Matthew Harner
For decades, the restaurant world has been my home. I started young, learning the hustle as a server and then a bartender, soaking up every detail of customer service. My journey led me to management, where I truly learned to lead teams and run a successful operation from top to bottom.
Today, I’m the owner of two incredible spots, Ultralife Cafe and Yaquina Bakery. This hands-on ownership, combined with years of experience as a chef, in menu development, hiring, events, and more, gives me a unique perspective.
My passion now extends to helping other restaurant owners succeed. I consult on everything from crafting profitable menus and smart pricing, to streamlining logistics, building powerhouse teams, enhancing branding, and implementing strategies to reduce food waste. I believe in the power of food to bring people together, and my background in non-profit leadership reinforces my commitment to people and community. As a creative visionary with strategic insight, I’m here to share my expertise. Available for online consultations via Zoom.
Data to Fix What’s Broken
You can’t fix what you can’t measure. One of biggest mistakes I see restaurant owners making is simply not have an easy way to track their spend. Effective reporting is how you make thin profit margins work for you. It is possible to have a profitable restaurant, but you have to utilize better reporting.
Your reports need to include your online marketing efforts as well as your in-house costs.
Own Your Online Presence
Tired of having your good reviews held hostage and having to pay extra just to share the great feed back from your customers? In the restaurant industry most of the tools we use from POS systems to marketing tools take a cut. Big “billion dollar bullies” take an unfair portion of your restaurant’s revenue.
You can use commission-free tools and keep your hard-earned revenue. It is essential that you keep your customer data, that you have control over your online listings, and that you respond to your reviews and share them. I can help you do this.