Once upon a time, and not so very long ago, “new menu time” was thrilling. Though COBBLESTONES, and now moonstones, were never the type of restaurants that change menus weekly, or monthly, as an owner–restless and excitable and afraid–I “chomped at the bit” to hit the re fresh button. I couldn’t begin to count all the amazing dishes I experienced, or conceived, or read about, or saw photographed, that would inspire a desire for change.
But here’s the thing. When you are popular, and very busy, as our restaurants happen to be–no matter what you take off the menu, someone will be annoyed. Especially after years of cultivating a scientifically-monitored distribution–known as the “menu mix”.
“Dogs”, are those items that don’t sell well, and don’t make much money. They are our prime candidates for removal. But, even their removal will upset, at least someone. (Like, perhaps, the vegetarian we had in mind when we put the item ON the menu. Or, that guy who just loooves fried chicken. Or, etc) Yet, after years of analyzing sales data, and removing, and adding, and tweaking….”Dogs” become mostly extinct. And, when everything sells fairly equally, we have both achieved our goal of making many people happy, while painting ourselves into an uncomfortable corner.
Menus cannot be too big to manage. And, they cannot become “stale”. And, they cannot piss people off because “that was my favorite.” We are damned either way! So, people, please understand…we will change, as we do, a couple of times a year–but each time, without “shaking the tree” very hard. We ask that, whatever we do, you turn your attention to the Specials Board!
And, of course, always feel free to email me directly–any suggestions or requests. We LOVE to hear from you…mostly! :
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