749: WORKSHOP Converting Commissary into Direct-To-Consumer Kitchen with Zaid Ayoub

Zaid Ayoub is the founder and CEO of the Bay Area-headquartered, rapidly expanding fast-casual concept SAJJ Mediterranean. A Jordan native, Ayoub frequented a local falafel shop while in college in the U.S. studying engineering and noticed that it often had a line out the door. He wondered if Mediterranean food could blend great flavors with streamlined operations, there was a market (full of hungry people) eager to eat it. After a few years in tech startups, a friend of his mentioned his Mediterranean fast-casual concept idea, and Ayoub took the plunge, opening the first SAJJ Mediterranean location in Menlo Park in 2012.

Today we're here to learn about how Zaid took his commissary, and converted it to a Direct-t0-Market operation, delivering meals straight from the menu, family-style meals, and grocery items. We get into why he took this approach, the technology he's leveraging, models he's implementing, and much more.

Check out episode 619 - my first episode Zaid Ayoub!

Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!!

• Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel
• Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group
• Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!)

Favorite success quote or mantra:

• "Never test the depth of the water with both feet."

Lots of resources mentioned today!

1. Olo - Online/mobile ordering from restaurants
2. Dispatch - used with Olo to aid in delivery
3. Zuppler - Online ordering menus that are more than just a pretty face
4. Survey Monkey - Find out what your guests wants from your restaurant
5. The Farmers on Wheels - Fresh produce from the farm to your table

Today's sponsor:

Toast - A POS built for restaurants by restaurant people Adapt fast with Toast's cloud-based restaurant POS system that updates to evolve your POS along with changing industry trends and guest expectations. Toast is built exclusively for restaurants of all shapes and sizes, with over 2/3 of our employees having restaurant experience to serve you better. Online Ordering - Let guests easily order directly from your restaurant for pickup or contactless delivery to keep revenue flowing during these uncertain times. Toast Delivery Services Dispatch local drivers through an on-demand network to keep your community fed and revenue coming in.

Podium- Only half of the businesses in America are text capable. Setting up a business texting line immediately gives you a competitive advantage. Texting gives you ultimate flexibility rather than being tethered to a phone. Need more reasons? On top of Podium’s texting platform, you’ll be able to send review invites, request remote payments, and power curbside pickup; all through text.

Contact info:

Email: zaid@sajjstreeteats.com

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Zaid Ayoub for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

 

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