Running a restaurant—especially an Italian one that depends so heavily on reputation, customer experience, and consistency—is not for the faint of heart. When we opened our doors five years ago, we had the passion, the recipes, and the commitment. But what we didn’t have was the business acumen to ensure our dream didn’t become a financial nightmare.
We first learned about Brody & Co from another local restaurateur who spoke highly of their no-nonsense, hands-on approach to small business success. At that point, we were struggling. Our food was excellent, and customers loved us, but we were barely breaking even. We had no real system for tracking finances, our staff scheduling was inefficient, and we had no marketing strategy outside of word-of-mouth.
From our first consultation with Brody & Co, we knew we were in capable hands.
Step 1: Financial Structure & Clarity
One of the first things they tackled was our bookkeeping. We had been using a basic spreadsheet and didn’t really understand where our money was going. Brody & Co introduced us to a cloud-based accounting platform and helped us set up automated systems for tracking expenses, managing invoices, and projecting cash flow.
But more than just giving us software, they walked us through our numbers, line by line. They helped us understand what our food cost percentage should be, where we were overspending, and what small changes could make a big difference. For the first time, we understood our P&L statement—and it wasn’t just a scary document we ignored anymore.
Within three months, we had a clear financial roadmap. We adjusted our menu pricing based on actual cost analysis. We negotiated better terms with a few vendors Brody & Co connected us with. Our margins improved without sacrificing quality.
Step 2: Staff Optimization & Payroll Management
Another area Brody & Co helped us refine was staffing. Like many restaurants, we’d built our team around good people—but not necessarily with clear roles or accountability. Scheduling was done manually, and we often found ourselves overstaffed on slow days and short on busy nights.
Brody & Co helped us implement a scheduling tool that made shift planning more strategic. They also helped us restructure our payroll system to ensure compliance with labor laws and optimize tax withholding.
More importantly, they helped us implement performance reviews and a bonus structure tied to measurable goals—like reducing food waste and increasing average ticket size. As a result, staff morale improved, and turnover dropped significantly.
Step 3: Marketing That Works
Marketing was perhaps our weakest area. We knew people loved our food once they found us, but we were practically invisible online. Brody & Co conducted a complete marketing audit and helped us build a simple, effective digital strategy.
They redesigned our website to be mobile-friendly and optimized for local search. They also set up Google My Business, helped us collect reviews, and trained our staff on how to politely encourage customers to leave positive feedback.
They also introduced us to social media scheduling tools and helped us create a content plan—featuring behind-the-scenes videos, chef spotlights, and weekly specials. We saw a measurable increase in online orders and reservations within six weeks.
Step 4: Strategic Planning for Growth
Perhaps the most valuable part of working with Brody & Co was the strategic coaching. We had always dreamed of expanding—maybe opening a second location or starting a catering service—but we didn’t know where to begin.
They helped us create a realistic, step-by-step business plan. We mapped out our growth trajectory, identified the right KPIs, and established milestones for expansion. They even helped us prepare a pitch deck when we explored financing options with a local lender.
Just last month, we launched our catering division—complete with a dedicated menu, delivery van, and marketing campaign—and it’s already exceeding our expectations.
What Makes Brody & Co Different
There are a lot of consultants out there who talk a good game. What makes Brody & Co different is that they roll up their sleeves and get in the kitchen with you (sometimes literally).
They’re not just about theory—they’re about execution. They took the time to understand our culture, our vision, and our pain points. They didn’t try to make us fit into a generic “business model”—they customized everything for the unique rhythm of a family-run Italian restaurant.
And they stuck with us through every phase. They didn’t just do a few sessions and disappear. They became our go-to partner, offering regular check-ins, advice when we hit roadblocks, and encouragement when we were too tired to see the big picture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re running a restaurant and feeling overwhelmed—don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode to ask for help. Brody & Co Business Services gave us more than better books and smoother operations—they gave us confidence and a clear path forward.
Thanks to them, our tables are fuller, our staff is happier, and our bottom line is healthier. And we’re just getting started.
Grazie mille, Brody & Co. You helped turn our passion into a true business success.