Anthony and Sherri Processing the Process Videocast 5

​August 25, 2021

​Evolution of thinking in key facets of operations: Choosing wine/spirits: reduce breadth of offerings; keep inventory lean to minimize "dead money"/maintain liquidity; clientele not looking for high end brands and primarily order by the glass...Bar: "center of our universe"; lucrative revenue center since renovation; customers want to be part of the friendly atmosphere; 3 great bartenders with great energy/synergy/strong relationships with loyal customer base...Interior design: bar re-design; plan to expand/update outdoor seating...Entertainment: Monday open mike night with Purchase jazz dept. students, then Thursday night band -- generate excitement and big followings...Lunch/Pre-theater: local corporations and Purchase Performing Arts Center = big sources of business; finite period of time, so: limited menu, order and deliver food quickly to ensure good, unrushed customer experience...P.O.S. Technology: electronic system malfunctions cause big disruptions; migrating to more expedient iPad-based system. Life of a sole-proprietor: fast-paced, constant problem-solving, juggling many moving parts while making it look seamless, "controlled chaos"; so many things must go right for customer to have a good experience. Conversely, any piece out of place and whole system can go into tailspin; need ability to compartmentalize and deal with issues on as-needed basis; don't become consumed by one problem; always "on stage"; quickly pivot when something goes awry; study each station to identity "choke points" so can deal with problems quickly before they spread; learn to trust/delegate; be vigilant about controlling costs -- it's your pocketbook; importance of owner connecting/forming relationships with customers to make them feel special and want to return; angst over times when not present = missing customers; efforts never feel good enough -- always want to do more.