Happy New Year Ramily,

Can it really be 2023?  Yes, time does fly.  Plenty of great experiences and learning moments in 2022 which prepare us for superior execution in 2023.  At this time of the year, we always take time to reflect back and project forward.  As we do that, I like to keep in mind a favorite quote of mine from Eleanor Roosevelt, “Today is a gift.  That is why we call it ‘The Present’.”  Learn from the past, live for today and prepare for tomorrow is how I choose to live. 

Our new menu was installed at the beginning of December.  There has been very, very little guest feedback on price revisions – kudos to Banger Smith and our menu engineering team.  Ram Chips made a smashing return.  The Waygu Burger (with blue cheese) is now our #2 most popular burger.  The Cubano Melt is the #3 best selling sandwich following the French Dip and Turkey Havarti.  The addition of Ranch & Buffalo Style has moved the Rule the Roost Chicken Sandwich from the lowest selling sandwich to the #4 position.  The addition of “Enhance Your Steak” section to the Steaks & Chicken category has increased the average selling price.  The addition of Daily Specials back to the hard menu are showing better results as the number of specials (Steak Day, Mac & Cheese etc…) are increasing.  The pizza category continues to grow.  By the way, a tip of the cap to Chef Benji in Wilsonville for his awesome pizza pies.   By the way, you have to love our new cupped pepperoni.   Finally, our new 4-5-6 Happy Hour continues to grow the number of items sold and sales at Happy Hour. 

The results show that our guests love the items we are offering them and appreciate the value they present.  With that in mind, I have a question for you – what do you feel our “value propositions” are?  Ram Rewards?  The best craft beer for less than the competition?  Open doors, smiles, and eye contact?  What do you think makes Ram special to our guests?  Please email me your thoughts as we want to capitalize and enhance our value propositions. 

It’s almost Kolsch time.  Mr. Leonard tells me that Clearwater Kolsch will be wetting our whistles at the end of the month.  That’s a unique value proposition I love.  Our Mug Clubbers will be treated to a delicious Udder Chaos braised beef dinner in January.  The Home Office team was lucky tasters last week.  High fives to Chef Brandon Escovedo for this delicious recipe. 

Gracious Hospitality!  Gracious Hospitality! Gracious Hospitality!  Open doors.  Smiles.  Eye contact.  Say “thank you”.  What will you do to make our guests’ experiences with the Ram memorable?  What rocks and boulders will you drop on our guests?  Do something unexpected for someone and create a guest for life! 

During the month of January, we say Happy Birthday to:  Justen Rodgers, LeRoy Hairston, Andy Seamster, Collin McNees, Kendra Peck, Kris Findley, Lauryn Benedetti, Cameron Davis, Nick Kannarr, Greer Hubbard, Angie Nelson and Josh Pitt.

A special thank you to the following team members who celebrate significant anniversaries with their Ramily this month:  Frederick Wright, Tiffany Clark, Juan Tovar, Raul Ramirez and Lenka Downs. 

“People who matter are most aware that everyone else does, too.”

~ Malcom Forbes