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 »

More coverage for VSAG client Founding Farmers, this time from US News and World Report: A Washington DC-area restaurant goes green from the food on the table to the design on the building.