The phone rang at 6:45 a.m. on a Monday in mid-July.  It was Chef James Cassidy informing me that our beef supplier had just closed their doors – no more deliveries.  We had enough beef in inventory to last us a couple of days.  Time to think and think fast.  Fortunately, we had prepared.  Sensing something may have been amiss with that beef supplier we had begun testing other suppliers.  A couple of phone calls later we were able to confirm a new supplier would be able to meet our specifications and emergent timeline.  Our testing concluded that the new burgers and steaks not only had superior taste but had the added bonus of coming from local ranchers.  Win Win!  They also come at a higher cost which is why we have had to adjust some menu prices.  We do not take this lightly.  In addition to providing our guests with superior quality food our goal is to price our menu items at or below our competitors’ prices; that is one of our strong value propositions.

            I know, we all know, that menu pricing is a very sensitive subject.  This is not taken lightly.  We are a business.  As such, we must price our products accordingly to provide our guests with superior quality food and beverage, prepared and served by smiling / engaging team members in inviting atmospheres with a marginal and vital profit.  This is fair and reasonable. 

            Guests define value on the experiences they receive not what they spend.  There is an old adage in the hospitality business that says, “price becomes less relevant when you know you’re going to get better service or have a better experience.”  Another way of saying that is “the better the service the less price is an issue.”  In these monthly newsletters I often write about Gracious Hospitality.  I do so because I am a fervent believer in the importance of Gracious Hospitality – those are the restaurants where I want to dine, those are the hotels where I want to rest my head and those are the friends and teammates I want to have.  That is also what Ram guests want and expect.  When we shower our guests with Gracious Hospitality, when we consistently drop those rocks and boulders on our guests providing them better experiences prices become less relevant.  This is how we win.  Food quality, menu innovation and Gracious Hospitality is how we cultivate loyal guests and embed the Ram in our communities.    Make ‘em Smile!  Game On!  Give our guests Reasons to Return!

            During the month of August, we say Happy Birthday to:  Scott Hull, Tracy Raley, Francy Rios Barrera, Benjamin Garcia-Cantoran, James Cassidy, Mary Wawrin and Isaac Luedtke. 

            Thank you to the following Ramily team members who celebrate significant anniversaries with us this month:  Kira Conner (19 years), Bryan McInturff (10 years), Jerry Brownell (11 years), Chelsey Iliff (8 years), Barbara Zieseniss (26 years), Michael Royster (5 years), James Wayne (7 years), Olga Zolotsev (5 years) and Megan Miller (9 years).  Thank you all very much.