed potatoes!!!!!<BR/><BR/>Sincerely, Vealman, I mean Steakman.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16651567.post-4446046743576553002008-09-21T07:40:00.000-05:002008-09-21T07:40:00.000-05:00Passion about food safety, through the faces of vi...Passion about food safety, through the faces of victims of foodborne illness and those of your own family, is what reaches a person's heart to do the right thing when no one is looking.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00536549532904076413noreply@blogger.com