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Best Food & Restaurant Consultants in Los Angeles

Best Food Photographers in Los Angeles

Restaurant consultants are specialists who bring extensive industry knowledge and expertise to assist in various aspects of restaurant operations. Whether it’s crafting a unique concept, developing menus, streamlining operations, or implementing financial strategies, they work with restaurateurs to enhance performance and profitability. Through in-depth analysis and personalized solutions, restaurant consultants address specific challenges and provide guidance in navigating the complex and competitive food service landscape. Their multifaceted support is vital for new establishments seeking a strong start and existing restaurants aiming to maintain success or implement a turnaround strategy.

Best Restaurant Consultants in Los Angeles

Savory Hospitality

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Food & beverage menu revamping
Bar consuting
Product & labor cost analysis
New chef introductions
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Savory Consulting, a prominent name in the hospitality sector, offers unparalleled expertise for a vast range of establishments, from casual eateries and fine dining to bars, hotels, and lounges. With a robust footprint across the United States, they've shaped the success stories of both budding and well-established restaurants. Their approach transcends traditional consulting. While they're adept at bolstering bottom lines, their true hallmark lies in empowering businesses to control their trajectory, ensuring not just growth, but strategic and sustainable expansion. For Savory Consulting, success is a harmonious blend of profitability and empowered decision-making.

Cornerstone Hospitality

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
New Operations Consulting
Employee & Restaurants Staff Training
Restaurant Food & Beverage Consulting
Full Venue Management Services
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Cornerstone Hospitality Consulting, based in the heart of California, offers specialized, revenue-centric consultancy for restaurants, bars, and other food service entities in the vibrant regions of San Diego and Los Angeles. Our seasoned experts harness industry insights to devise strategies tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're a budding establishment or an existing venture aiming to elevate its presence, our team is committed to driving measurable growth and ensuring your brand thrives amidst competition. Partner with us to unlock the full potential of your hospitality business!

Gilkey Restaurant Consulting

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Menu development
Feasibility Studies
Business Plans
Brand Development
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Gilkey Restaurant Consulting is here for you. Whether you're navigating restaurant setup, addressing operational issues, or urgently seeking assistance, Scott Gilkey and his dedicated team are committed to elevating your venture. Our seasoned food and beverage experts have a national footprint, serving major cities such as Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, Washington DC, Seattle, Phoenix, and beyond!

New School

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Opening support
On-Going Management/Support
Financial Audits
Food & Beverage Audits
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

New School™ is at the forefront of crafting, developing, and implementing comprehensive hospitality concepts. As a boutique hospitality firm rooted in Los Angeles, we pride ourselves on our years of expertise and our balanced focus on both financial and creative elements. Our mission is to transform conceptual ideas into tangible realities, ensuring that your restaurant or bar not only offers an enthralling guest experience but also fosters a fulfilling workspace and a lasting return on investment.

Chef Services Group

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Consulting
Menu development
food photography & styling
manufacturing and R&D
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

In Los Angeles's dynamic culinary world, expert restaurant consultants are essential. As your premier Restaurant Consultants for LA, we ensure your venture stands out, especially during LA's Restaurant Week. Based in Rhode Island, Chef Services Group offers global consultancy, utilizing our RI test kitchens for unique menu creation. With over three decades of experience, from LA restaurant launches to international projects, our services range from menu crafting to tech advisement, ensuring your restaurant's success.

Haute Chefs LA

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Private chef services
Event catering
Production catering
Culinary consulting
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Haute Chefs LA serves as a culinary consultant for chefs and establishments, offering a spectrum of services to budding entrepreneurs and independent restaurant proprietors in the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles dining scene is brimming with remarkable eateries, boasting skilled chefs and exquisite cuisines. Numerous establishments have carved a niche for themselves, recognized for their food quality, varied menus, immersive experiences, and lavish ambiance. In such a competitive environment, emerging eateries often grapple with establishing their brand presence. Similarly, establishments facing challenges strive to elevate their brand reputation. This is where Haute Chefs LA steps in to bridge the gap.

Alex Kagianaris

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
hospitality consulting
legal services
General corporate structuring and tax matters
Operational and management issues
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Alex Kagianaris is a seasoned culinary consultant in Los Angeles, specializing in diverse facets of the food industry. From innovative menu development and comprehensive restaurant advising, based on the success of ventures like 'Stout Burgers and Beer', to expert guidance in the burgeoning craft beer scene, he combines his deep-rooted passion and formal culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu to offer unparalleled services that cater to restaurateurs aiming for excellence in an ever-evolving culinary landscape.

Last World Hospitality

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Consulting
Restaurant Management
Venue Development
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Last World Hospitality (LWH) is dedicated to shaping charismatic venues that not only resonate within their neighborhoods but also emerge as city-wide hotspots. With an ardent belief in the transformative power of local establishments, LWH champions the growth of vibrant communities by offering chefs and hospitality mavens the opportunity to become proprietors, immersing themselves in the locale while narrating their unique tales through culinary delights, refreshing beverages, and captivating design. Their enduring promise is to instill a sense of welcome in every interaction. For LWH, the heart of every thriving community beats in the rhythm of independent restaurants and small businesses.

Create Hospitality

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Event Production
Planning & Management
Custom Food & Beverage Experience
Catering
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Create Hospitality is an innovative agency headquartered in Los Angeles, distinguishing itself as a pioneer that seamlessly interlinks brands with the hospitality realm. They excel in brand marketing, experiential strategies, event planning, catering, hospitality consulting, branding, and operations. With a fervent passion for crafting unforgettable moments, they venture into festivals, events, and the vast world of food & beverage and hospitality, ensuring each endeavor leaves a lasting impression.

FE Design

Restaurant Consultant
USA, Los Angeles
SERVICES
Restaurant consulting
Feasibility studie
Site selection
Permitting
WEBSITE
LINKEDIN

Eddie Navarrette is the Chief Consultant of FE Design & Consulting, a firm established in 2003 that specializes in the hospitality sector. With Eddie's expertise, the company has successfully developed and launched a multitude of renowned restaurants and bars in Los Angeles. He excels in guiding culinary entrepreneurs through the complexities of City Hall's regulations, leveraging his profound knowledge of Planning, Building, and Health codes. Eddie's dedication to the industry is further underscored by his co-founding of the Independent Hospitality Coalition during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, an initiative aimed at advocating for small business owners in Los Angeles's food sector.

What is a Restaurant Consultant?

A restaurant consultant provides specialized insights and recommendations to restaurant proprietors and managers. Drawing from a deep well of knowledge in the food and beverage sector, they offer assistance in areas like conceptualization, menu creation, operational streamlining, staff education, fiscal planning, and promotional strategies. Typically, they assess current methodologies, pinpoint areas for enhancement or rectification, and suggest practical remedies to boost the restaurant’s efficacy and revenue. For both budding and seasoned establishments considering innovation or growth, a consultant’s perspective can be instrumental in realizing their ambitions.

Restaurant Consultants Pricing in Los Angeles

We’re happy to provide some general insights into restaurant consultant pricing. However, specific rates can vary widely based on various factors. Here are some things to consider:

  • Consultation Type: The nature of the consultation can influence the pricing. For instance, full-blown restaurant launch consultation from concept to opening would cost more than a menu redesign or staff training.
  • Consultant’s Experience and Reputation: High-profile consultants or firms with a proven track record of success might charge premium rates. Conversely, newer consultants may offer competitive rates to build their portfolios.
  • Duration of the Project: Some consultants might charge by the hour, while others could offer a flat fee for a specific project or a monthly retainer fee.
  • Scope of Work: If a consultant is handling multiple facets of a restaurant’s operations, from menu development to interior design and staff training, the cost would be higher than if they were just advising on one aspect.
  • Location: Rates can differ based on the city or area. Los Angeles, being a major city with a bustling restaurant scene, might have higher consultancy rates than smaller towns or cities.

To give a general estimate:

  • Hourly rates can range from $75 to $300 or more.
  • Project-based fees can start from a few thousand dollars and go up to tens of thousands, depending on the project’s complexity and duration.
  • Monthly retainers can vary, but for established consultants, they might range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

To get current and specific pricing for restaurant consultants in Los Angeles, it would be best to reach out directly to a few consultants or firms in the area for quotes. This would give you a more accurate and up-to-date picture of the current market rates. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Hiring a restaurant consultant can take some researching on your side. Here are some rules to keep in mind when looking for one:

  • Determine your specific needs for a restaurant consultant
  • Research potential consultants through recommendations and online searches
  • Check their track record with case studies and references
  • Conduct interviews to evaluate communication skills, problem-solving approach, and passion for the industry
  • Assess their expertise in the areas you need help
  • Discuss the scope of work and fee structure
  • Check cultural fit to avoid friction
  • Draft a contract outlining terms and conditions
  • Regularly review progress and provide feedback to ensure positive outcomes and growth for your restaurant.

A good consultant can set you up for years of success. Make sure to choose carefully and don’t skimp on good service.

When hiring a restaurant consultant, it’s vital to make a well-informed and strategic decision. Here are some essential considerations:

  • Experience & Expertise: It’s important to choose someone with a solid track record in the restaurant industry, especially in areas you need guidance in, such as operations, menu planning, or financial management.
  • Reputation: Research their previous projects and consider reaching out to past clients for feedback. Online reviews and testimonials can also be helpful.
  • Scope of Work: Be clear about your expectations and requirements from the start, whether you need comprehensive advice or expertise on a specific topic.
  • Compatibility: A good professional fit is essential. Ensure their communication style resonates with yours.
  • Cost & Value: Analyze the consultant’s fees in relation to the services offered. While price is a factor, the potential return on investment should be a primary consideration.
  • Duration of Engagement: Decide whether you need short-term help for a particular issue or are looking for ongoing advice.
  • Availability & Accessibility: The consultant should be accessible based on your agreement. Overcommitment on their part can hinder the quality of service.
  • Specific Skills & Resources: Ensure they possess the required expertise for your needs, whether that’s in food sourcing, marketing, or other niche areas.
  • Independence: An unbiased consultant, free from ties to specific vendors, can provide more genuine recommendations.
  • Terms of Contract: Clearly outline the engagement’s scope, fees, duration, and other relevant terms before commencement.
  • Adaptability: The ability to adapt to the ever-changing restaurant landscape is crucial.
  • Continued Support: Determine if they offer support after the main project concludes, especially when integrating new systems or practices.
  • Up-to-date Knowledge: A good consultant should be abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and methodologies.

    Finally, trust your instincts. A strong personal connection and shared vision for your establishment can be as important as their credentials. If initial interactions raise doubts, it may be worth exploring other options.

    When contemplating the engagement of a restaurant consultant, weigh the pros and cons to make an informed choice. Here are the key considerations:

    1. Objective Evaluation: A consultant provides an unbiased assessment, highlighting potential blind spots in your business.
    2. Specialized Knowledge: Venturing into unfamiliar territory, such as branding revamps or menu introductions, can benefit from a consultant’s deep expertise.
    3. Cost Efficiency: While there’s an initial outlay for a consultant, they may uncover long-term savings, operational efficiencies, or revenue-boosting strategies.
    4. Innovative Ideas: Consultants can infuse your business with fresh, out-of-the-box ideas, especially if you’ve been running on established routines.
    5. Mistake Avoidance Leveraging a consultant’s experience can prevent costly missteps in the restaurant sector.
    6. Valuable Connections: With vast networks spanning suppliers, marketers, and other industry experts, a consultant can provide beneficial contacts.

    Worth keeping in mind:

    1. Initial Expenditure: Engaging a consultant can put pressure on your budget, particularly for smaller establishments.
    2. Loss of Autonomy: Collaborating with a consultant might mean ceding some decision-making authority.
    3. Vision Mismatch: There’s a possibility that the consultant’s perspective doesn’t resonate with your brand ethos.
    4. Over-reliance: Consistently leaning on external guidance can reduce your self-reliance and decision-making confidence.

    Ultimately, the decision to onboard a restaurant consultant hinges on your unique situation, priorities, and financial leeway. Should you opt to hire one, ensure their credentials align with your restaurant’s goals and ethos.