George Roche, baker, intellectual, colleague and friend

The entire VSAG family is sad today.  One of our team members passed away this week; he was far too young, and far too healthy, it came as a shock to us all.  George Roche was our friend, our colleague, our baker, our day trader, our international politico and our precious metals and minerals trader.  The straightest shooter around, George was always George, never scared to call ‘em like he saw ‘em.

I’ll miss George’s intellect, his dry sense of humor and his “Georgeness”– he lived life his way, and valued friendship, family and loyalty.  His love of politics and all things international/geo-political kept us communicating over the years even when we weren’t working together.

It’s shocking and it sucks.  I have no eloquence to describe it, I have no way to make it anything other than what it is, a devastating loss for his family, his friends, and a devastating blow for Hazel and her children.  But I do know that through the immense sadness we feel right now, we can already feel the smile that will come to our faces every time we think of George.  While it’s a loss for all involved, it is the universe’s gain to have George’s spirit racing around doing whatever it might be doing.  And with George, I can be certain it is something intriguing.

Every time I see a baguette for the rest of my life, I’ll think of George.  Every time I see an artisan bread oven, and steam escaping from the doors, I’ll think of George.  And too, when I read about a complex international political drama unfolding in some far corner of the globe, I’ll think of George and miss whatever interesting snippet he would’ve emailed me on the topic.

Godspeed dear friend; we’re appreciative of the time we had with you.

- Dan Simons

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I met George years ago after he had come out of working in a difficult labor union environment; he was rough, angry  and a top-down manager and leader. Together, we worked on leadership, communication, understanding and empathy.  At a time when most people are already set in their ways, George, at 40,  opened his eyes and got it.

Neil

VSAG Principal Dan Simons, an alumnus of George Washington University in Washington DC, was featured in the university’s GW Today newsletter article “From the Farm to Foggy Bottom Restaurant.” The article praises Founding Farmers’ commitment to sustainability, eclectic menu, and unique cocktails, as well as details Simons’ role in Founding Farmers’ success.

Though he majored in international business at GW,  Simons says he realized early on that the restaurant business was for him. After working at the Exchange, Simons joined the local T.G.I. Friday’s his junior year and worked his way up to the company’s corporate training program by graduation. Read the rest of this entry »

VSAG Principal Dan Simons was quoted in the BusinessWeek article “Do-It-Yourself iPhone Apps.” Simons explained the iPhone app developed by Swebapps for VSAG restaurant client Founding Farmers. The free Founding Farmers iPhone app allows users to make reservations, view the menu, and even use the Wine Shake, a fun way to get a great wine pairing with a dinner selection.

Read the full BusinessWeek article, and be sure to get your free copy of the Founding Farmers iPhone app from iTunes!

On Labor Day Monday (9.07) Founding Farmers Mixologist Josh Tugjnyam appeared on the WUSA9 morning show and prepared the official cocktail of Brazil – the caipirinha – in celebration of Brazilian Independence Day.   Founding Farmers Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo is the DC Brand Ambassador for Cabana Cachaça the upscale double distilled Brazilian Rum that is the key ingredient in the caipirinha.  Jon was away on holiday, so Josh stepped in to shake up some great cocktails.   See the video for yourself, and the food demo with Farmers & Fishers Sous Chef Mario Pineda, who prepared the very popular Heritage Truck-style Fish Tacos. No holidays for busy restaurants!

Cheers to our own Chief Mixologist, as well as Farmers & Fishers‘ and Founding Farmers‘ Chief Mixologist, Jon Arroyo, for being named the Washington, DC region Brand Ambassador for Cabana Cachaça, the finest, purest cachaça in the market today.   As the signature spirit of Brazil, cachaca is coming into its own in the US, not only as a fine rum product, but as a very smooth and versatile elixir, authentic to the core. Read the rest of this entry »

VSAG Chief Mixologist and director of our bar and beverage programs Jon Arroyo was visited by mixology industry Pegu blogger Doug Winship on a recent visit to Washington, D.C. Check out his review of Farmers & Fishers‘ cocktail program, and gain some great insights into what makes Jon’s cocktail crafting stand out.  TIki cocktails, anyone?

Huh very cool….and guess which original LEED Gold, hip and casual farm-fed restaurant was included on his very exclusive list of top places to eat in DC?  That’s right…Founding Farmers!

VSAG is so proud that Founding Farmers is in this very distinctive group of dining establishments – some tried and true, some more classically DC than others, and still others like Founding Farmers, the new kids on the block that are turning heads!   Thanks Tommy!

Today partners Michael Vucurevich and Dan Simons announce the formation and launch of Vucurevich | Simons Advisory Group, (VSAG) a restaurant and hospitality consulting firm.  Based in the Washington, DC market with a satellite office in Austin, TX the firm works primarily with small to medium scale restaurants, hotels and food and beverage outlets including retail stores.  The pair met when Vucurevich was a Vice President at Cheesecake Factory and Simons was growing his experience in the restaurant business.

The two worked together again at Eatzi’s Market and Bakery, helping to grow the concept from $6M to $60M.   Both are excited at the prospects of taking their hands-on approaches to each category of food & beverage improvement and growth and are poised for exciting times ahead.