SUMMER MOVES THAT MOVE THE NEEDLE
At New School, we don’t just love summer—we study it.
On paper, it’s peak season: packed patios, longer hours, lighter menus. But in practice? It only works if your systems do.
The National Restaurant Association called early 2025 “one of the toughest starts to a year in recent memory.” Inflation outpaced traffic. Labor costs spiked. Even high-volume spots felt the squeeze.
This summer isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing it smarter.
The operators who are thriving are tightening menus, refining service, and streamlining systems, without losing their brand’s edge.
Right now, operators are being asked to do more with less:
Less staff
Less spending power from guests
Less room for error
The ones who succeed know how to adapt under pressure, simplify what matters, and still make it feel seamless.
HAPPY HOUR IS SO BACK (And not just for cheap drinks)
Let’s be real. In 2025, happy hour isn’t a fallback. It’s a frontline strategy.
As guests shift toward smaller, earlier, value-driven outings, the 3–6 p.m. window has become one of the most reliable and efficient ways to drive revenue, if it’s built with intention.
The strongest programs are:
Built around margin-minded, 3–5 item menus
Designed to double as staff training grounds
Branded like mini-experiences, not afterthoughts
“$2 off wells” isn’t a strategy. The best spots deliver value without diluting the brand.
Several Q1 and Q2 2025 Restaurant reports (NRA, SmartBrief, Business Insider) show takeout, happy hour, and off-hour dining outperforming traditional dinner rushes in key segments. Some operators are even pulling more weekday revenue between 3–6 p.m. than after 7 p.m., especially on slower nights.
OPERATIONS: THE UNSUNG SUMMER HERO
Strong branding might get people in the door. But sharp operations? That’s what keeps them coming back.
This season, smart operators are getting tactical, not to water down the experience, but to strengthen the systems behind it.
The patio’s packed. The energy’s high. The real question: Can your team hold the vibe without losing control?
When teams tighten up opening and closing routines, clarify service touch-points, and streamline FOH–BOH communication, the difference is immediate: Fewer mistakes. Faster turns. Stronger tips.
What operational alignment looks like:
Clear service paths that reduce guest wait times
Hybrid FOH roles built for leaner labor models
POS workflows that don’t bottleneck the bar or the pass
Language that’s both on-brand and operationally sound
Guests may not see the system, but they feel the result.
THE NEW SCHOOL SYSTEMS BEHIND THE SCENES
We don’t just talk ops. We build them.
Our in-house operations department acts like your back-of-house brain trust. We audit, model, and implement systems that keep service tight, team communication clear, and your brand experience consistent across every shift.
What we cover:
Guest Experience: Pacing, touch-points, and service flow
Personnel: Team structure, training systems, and retention plans
Product: Menu engineering, inventory flow, and cost control
Financials: P&L reviews, labor ratios, margin strategy
Facility: Line layout, floor plan efficiency, traffic patterns
Tenant/Operator Acquisition: For landlords and developers sourcing high-performing operators
Whether you’re running a fast-casual patio or a white-tablecloth dining room, we design systems that support your concept instead of slowing it down.
Think of us as the professors you wish you had when you opened your first spot.
THE FINAL BELL:
Summer doesn’t run itself. But it can work for you - if your strategy is as intentional as your vibe.
We’re helping new openings launch clean, and legacy spots overhaul systems that need an upgrade.
Whether you're just getting started or already running hot, we’re here to build on what’s working and streamline what’s holding you back.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: CAMPSITE BREWING
Tucked into the sunny corners of Covina, Campsite Brewing is serving cold pours, warm hospitality, and serious summer energy. With a sprawling indoor-outdoor setup and a menu built for both craft lovers and casual sippers, it’s exactly the kind of place locals want to linger.
New School supported Campsite with full-scope operational strategy, from early planning to opening weekend, to bring their “every weekend’s a getaway” vibe to life. And this summer, they’re proving it works.
Here’s how we helped:
Financial Modeling
Culinary Program Development
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Program
OS&E Selections + Vendor Set-Up
Photography
HR + Job Descriptions
Training Manuals
Management Recruitment + Training
Line-Level Staff Training
Soft + Grand Opening Support
Be Well & Eat Well,
The Schooligans