Amy Mills is the Owner and Chief Strategist at 17th Street Barbecue, known as “one of the best BBQ brands on earth.” She is also an author, speaker, consultant, and has judged on numerous Cooking Channel and Food Network shows.

Unfortunately, many storied restaurants have had to close their doors due to COVID-19, but 17th Street Barbecue isn’t on that list! On this episode of Give an Ovation, Amy tells the story and gives valuable advice along the way. Here’s a few of the main things she and Zack touched on:

1. Stay True To Your Brand

When pork hit the fan last March, Amy made sure that the leadership over her two locations were in sync. She noted the importance of consistency as you expand your business.

2. Know Where You’re Swimming To

When she felt like she was drowning, Amy made workforce changes, cut her menu in half, revaluated her food costs, and even shut down completely for a time when COVID-first hit. She said this breather allowed her and her team to pause, think, and make a game plan.

3. It’s Okay To Raise Prices

There’s probably more fat in your restaurant then you realize, and we’re not talking about keto friendly recipes. Amy realized that there were plenty of areas in her restaurant to cut costs that she hadn’t seen before COVID-19. She also raised her prices a small amount, which is fine because customers understand what restaurants are facing right now.

4. Embrace Relationships

Amy’s final piece of advice surrounded community. As she said,

“My daddy used to say to me, ‘we all have to play in the same sandbox.’.. Life is very long, and you need each other. You have to have those relationships.”