Running a restaurant means being inside it every single day. That closeness is a strength, but it can also make it harder to see the things that are quietly costing you time, energy, and money. Friction builds up gradually. Gaps between how a menu is designed and how a kitchen actually executes it. Moments in service where things slow down for reasons nobody has stopped to examine. Costs that have drifted without an obvious cause.
This service exists to provide an honest, professional outside perspective on how a restaurant is actually operating. The goal is not to tell an owner what they are doing wrong. It is to help surface the friction points they can already feel but may not be able to clearly see from where they are standing, and to offer practical ideas for addressing them.
Over five days, the Consultant will observe and assess the operation from multiple angles, including:
- How front of house and back of house work together and where the handoffs create friction
- How the menu functions in the actual kitchen environment — the gap between what is designed and what is executed day to day
- Where time is being lost in prep, service, or kitchen flow
- Food cost, waste, and inventory practices — where money is slipping out quietly
- The physical space and whether it supports or works against the operation
- Financial records, at the Client's discretion and comfort level
On Day 4 the Consultant compiles everything into a written findings report. On Day 5 the Client and Consultant sit down together to go through the findings, talk through the thinking behind each observation, and work together on a realistic path forward.
This is an advisory engagement. The Consultant observes, assesses, and makes recommendations. What the Client does with those recommendations is entirely their decision.
This service does not include:
- Managing or taking over kitchen or front of house operations
- Redesigning the restaurant's concept, menu, or brand
- Ongoing management consulting or retainer services under this agreement
- Acting as an employer, HR advisor, or staffing resource
- Implementing changes on the Client's behalf
- Guarantees of specific financial or operational outcomes
The Client knows their business. This engagement is designed to give them a clearer view of it, not to replace their judgment or tell them how to run it.
The more openly the Client can share about their operation, the more useful the findings will be. Access to the kitchen and dining room during service, a willingness to discuss the books at whatever level feels comfortable, and being available for the Day 5 conversation all make a meaningful difference in the quality of the assessment.
The Consultant will work around the existing schedule and will not disrupt normal operations or staff relationships. The engagement is designed to be low friction from the Client's perspective.
Everything the Consultant observes or is shown during the engagement is treated as strictly confidential. Financial records, operational details, recipes, supplier relationships, and staff information are never shared with third parties without the Client's written consent.
The Client agrees to treat the Consultant's methods and approach with the same discretion. These obligations remain in effect after the engagement ends.
The written report delivered on Day 4 reflects the Consultant's honest professional observations based on the five-day engagement. It is not a legal, financial, or regulatory document. It is a practical, plain-language assessment of what was observed, where it may be affecting cost, time or service, and what could help.
The report is prepared for the Client's internal use. It is not to be shared or reproduced without the Consultant's written consent.
- Total engagement fee: $3,000 CAD, flat rate
- Deposit of $1,500 CAD due upon signing the engagement agreement
- Balance of $1,500 CAD due on Day 5 prior to or upon delivery of the findings report
All fees are in Canadian dollars. No additional charges for travel or expenses within the Golden Horseshoe region.
- More than 14 days notice before the start date: full deposit refunded
- Within 14 days of the start date: deposit is non-refundable
- After the engagement has begun: full fee is owed unless both parties agree otherwise in writing
The Consultant's total liability under any engagement is limited to the fees paid by the Client for that engagement. The Consultant is not liable for business outcomes or decisions made by the Client based on the findings report.
These terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada.
Questions about these terms can be directed to Oliver Corby at ocorby@proton.me or through olivercorby.com.
Not sure if this is right for you? First conversation is free. No pitch, no pressure.
Book a Free Consult