GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Small business owners and the general public are invited to a one-hour, no-cost Michigan SBDC webinar at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, to discuss “Thriving in the Restaurant Industry: Challenges and Opportunities.”
The live panel discussion will feature industry experts from across the state who will delve into the critical issues faced by restaurants today, including labor shortages, rising food costs, marketplace changes, shifting consumer preferences, and the impact of technology and data transformation. A question-and-answer period will follow the panel, and the webinar will also be available on demand after the live event.
“The restaurant industry is highly competitive with slim profit margins, but there are many opportunities for success,” said Jim McLain, Michigan SBDC Growth Team Manager and panel facilitator. “By focusing on great customer service, high quality food and a unique dining experience, restaurants can thrive in today’s marketplace.”
The four-member expert panel will include:
- Jody Ewbanks, Director of Restaurant Operations, Stafford’s Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs
- Javier Fortosa, Owner, Torti Taco Bar and Grill in Battle Creek
- Andy French, President, Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill, with seven locations in Michigan
- Cathy Howell, Owner, The Wicked Sister in Sault Ste. Marie
“My personal belief is that none of the industry’s current challenges in their most basic form are new,” said Howell. “Fortunately, the restaurant industry is full of creative, talented and resourceful individuals who ‘crack the code’ on the newest challenges, leading to innovative best practices that help keep us moving forward.”
More information and registration for the webinar are available at https://bit.ly/3Cd2ZgX.
GVSU’s Seidman College of Business is the host institution for the MI-SBDC and the MI-SBDC Growth Team. The MI-SBDC provides no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Michiganders looking to start or grow a business can connect to free export services, market research, cybersecurity resources and business education through the MI-SBDC.
# # # #
About the Michigan Small Business Development Center
The Michigan Small Business Development Center’s mission is to provide no-cost consulting, business education, market research and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. Michigan SBDC services are available through the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
The Michigan SBDC is committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan’s diverse business community. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest Michigan SBDC office by visiting michigansbdc.org.
The Michigan SBDC is hosted on a state level by Grand Valley State University. Regional hosts include Saginaw Valley State University, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Mid Michigan College, Michigan Technological University, Kettering University, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College and Lansing Community College.