VSAG Principal Dan Simons shared his restaurant operations expertise in the feature “10 Ways to Save – Ideas for saving thousands in restaurateur operations costs” published on September 2, 2009. View the entire article here.

VSAG sends a shout out to Yellow + Blue, the eco-friendly, very tasty, tetra-pak (AMAZING wine in a box!) purveyor and friend of Founding Farmers and Farmers & Fishers restaurants, for their feature in Fast Company this week.   Their interesting white Torrontes, Cafayate, Argentina 2008 and the 2005 Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina are two of the restaurant’s top sellers by the glass, and no surprise—they’re delicious, great pairings for many items on the menus.   From harvest to packaging to the glass, these are all certified organic wines that are stored in environmentally friendly packaging. It’s the kind of thing VSAG loves in its work on bar & lounge menus and green restaurant operations.  Here’s to drinking green!

VSAG is very excited about Founding Farmers’ new iPhone App—it’s a great way to reach out to the guests and to keep the restaurant on the cutting edge, important parts in our work in restaurant management and restaurant social media.

Be among the first iPhone users that have discovered the fun, convenient way to see what’s new on the menu, make reservations and even choose a wine with dinner with the new Founding Farmers restaurant app.   This FREE app is available through the iTunes App Store, and Founding Farmers is among just a few restaurants that have seen the fun in reaching out to guests in a new way.  Even TIME magazine has noticed! Read the rest of this entry »

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!

VSAG Principal Dan Simons contributed his views on reducing restaurant operations costs in the August 2009 QSR Magazine article “10 Ways to Save: Ideas for Saving Thousands in Operating Costs.” Simons shared his cost-saving methods in the areas of food cost, shrink, and workman’s compensation, just a few of the many areas in which VSAG can help food and beverage related businesses better their bottom line.

QSR tapped the best minds in the business to come up with a realistic list of ways operators could save thousands of dollars in less than one year. There’s no advanced logic or restaurant expertise needed—just a willingness to try new systems or make a few adjustments to existing protocols. From the bathroom to tax forms, QSR found the easiest ways operators can immediately boost the bottom line.

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VSAG Principal Dan Simons lent his expertise on social media marketing in the feature “Managing an Online Reputation” published on July 29, 2009. Simons addressed the value and challenges that businesses today must face with the abundance of online reviews and comments by the general public. View the entire article here.

On July 27, VSAG’s Chief Mixologist Jon Arroyo (as well as Founding Farmers‘ and Farmers & Fishers) participated in the DC Craft Bartenders’ Guild “Rickey” contest held at Bourbon. Here’s a snapshot of Jon’s entry….and you can get the full story here.

VSAG is excited that Founding Farmers continues to attract the design community. It’s a great fit for the restaurant and keeps us tuned in on the design scene. On July 29 a group architects and designers gathered with hosts Lusive Lighting at Founding Farmers to check out the space (and the lighting design!),  and they had a great time.   The restaurant’s community tables are perfect for groups of up to 12 and if you’re interested in arranging a special dinner or reception for a larger group, Founding Farmers is happy to accommodate.   See the pics and information from DCdesignBlog.   Founding Farmers and VSAG appreciate the support of our award-winning design and love to share it!

With Founding Farmers at the top of nearly everyone’s list as a destination for great plates influenced by Southern and soul food cooking, VSAG’s own Dan Simons is a sought-after source of information on this popular and delicious food topic.  Simons’ thoughts on Washington, DC, Southern-inspired cuisine was featured in the Express Night Out article “Take Your Mouth South: Finding Healthy Cuisine in Washington’s Soul Food Craze” published on July 14, 2009. Read the full article here.

On April 22nd, Founding Farmers and VSAG celebrated the official award and certification of the restaurant as LEED® Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).   With this award, Founding Farmers is the first USGBC certified restaurant of any type in the District of Columbia, and the first full-service, upscale-casual LEED Gold restaurant in the entire United States. Read the rest of this entry »