CONSULTING
THE FIFTY/50 GROUP CONSULTING ®️
The Fifty/50 Group, initially established with the goal of buying a small property and opening a restaurant in Chicago’s Wicker Park area, has seen remarkable growth since its inception in 2008. It has now developed, managed, or consulted on over 30 unique restaurant, bar, and cannabis ventures, spread across more than 25 locations in the Midwest and New York.
As the group looks to expand its consulting division, they’ve now acquired Korgen Hospitality. The Fifty/50 Group has worked with Korgen Hospitality previously for specific projects with very measurable KPIs, because even established hospitality groups need an expert consultant to achieve a desired outcome within a specific timeframe. Positive outcomes, shared methodology, and a belief in the same core values became the formation of the Group’s consulting division and partnership.
Under the guidance of Fifty/50 Group Partner, Mark Braver, and Ken McGarrie, Fifty/50 Group Consulting draws from extensive experience in the hospitality sector to collaborate with a variety of clients, helping them tackle their most pressing challenges and seize opportunities. Clients who work with Fifty/50 Group Consulting benefit from the expertise of not only the Leadership Team but also from a network of operators across various ventures, who bring specialized skills in strategic planning, operational management, and leadership training.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Nick Boskovich, Owner @ Hi-Vibe Superfood Juicery (Chicago, IL)
“Ken has been a godsend for me and my mission-driven company. His hard work & caring guidance were (and still are) vital in rebuilding a solid foundation of hiring, training & SOPs that got us back to profits with a thriving team culture.”
Brady Ricci, Franchisee @ Crumbl Cookies (Schaumburg, IL)
“Based on the advice of an experienced food and beverage expert, we decided to partner with Ken and team to guide us through the unfamiliar territory of launching a franchise flagship location in Illinois. Our initial expectations were not only met but surpassed in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. Ken’s professionalism was exceptional, a crucial asset in preparation of our grand opening. With Ken’s expert guidance, we successfully opened with minimal disruption, a composed staff, and delighted customers.”
Matthew Cortland, Owner @ The Cauldron (London, UK)
“I have worked with Ken over the span of six months and couldn’t recommend his services more. He helped take control of a very complex and stressful situation that had a ton of moving parts and began to strategically problem solve to turn the situation around. Apart from being excellent at what he does, he’s a good person, clear communicator, and hard worker. I couldn’t speak more highly of Ken McGarrie.”
Michelle Winkley, Owner @ Talent Distinctions (Los Angeles, CA)
“Korgen Hospitality takes a grounded approach to all facets of restaurant management which ensures that their advice and programs are effective for each unique venue. The team at Korgen uses business acumen, the most profound hospitality concepts and the ability to connect with people as their secret sauce.”
Chris Bader, Owner @ 8 Hospitality Group (Chicago, IL)
“Ken has been an exceptional resource for our restaurant group. We have utilized their help with management development and implementation of lasting SOPs to overall operational assessment and hands-on staff training. As we expand, we will continue to use their services.”
Anthony & Katrina Sandstrom, Owners @ Chuck Lager America’s Tavern (Tampa, FL)
“Ken and Morgen are the best! We have witnessed first-hand their experience, expertise, professionalism, and ability to connect with people. It’s one thing to have the knowledge but where Korgen separates themselves is their ability to instill that knowledge into the individuals who need it. Leaders develop leaders and that is who Ken and Morgen are.”
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
- Concept Launch & Creation: Location Selection, Food & BeverageFull Menu Development, Imaging & Branding, Menu Design, and On-Hand Friends & Family/VIP & Media Night
- Build Outs: Schematic Design, Kitchen & Bar Design, Space Efficiencies, Construction Consultation, Critical Timeline Creation & Tracking
- Operations Setup: Introducing Systems & Standard Operating Procedures, Financial Input & Reporting, Vendor & Equipment Negotiation, Venue Audits, Team & Manager Communication.
OPERATIONS EXECUTION
- Sales Growth Strategy: Menu Development, Content Management, Mapping Service Touchpoints
- Locating Talent: Hiring Strategies, Interview Coaching, Essential Job Descriptions, Team Retention
- Staff Training: Compliance Handbooks, Custom Department Manuals, Management Communication Strategies, Manager Competency Evaluations
- Inventory Management: Inventory Systems, On-Hand Kitchen & Bar Count Training, Cost of Goods Reporting & Training, Calculating Actual vs Theoretical COGS
- Profit & Loss: Labor Tracking, Team Cross-Utilization, Overhead Management, Tax Incentives, Property Negotiation
ONGOING LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
- Quarterly & Annual Meetings: Introducing Management to Strategic & Long-Term Planning
- Hospitality Training: Elevated Steps of Service, Online Training Program Development, Advanced Management Training, Building Hospitality in Any Environment
- Customizable Seminars: Workshops for all levels from executive to hourly.
“THE STUFF” NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT
- Government & Neighborhood Relations: Relationship Management, Political & Neighborhood Association Management for New & Existing Concepts
- Reputation Enhancement & Management: Response & Messaging Strategies for Online Feedback, Introduction to Reliable Technologies, Rewards Program Implementation
- Private Events & Catering: Building a Book of Business, Client Communication & Sales Strategy, Onsite & Offsite Event Management
- Social Media Management: Building a Valuable Online Presence, the Right Photography for your Target Market, Utilizing Influencers Effectively
CLIENTS INCLUDE
- The Cauldron (Chicago & New York)
- Crumbl Cookies (Schaumburg)
- El Coyote (Oklahoma)
- Old Grounds Social (Chicago)
- JoJo’s Shake Bar (Chicago)
- Eldr + Ryme (Milwaukee)
- Bar Salotto (Arlington Heights)
- Foodhaul Virtual Kitchens (Nationwide)
- dana hotel and spa (Chicago)
- HI-VIBE Superfood Juicery (Chicago)
- Bar Cicchetti (Oklahoma City)
- Athena Greek Restaurant (Chicago)