3. Five Easy Steps to Implementing the Sizzling Studies

Sizzling Studies Manager’s Guide

Contents:

1. Introduction 2

2. Benefits to franchisee/Business 2

3. Five easy steps to implementing the Sizzling Studies Programme in your business 3

1. Isolate Primary Schools in your area 3

2. Discuss programme with Management Team 3

3. Approach the school 4

4. Preparing your store 5

5. The Big Day 5

4. The Sizzling Studies Programme 6

1. Front of House 6

2. Making Section 7

3. Grill Section 7

4. Tex-Mex Section 8

5. Kitchen 8

5. Financial & Marketing 9

A. Sample of explanatory letter to the School Head Master 10

B. Confirmation letter to School Head Master 11

C. Sizzling Studies Booklets order form 12

D. Activity Sheet 13 1. Introduction

The Sizzling Studies Programme was initiated in Seattle Spur in 1998. The objective of the programme is to educate the children in your community on how a business operates.

Running this programme in various Spur restaurants has demonstrated how it strengthens the kids’ bonds with the Spur Brand at a very young level.

This project is a win-win situation where both the store and the school benefit.

This manual has been designed to help you implement the Sizzling Studies Programme in your store. When you are dealing with schools, teachers are referred to as educators, and pupils as learners. We have therefore used these terms throughout this manual to familiarize you with them.

2. Benefits to the franchisee/Business a) Powerful Local Networking Tool Ensure that you always have a camera ready, and send photos of learners on the programme to your local community newspaper. Please refer to your Franchisee’s Manual for more in- depth information on Local Networking (Public Relations). b) Community Building Project You will build credibility in your community. The residents will be more open to local store marketing/advertising if they know that your store is not just about “taking” from them, but that you make a concerted effort to give back to the community. c) Effective Marketing of Your Business This will create an awareness of your business within the community, which will in turn make your advertising more noticed and effective. d) Creating a working relationship between the school and the store This is especially beneficial when you are planning marketing drives that target primary schools. e) Increase Your Kids Club Database You will be recruiting kids as they complete the programme. f) Creates “feet in store” The learners are bound to come back to your store after they have done the programme … and they will definitely bring their friends and family too. g) Early introduction of the Spur Brand to the learners 3. Five easy steps to implementing the Sizzling Studies Programme in your business

1. Isolate Primary Schools within your area

2. Discussion with Management Team

Management Involvement It is recommended that 4 Managers/Senior Casuals are assigned to facilitate this programme. Each manager/senior casual would be responsible for a particular section, i.e. Grilling, Tex- Mex, Making and Kitchen.

Use pages 6 – 8 in this manual as a guide to help the facilitators introduce and explain each section to the learners. The Sizzling Studies booklets which are handed out to the learners also contain information about each section.

The facilitators for each section should preferably be volunteers who are great with learners and excited about the programme. They should be completely au fait with their section.

It is imperative to get the staff & waitrons involved in the various sections.

Date and Time A suitable time needs to be allocated for the programme. This should suit both the schools’ curriculum and the store’s calendar.

Suitable days will probably be weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) an a suitable time to do the programme would be between 9 and 11am.

Unsuitable days will be weekends, Mondays and Fridays, school exam days and lunch times. Naturally, you should ensure you have a calendar of school holidays and public holidays on hand.

Alert your management and staff that the learners will be in the store for approximately 2 hours. All staff should be on the ball and ready to assist or answer questions at any time.

Note: It is not advised that the programme is done every single day of the week. It is advisable to only do a maximum of 2 sessions a week.

We recommend that you have only one class of + 30 learners in your store at one time.

Contact your Insurance Brokers It is imperative that you check to see if your business is covered for public liability. You would need to be covered just in case any of the learners are injured while participating in the programme. 3. Approach the school

Call the Headmaster’s secretary to book an appointment with the Headmaster. At the same time you may also want to fax through a Sizzling Studies explanatory letter to the Headmaster. See Addendum A (page 10).

When you meet with the Headmaster be sure to have a Sizzling Studies booklet with you.

Highlight how the school & the learners will benefit if they attend the Sizzling Studies Programme: 1. It is an exciting and educational outing for the learners. 2. It gives the learners a chance to see basic business principles put into action. 3. The Sizzling Studies Programme is able to marry with any entrepreneurial or life skills programme carried out in the school. 4. The learners are educated about hygiene standards, equipment and product manufacturing. 5. Booklets are given to take home.

Depending on the school, the Headmaster might give you a decision right away or refer you to the Guidance/Life Orientation teacher.

Once a decision has been made that the school will be partaking in the programme, the following issues need to be discussed before the learners visit the store:

1. Number of learners in class There are approximately 30-40 learners in a Grade 7 class. If the class is bigger, suggest that the group be split into two sessions.

2. Transport The school should arrange their own transport to the store. An economically challenged school might not have transport. If this is the case then the store might look into arranging this.

3. Date & Time Discussing timing with the Headmaster is imperative because you will need to arrange a time that will suit both the school and the store. You should have a clear indication of the days that will be suitable for you, based on the management meeting previously held.

4. Price The recommended cost is R10 per learner. This cost will cover the lunch, i.e., the burger, soda & ice-cream cone, the Sizzling Studies booklet, and any additional gift, e.g. pencil, pen, ruler. The latter, however, is optional. If your store is situated near a Cinema complex you might be able to arrange a deal with the complex where the learners enjoy the programme in the morning and then go to the movies afterwards. This will, however, push up the cost.

6. Dress code It is advisable that the learners be dressed their school uniform as this will ensure that they are easily recognizable in the store. 7. Permission slip Check what the school’s policy is on permission slips. The onus lies on the school to ensure that these are signed before the learners visit your store.

 Once all the details have been confirmed, immediately diarize the date & time in your Management Diaries.  Send a confirmation letter to the Headmaster to confirm their booking. See Addendum B (page 11).

Now you will need to prepare your store

4. Preparing the store

2 weeks before:  If you require Sizzling Studies booklets, now is the time to place your order. See Addendum C (page 12) for the Order Form for booklets.

 If your store hands out additional items, e.g. rulers, pens or pencils, to the learners, you need to check that you have sufficient stock available.

 Keep your staff informed as to when the learners will be in the store to do the Programme. Inform them in vibe meetings, green areas meetings and casual meetings. You could also make use of your notice board.

 Check that the waitron, staff and managers’ uniforms are clean and correct and that everyone has name badges. If any of these need to be ordered, contact the necessary suppliers to do so.

3 days before:  Now would be a good time to place a courtesy call to the school to confirm their booking.

1 day before:  Ensure that staff have prepped burgers for the following day.

 Also ensure that meat, for meat cutting demonstrations, has been prepared.

 Remind those waitrons who have been assigned to serve the school tables to come in early.

 Check that the store is clean and that all equipment is in working order.

5. The Big Day

 Make sure that the management team is at the store approximately 1 hour before the learners arrive.

 The “11 o’clock check” should be carried out before the learners arrive. This is just to ensure that there are no hiccups during the programme and the managers are able to place 100% focus on the learners.

 Place the Sizzling Studies booklets on the tables where the learners will be seated.

 Direct the learners to the seating area and welcome them to the store.

 Introduce yourself and the facilitators to the various sections. Point out that the learners should feel free to ask questions to any of the managers.  Give a brief overview of what the learners can expect during the day.

 At this time also mention to the learners where the toilets are situated in your store and that they should feel free to go at any time they need to.

 Explain safety issues to the learners, e.g. hot oil, electricity, gas, etc.

 Mention to the learners that they can leave their blazers/jerseys and Sizzling Studies booklets at the tables.

4. The Sizzling Studies Programme

Section 1: Front of House

 Give a brief history of Spur Steak Ranches and explain how a franchise business works. Refer to page 1 of the Sizzling Studies booklet for suggested topics of discussion.

 It is suggested that you discuss Front of House with the learners while they are still seated at the tables.

Points to be discussed here would be:

 What “Front of House” means.

 Ask learners what they think makes a Spur Restaurant unique. o Décor o Kids Play Canyon o PlayStations o Salad Valley o Open Kitchens

 Explain Spur Décor to them.

 You could also mention that Spur has a unique vibe with the Play Canyon and balloon tree. Also, mention that Spur is so proud of its high standards that its kitchens are clearly visible to the customers.

 Mention the duties and responsibilities of management and waitrons.

Manager’s main roles:

 Look after the customers and ensure that they are happy and that their needs are met.  Ensure that Front of House waitrons are conducting themselves in the correct manner.  Check the quantity and quality of the product.  Ensure that the ambience is correct, i.e. temperature, lighting, music, etc.  Ensure speed of service.  Recognize and capitalize on sales opportunities.

Waitron’s main roles:

 Serve the customers in a friendly and efficient manner.  Explain how a waitron makes money. Explain the terms “tips” and “commission” to the learners.  Divide the learners into 4 groups. The groups will now move away from the tables to the various sections.

Note: Where possible, get the staff of the specific sections involved in the programme.

Section 2: Making Section (refer to page 2 in the Sizzling Studies Booklet)

The following are suggestions of topics to discuss or demonstrate in this section:

 Throughout this section you would need to highlight the safety aspects.

 Explain how the equipment, e.g. ice-cream machine, coffee machine, soda machine, bar fridges, etc. work.

 Demonstrate how a milkshake is made and allow learners to select a flavour.

 Explain the difference between hot and cold desserts.

 Take the learners through the bar section.

 Discuss sanitization and hygiene standards, e.g. the use of anti-bacterial soap after handling various products.

 This section is fairly simple and quick. If the group finishes before the other groups you may want to take them to the Salad Valley.

 At the Salad Valley, mention that Spur has 5 basic salads, i.e. coleslaw, potato, beetroot, green and carrot salad.

 You could also show the learners where the Play Canyon is.

Section 3: Grill Section (refer to page 2 in the Sizzling Studies Booklet)

 Explain what equipment is used, i.e. grill, extractor fan, fryers, etc.

 Explain the gas taps and the dangers thereof.

 Discuss the various plates, skillets and hot rock, and the reasons for using them.

 Demonstrate meat cutting and pressing burgers.

 Explain what meat is used, i.e. sirloin, fillet, rump, and where it is situated on the cow. Explain the difference in quality of the various cuts.

 Explain ratio of mince to fat on burger patty.

 Get 1 or 2 learners to flip a burger.

 Griller can explain about our secret sauce and seasoning salt.

 Flour and fry onion rings.

 Fry chips.  Explain temperature of oil.

 Discuss safety aspects, e.g. take care when cooking with gas, aprons and denim instead of plastic, etc…

 Discuss sanitation and hygiene standards, e.g. the use of anti-bacterial soap after handling various products.

Section 4: Tex-Mex Section (refer to page 3 in the Sizzling Studies Booklet)

 Explain equipment, e.g. deep fryer, flat top, pizza oven, salamander, etc…

 Show products, e.g. guacamole, tortilla, tartar sauce, etc… Have the learners taste and smell the products.

 Explain suitable temperature to fry calamari, crumbed mushrooms, chicken wings, etc.

 If time allows, prepare a product such as calamari.

 Discuss safety aspects with the learners.

Section 5: Kitchen (refer to page 3 in the Sizzling Studies Booklet)

 Explain how the dishwasher works.

 Explain the plate stacking system to the learners.

 Explain how the walk-in fridge and freezer work.

 Explain how the cold chain works.

 Explain how the products are packed in the storeroom.

 Should a delivery arrive, involve the learners by explaining the various tasks involved in bringing the goods into the store and packing them in the correct places.

 Emphasize the Spur’s meet is AAA grade.

 Discuss safety aspects with the learners.

Try to complete all of the “tours” through the store at the same time. If one of the groups finishes before the others, a facilitator can do a quick recap with the learners on what they’ve just learnt.

Once the section tours have been completed the learners will be guided back to the seating area.  One of the managers can do a quick pop-quiz just to create a “vibe” amongst the learners. Possibly have small prizes, e.g. stationery or sweets.

 The drink and food orders are taken before the Financial and Marketing sections are done. Be sure to check if any of the learners are vegetarian. In this case a Veggie burger will be served.

 The learners’ orders will be prepared while the Financial and Marketing sections are done.

5. Financial & Marketing

 These 2 sections are vitally important components in running a profitable business.

 The learners focus on these subjects during their school curriculum and therefore they will see the principles being put into practice.

 Keep it short and simple (KISS).

Financial (refer to page 4 in the Sizzling Studies Booklet)

 The main reason for being in business is to make a profit.

 Every cent must be accounted for and controlled.

 Daily sales (turnover) are monitored, and the daily food usage is carefully checked.

 Spur restaurants are all governed by a central pricing structure, which ensures consistent pricing throughout South Africa.

 Every menu item is carefully costed to ensure that the customer receives good value for money and the Spur owner makes a fair profit. Remember that the costing includes much more than just the price of the ingredients.

Running a successful restaurant and making a profit entails the following:

1. Food is sold to the customer and the money received is called turnover.

2. The cost of the food (cost of sales) is deducted from the turnover and this difference is termed the gross profit.

3. The overheads – salaries, rent, electricity, gas, telephone, advertising, insurance, Franchisee fee, repairs and maintenance of the business are deducted from the gross profit to get the net profit. The South African Revenue Service taxes this net profit and the money remaining after tax (the after-tax profit) is the money that the business owner gets to keep for himself, or put back into the business in the form of more advertising, enlarging premises etc.

Marketing

Refer to the key marketing focus points mentioned on page 5 and 6 in the Sizzling Studies Booklet. Should you want to elaborate on this you may want to refer to the “Marketing” section in your “Marketing Guidelines”.

End of programme  Lunch is served.

 30 Copies of the Activity Sheets are passed on to the educator.

 Optional items that you could give to the learners are rulers, pens or pencils.

 Thank the learners for coming. Mention that when the learners are at the store again, the staff would love for them to come and greet them. ADDENDUM A

Spur Steak Ranches runs a programme, named Sizzling Studies, aimed at grade 7 learners. It is a fun introduction to the business world.

The programme entails a visit to the store. Once at the store, the class is divided into smaller groups and taken on a tour through the various sections in the Spur. They will see how the menu items are made. It is all a lot of fun!

We then provide a lunch for a nominal fee of R10 per learner. The lunch includes a kids burger, soda and ice-cream treat.

These are the ways in which the programme benefits the school:

1. It is an exciting and educational outing for the learners. 2. It gives the learners a chance to learn and see the basic business principles put into action. 3. The Sizzling Studies Programme is able to marry with an entrepreneurial or life skills programme being carried out in the school. 4. The kids learn about hygiene standards, equipment and product manufacturing. 5. Sizzling Studies Booklets are given to take home.

We at Golden Canyon Spur would like to extend an invitation to you to join us for a fun-filled educational day.

Please feel free to contact me with any queries.

Friendly Spur greetings

Joe Smith Owner ADDENDUM B

Att: Mr Davids

This letter serves to confirm that the Grade 7b class of Hillwood Primary School will be attending the Sizzling Studies Programme at Golden Canyon Spur.

Date: 6 February 2003 Time: 9am - 11am Venue: Golden Canyon Spur No. of learners: 30 Price: R10 x 30 = R300 Dress Code: School Uniform

Looking forward to having the learners visit our store.

Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact me at 084 999 9999.

Friendly Spur Greetings

Joe Smith Owner ADDENDUM C

SPUR STEAK RANCHES SIZZLING STUDIES BOOKLETS

ORDER FORM

Store ______

Manager’s Name ______

Cell No. ______

Region ______

Area Manager ______

QUANTITIES

Sizzling Studies

English ______

Afrikaans ______

Costs – Price of Sizzling Studies booklet varies based on total number of orders received. (Costs exclude VAT and Freight Charges)

DISPATCH DETAILS:

______

Date Required ______

SIGNED:

Manager ______Date ______

Area Manager ______Date ______

Please complete the order form and fax to Group Marketing on (021) 462 2212 for attention Naticia Daniels. SIZZLING STUDIES WORKSHEET

C’mon you Business Boffs! Let’s see how ell you can manage your own family restaurant. Work you way through the five important restaurant sections and learn how to run your own business.

1. FRONT OF HOUSE a) The front of house is where customers will be seated in your restaurant. Your restaurant can take up to 50 people and you have 9 tables to seat them at.

Draw a floor plan of your restaurant, showing where you would put your tables and how many people would be seated at each table.

Hint: Remember that some families are bigger than others. Your customers will also be served by waitrons and they need to be able to move between the tables. b) A restaurant always has a logo. A logo is like your school’s coat of arms. We use it to tell one business from another and it can usually be seen in a restaurant’s front of house section. Have a look at Spur’s logo. Now draw your own logo for your family restaurant. Hint: You want your logo to stand out so make it bright and colourful.

2. THE KITCHEN

A restaurant’s kitchen always needs to be organized and clean. The following items in your restaurant’s kitchen need to be sorted and put away. Can you put them in the right place?

Store Room Boiling Table Dishwasher

Fridge Freezer

 fresh fruit and vegetables  rice  potatoes  hamburger sauces to be heated for waiting customers  bread  dirty plates  butter  hamburger patties for storage  milk  sugar  dirty cutlery  ice cubes  onions  spare ribs to be cooked shortly 3. MAKING SECTION

One of your customers wants to order something from the making section, but he does not like dairy products.

Which of the following items on your menu could you recommend?

 ice-cream  peaches and cream  toasted chicken mayonnaise sandwich  toasted ham sandwich  black coffee  toasted egg sandwich  hot chocolate  strawberries  chips  hamburger

4. GRILL AND TEX-MEX SECTIONS

The restaurant industry is running a competition for the ‘Funkiest Grill’ and you want to take part. a) Develop your own grilled meal and five it a funky name. b) Remember to list all the ingredients you will need to make this meal. c) You will also need to explain how to make your funky grill and which equipment to use.

5. FINANCIAL

Your funky grill is so tasty that you’ve decided to put it on your restaurant’s menu. Use the following formula to decide how much you will charge customers for your funky grill.

Total cost of ingredients* + Overheads: R5 + Profit: R2 = Sale price of funky grill

Visit a food store to find out how much each ingredient in your funky grill recipe will cost. To help you, the price for a portion of chips and a portion of sauce have already been set.

1 portion of chips = R2 1 portion of sauce = R1

6. MARKETING

Your funky grill is now on the menu and you want to tell people about it.

Design an advertisement for your funky grill which will convince customers to come and try it.

You can make a poster, a leaflet, a newspaper advertisement or a wobbler. Remember to include the price!

Teacher’s Notes: The following worksheet requires learners to put basic business knowledge into practice and should be used in conjunction with the Spur Sizzling Studies Booklet. It is ideal to use as a Business Studies project assignment.