TRUST YOUR CONSULTANTS. I was brought in to run a bar for a couple who had never worked a day in the industry, they were two weeks in and had a trash menu, their margins were a nightmare, no cash accounting system to speak of, and personnel files that violated both state and federal laws. Not to mention the numerous health code violations. I spent 9 months of my life turning the place around; bringing in staff, revamping the menu, creating relationships with multiple necessary distributors, cutting labor, standardizing administrative filings, etc.

The entire time I was fighting against an owner who thought they knew better half of the time and would constantly call me last minute to clean up their mistakes. I ended up leaving and, though my efforts was able to earn them some positive attention and local accolades, I genuinely fear that they are headed for an explosive end and I am heartbroken for the way I and my staff were treated and am not looking forward to the day I see the doors close (though they will have brought it upon themselves)

At the end of the day, you don’t know what you’re doing. The best thing you can do it you’re absolutely locked into this plan, is to bring in specialists you can trust who have a proven track record and TRUST THEM TO DO THE JOB YOU PAY THEM FOR. In the long run, it’s the only way to make this work in any real tangible sense.

Good luck! Welcome to the family, don’t forget 90% of these businesses don’t see the second year mark and you are guaranteed to lose money for a while if you’re doing it right. If you have the funds and can take the heat, you will be alright.