Business Odyssey

Real Business Stories of Growth, Struggles, Resilience & Success around Denver Metro, Colorado

Culinary Resilience: A Story of Adaptation and Innovation

Written by YeeLing Lee | Efficiency Specialist & Founder of BNP

Key Takeaways

• A Remarkable Journey from Struggle to Success
• Billboard Marketing: Advertising Success
• Pandemic Resilience: How Byblos Weathered the Storm
• Staffing Strategies: Building a Dedicated Team
• Byblos’ Vision & Commitment to Exceptional Dining Experiences

This is an abridged version. Read Full Article.

Running a restaurant is no easy feat. It demands unwavering dedication, resilience, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges. Cousins Yousef and Justin’s remarkable journey with Byblos Cafe serves as a testament to the trials and triumphs of the restaurant industry. Byblos, with thriving locations in Denver, Greenwood Village, and Highlands Ranch, is renowned for its fusion of Greek and Lebanese cuisine, offering generous portions prepared with care. A standout dish is the Chicken Shawarma and Gyros Combo Plate, epitomizing their culinary expertise.

The Journey Begins

In 2017, Cousins Yousef and Justin embarked on an audacious adventure when they acquired Byblos Restaurant. Although seasoned in restaurant management, owning an establishment brought its unique set of challenges. They initiated a comprehensive transformation of Byblos, overhauling both its operations and menu to create a memorable dining experience.

Navigating Uncharted Waters

The transition from experienced managers to restaurant owners proved to be a complex endeavor. They soon realized that success in the restaurant industry demanded more than kitchen and staff management; it required a deep understanding of marketing strategies and financial management.

Entrepreneurial Resilience

During the initial stages of their ownership journey, Yousef and Justin faced financial challenges common in restaurant entrepreneurship. To navigate this uncertainty, Yousef took on a role as an Uber driver during slow restaurant hours, while Justin tirelessly managed the daily restaurant operations. This dedication underscored the resilience necessary for success in the restaurant industry.

Marketing Strategies Revealed

A serendipitous discovery of the potential of billboard marketing became a game-changer for Byblos. Following an unsuccessful attempt with small billboards, Yousef designed a captivating billboard himself, leading to significant sales growth and earning a national billboard design award. Their marketing journey unveiled the intricacies of restaurant industry advertising and the importance of persistence.

Resilience During COVID

In 2020, the COVID pandemic hit the restaurant industry hard. Yousef and Justin made a bold decision to keep Byblos operational, parting ways with their entire staff to run the restaurant themselves. Their hard work paid off as loyal customers returned, marking the restaurant’s resurgence.

Management Philosophy

Byblos’ success rests on a robust management philosophy:

1. Training Versatile Employees: Staff are trained to handle both front-end and back-end operations, ensuring adaptability and operational efficiency.
2. Hiring for Attitude: Employees are categorized based on their attitude and skills, ensuring a motivated and positive team.
3. Swift Problem Resolution: Issues are addressed promptly to maintain a positive work environment.
4. Effective Hour Management: Efficient scheduling minimizes overhead costs.
5. Power of Part-Timers: Part-time employees provide flexibility and quick replacements.
6. Efficient Operations: Streamlined training and a concise menu facilitate consistent and efficient operations.
7. Documented Procedures: About 70% of procedures are documented, ensuring consistency across multiple locations.

Strategic Planning

Yousef’s whiteboard serves as a tool for efficient decision-making and creative thinking. It helps declutter his mind and fosters a continuous flow of ideas and insights.

Acquisition Advantage

Acquiring an existing restaurant saved time, offered immediate access to a customer base, and streamlined permit acquisition.

Embracing Dine-In Excellence

Byblos plans to create expansive dine-in areas, enhancing the dining experience with a vibrant ambiance and entertainment.

Conclusion

Yousef and Justin’s journey from struggling restaurant owners to thriving entrepreneurs is a testament to their dedication, adaptability, and innovative spirit. Byblos’ success story serves as an inspiring example for aspiring culinary entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of resilience, effective management, and embracing change in the ever-evolving world of restaurant ownership.

This is an abridged version. Read Full Article.

Acknowledgement

Yousef Khraim

www.byblos-cafe.com