Lately, I used to be visiting a pizzeria and discussing its menu with the proprietor. He does a New York fashion hand tossed pizza, and he does it effectively. It’s the workhorse of his menu and he’s very happy with it. When the dialog turned to his appetizer record, he turned dismissive. Although he acknowledges appetizer gross sales are pink scorching proper now, he insists he needs to be recognized for his pizza.
As effectively he ought to. However, at what value? In at this time’s market, having nice pizza will not be sufficient. The operator I used to be talking with appeared to agree with that time to a small diploma. He had an entire menu, however he appeared to deal with the nonpizza gadgets as undesirable stepchildren. Working example: I requested him about his rooster wings.
“Oh,” he stated, “these are simply on there as a result of folks anticipate us to have them. However we don’t actually promote lots of them.” “Hmmm,” I replied. “Most locations do. Have you ever tried having your servers push them a little bit?”
“It wouldn’t matter,” the operator responded. He then named a competitor up the road. We’ll name the place Dave’s Pizza for this commentary. “Dave’s has a lot better wings, so folks go there when they need these.”
I requested what made Dave’s wings higher. The operator answered that they had been bigger and simply fl at-out had higher taste.
I couldn’t assist however ask why he didn’t improve his wings to be extra aggressive. He kind of dodged the query and stated he was pondering of taking wings off his menu altogether. I couldn’t consider what I used to be listening to. For those who strive actually laborious to promote a product and simply can’t transfer it, then, by all means, take it off the menu. However this was a distinct story altogether. The operator in query admitted he was serving an inferior product and he didn’t care as a result of he had nice pizza and that was sufficient for him.
As for me, I consider that an operation ought to attempt for perfection on each menu merchandise. Certain, you need the most effective pizza on the town. However you additionally need the most effective wings, the most effective hoagies, the most effective carrot cake … you title it. For those who’re going to serve it, do it proper. In any other case, don’t do it in any respect.
Greatest,
Jeremy White, editor-in-chief
