During economic downturn, expert panel will discuss ways to “Rethink, Retool and Redirect.”

[view:node_ad=5]The country’s economic woes—not to mention high gas prices—have delivered a blow to local restaurants. With less disposable income, fewer people are dining out, forcing the restaurant industry to find new ways to stay competitive and profitable.

 

On Aug. 18, the “Rethink, Retool and Redirect” half-day seminar, presented in partnership by College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Small Business Association, will help local restaurant owners and employees adapt to a volatile economy.

 

“We are in for challenging economic times and restaurants will need to figure out how to change to remain successful,” said Kevin Anthony, chair of the hotel and restaurant management department at the college. “Our seminar will explore ways restaurants can adapt to these times.”

 

The seminar will enable restaurant owners to share information on how to reposition and expand their product, how to grow their market share and keep customers flocking through the door, how they can change and cut costs through efficiency and how to reach and grow their customer base.

 

The panel will consist of six speakers: Paul De La Cerda, director of the SBDC at the college; Steve Eisner, director of the CEO ISSI Systems; Daniel Otto, executive chef of the Tournament Players Club; Andrea Jackson and Nadia Al Amir from the public relations and marketing firm, Wagstaff and Associates; Will Welliver, a loss prevention specialist with Welliver & Associates, and Kevin Anthony.

 

The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Aliso Hall, Room 101 at the college.

 

Admission is $69, which includes admission for three employees and continental breakfast.

 

To enroll, visit www.canyons.edu/restaurant.

For more information about the seminar, contact Anthony at (661) 362-3712.