Episode 47: George Joseph

George Joseph learned the importance of good hospitality from his days as the owner of a Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation business. This lesson served him well when in 2014 he found himself with the task of taking over Common Bond, a single-unit bakery café he had invested in. The popular bakery received critical acclaim but was difficult to operate and not financially successful.

 

Join us as George shares his story of a company restructure, commissary kitchen development, corporate team building and expansion to the current 12 units with 2 more under development. Common Bond presents an updated version of the European neighborhood bakery coffeehouse offering an equal amount of savory and sweet items, coffee, and sandwiches.

 

In this episode, we learn how Common Bond developed and successfully operates multiple versions of the brand. The "Bistro" concept is their counter service bakery/café, the "Brasserie" offers full-service evening service while the "On the Go" is the smaller, limited menu drive-thru version.

 

"Multiple presentations of our concept doesn't create any additional difficulty, instead it provides us greater opportunities for expansion," says George. "The runway of core menu offerings, color scheme and certain design elements are consistent in all variations.”

 

George's simple 3 steps of service teach his philosophy of Greet, Engage and Serve! This people-first approach to hospitality has resulted in a positive work environment full of motivated staff and satisfied guests.