I have recently been working on a project to support the opening of a restaurant.
The brief was to support the launch of a brand new independent pop-up restaurant, a brand never seen before, to open in south-west London. The site was merely a shell and there was nothing yet put in place when I became part of the team on the project. The project was very much in its infancy and now it is a busy and vibrant market pop-up restaurant.
My role as Virtual Assistant has been to help get the business up and running. From the very beginning this involved project managing and supplier selection for a logo design. Working with a digital design agency and the client to make sure that a logo was produced which works for the brand, which works across all of the marketing materials and captures the operation effectively.
I then worked to find a local signage producer in London who could measure and quote, deal with any imperfections on the surface and create some cost-effective but really impactful signage for this pop-up restaurant.
I conducted research into the furniture available based on space, size, delivery time and cost to dress the restaurant. I produced a menu template which is updated weekly onsite for print, I then convert to a PDF which I upload to Facebook to ensure that the most up-to-date menu is available to customers.
I project managed a web holding page build to include all the most important information working with a web agency to secure URL and setup G suite inbox for all of the files and all the emails coming in and out from bloggers, customers and suppliers. I have been managing the inbox, managing the files and all imagery filing.
I researched POS systems, resulting in the finally selected system being implemented on site.
I crafted and ordered business cards using the logo. I have also created and ordered a stamp for loyalty promotion to stamp on the takeaway boxes. I sourced a supplier for the uniform working with them to put together a design suitable for the hot environment that is durable, working to the client budget and obtaining sizing from staff.
I put together a street campaign promotion hiring promo staff independently and crafting, ordering and flyers to be handed out on specific evenings in specific locations to commuters, which was deemed to be a great success and created a huge footfall into the restaurant.
I worked on the recruitment and selection process for all staff, from crafting job ads, placing them and CV filtering, telephone interviews and booking video interviews with the restaurant owners. These roles included front of house and specialist chefs. I worked alongside the HR VA to make sure the policies be will put into place, job descriptions were accurate, and all references and filing was taken care of meeting compliance needs.
On-going I look after all of the social media and marketing messaging, I have set up, populated and updated each social account (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google), to community management and crafting post visuals, editing photography, writing copy and scheduling posts which are performing very successfully and seeing an ever increasing level of engagement and following.
The web page has a mailing list sign up form, I have been managing the mailchimp account associated with the list and sending out email campaigns as appropriate, creating templates and sharing information with the database.
I liaise with and arrange collaborations with bloggers, web directories and publications to get involved within the local community and raise awareness of the products available. This includes working with them to create promotional offers and competitions to build interest to grow the audience. I identify event opportunities, whether they are external events, or events that can be hosted at the restaurant.
I have set up discount schemes, loyalty schemes, referral schemes and promotions for specific demographics such as students and NHS and emergency workers. I have crafted posters and POS, engaged with chalkboard artists, creating a photography brief and crib sheet, for restaurant staff and local photographers and videographers.
I've really enjoyed working on this project, it's been dynamic and very fast-paced. This pop-up restaurant in south-west London is in an up-and-coming market area with lots of challenges involved and lots of room for ideas. The restaurant is now up and running, my work is largely done with the exception of ongoing social media support. I would certainly be keen to work in hospitality again, it has been fantastic to be involved from the very start!
If you think my skill set might be of benefit to your project please get in touch to find out more. I offer services on a pay as you go basis or a retainer at a minimum of 5 hours per month. I would love to hear from you if you are a small business owner looking to embark on a new challenge or find some extra support for your current business.
About Virtual Executive Services MK
Virtual Executive Services MK is a Virtual Assistant service based in Milton Keynes, supporting clients across the UK. Specialising in admin, marketing and social media support for small businesses, start ups and entrepreneurs. Find out more.