In the latest episode of the Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, host Jeremy Julian welcomes a dynamic guest who has truly revolutionized how restaurant owners can manage and grow their businesses. Andrew Scott, a former restaurant owner and now an industry innovator, joined the show to share invaluable insights into achieving what he calls “restaurant freedom.”
Introduction to Andrew Scott and Ownership Shift Training
Andrew Scott has spent nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, journeying from an ambitious young owner to a strategic educator and coach for other restaurateurs. His early experiences, filled with hard lessons about the real demands of ownership, led him to create Ownership Shift Training. His company’s mission is to solve restaurant-related problems and teach owners how to scale their businesses while reclaiming personal time and joy.
As Jeremy noted at the start of the episode, many restaurant owners begin with dreams of financial freedom and lighter work schedules but often end up overwhelmed by endless tasks. Andrew’s breakthrough was realizing the need for smarter business strategies that enable owners to gain control over their time while increasing profitability.
Defining Restaurant Freedom
For Andrew, “freedom” in the restaurant business means having the ability to choose where to allocate your time and efforts. The ultimate goal is to manage the business effectively so that owners can work in the capacities they enjoy while also allowing time for family and personal life. This kind of freedom requires letting go of the survival mode mentality that leaves many owners burnt out and financially strained.
Three-Pronged Approach to Restaurant Success
Andrew described a structured, three-step plan for restaurateurs to transform their operations:
- Cost Reduction: Focus on optimizing prime costs, which encompass food and labor expenditures. Andrew emphasized the importance of understanding prime costs and setting a target of 55% for sustainable profitability. By doing so, every dollar saved can be reinvested into the business, particularly in marketing.
- Increasing Sales via Marketing: Once costs are optimized, the savings can be redirected into marketing efforts. Growing top-line revenue is crucial, but it should be pursued strategically to maximize the profits retained from these new sales.
- Systemizing Operations: The final step is about stepping back from the daily grind by systemizing operations and leveraging technology. This often includes hiring managers, training staff, and using digital tools to streamline processes. The goal is to replace the owner’s constant presence in daily operations with reliable systems and empowered staff.
The Role of Consistency and Technology
A recurring theme in Andrew’s advice was the power of consistency. Whether it’s hiring practices, cost control, or customer service, success comes from executing the basics exceptionally well. He also highlighted the importance of using technology to effectively replicate and manage operations, making it easier for owners to oversee multiple locations or departments without stress.
A Client’s Journey: From Chaos to Expansion
Andrew shared an inspiring success story of a client who went from struggling to manage one location to confidently opening more. By implementing Andrew’s strategies, they transitioned from a hectic day-to-day operation to having time to plan and execute an expansion.
Understanding and Predicting Business Seasons
One of the more nuanced aspects of Andrew’s approach is understanding the seasonal patterns of a restaurant business. Recognizing when sales will spike or dip allows for proactive planning, such as hiring in advance of a busy season to avoid the last-minute scramble for staff.
Final Thoughts and Connecting with Ownership Shift Training
For those ready to transform their restaurant business, Andrew offers an engaging four and a half month “sprint” to achieve significant improvements in profitability and work-life balance. His company provides comprehensive coaching tailored to the unique needs of each restaurant.
To learn more about Andrew Scott’s transformative approach or to engage with his team, visit ownershiftraining.com or find Andrew on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube under Andrew R. Scott. Here, restaurant owners can discover how to reclaim their business and their lives by executing deliberate, strategic changes in their operations.
As Jeremy Julian concluded the podcast, deliberate and intentional action is key to evolving from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow. Andrew Scott’s Ownership Shift Training is poised to help restaurateurs achieve just that, solving problems and enhancing life balance that many owners might only dream possible.
