Need help re-opening a Truck Stop Cafe

Question

As a simple cafe, serving homestyle food, it was a success for decades. Recent owners tried to make it a "fine dining experience", and alienated customers.

I have the interest and wherewithal, except for (only!) the management expertise to get it moving again. How could I recruit someone (ideally, maybe a Business student who grew up in a small rural restaurant) to help me get a good start?

Location is very significant, on a very beautiful, isolated stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway. How could I go about recruiting enthusiastic staff from other parts of Canada (maybe elsewhere?)

Answer 1

Honestly, I don't think you need to (or should) recruit enthusiastic staff from other parts of the world.  One of the beautiful things about a 'local diner' is that it's local!  You get a little taste of what it would be like living there, along with your meal.

I think your best bet is to find the people that worked there when it was a simple cafe.  If it was successful for decades, the staff who were there before will know what worked best.

Answer 2

Surround yourself with the best money can buy and you will be out of buisness in no time..the key is service and price...i stopped going to cafes that went upscale and most of them are gone soon...but still go to those little places that have a good meal, freindly service and a decent price...Canada has some great places to eat at for a resonable price...although i always thought it cost me more in Canada than the States