...Jon and Ulla were engaged by Montsalvat in 2009 to guide the redevelopment of the Montsalvat Cafe. This involved a comprehensive assessment of the operations of the cafe, which was not financially viable, and the preparation of a plan to rebrand, refurbish and market the cafe. Financial parameters to guide the budget of the new venture and guidance about the selection of key staff were also provided.
The advice ... was most valuable and provided in a very positive manner. Their attention to detail was impressive. As a result of this advice, the cafe has been rebranded as ‘The Meeting Pool’ restaurant specialising in ‘Cuisine Provencale.’ A new Restaurant Manager and Chef have been employed, and in February it will open at night.
Although much work remains to be done the changes in the look and feel of the restaurant are impressive and customer service has improved dramatically. I have no doubt that the excellent advice provided by Jon and Ulla will ensure that all aspects of the restaurant from its appearance, table layout and settings, customer service, marketing, and financial performance will be significantly improved.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Jon and Ulla for a similar project, and would be pleased to provide further information if required.
Rob Hauser, CEO
Montsalvat Ltd
7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham
Jon Langevad and Ulla Hiltula of Langhill Consulting were invited by Rob Hauser CEO of Montsalvat Ltd to join with myself to provide advice as to the restructure of the small cafe at Montsalvat.
At our first meeting we resolved to move from being a cafe – serving light lunches and teas to a restaurant to be called ‘The Meeting Pool’ – the food style to be Cuisine Provencal.
We also resolved to develop a new business plan and logo for the business and employ new staff including an executive chef and manager.
From the beginning a refurbishment of the dining room was called for and the garden courtyard to be upgraded. Opening hours were reviewed and it was decided to open for lunch from Tuesdays through to Sunday and dinner from Thursday to Saturday.
Langhill Consulting was involved in all these decisions providing advice and input through to the opening of The Meeting Pool.
As someone who has been involved in the hospitality industry for over forty years as the patron of ‘Montsalvat Receptions’ which I set up in 1969, owner and founder of ‘Clichy Restaurant’ in Collingwood and also as a food writer, judge and critic; I found working with Jon and Ulla very refreshing and the input they made creative and positive in the recreation of ‘The Meeting Pool.’
Thy both have extensive knowledge of the practical side of running a restaurant having been involved in the industry for many years running such estimable establishments as ‘Raffles’ in Middle Park and most recently ‘Mon Ami’ in Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. ‘Mon Ami’ is an intimate and cosy French Bistro where Jon produces fine restaurant food and Ulla runs the front of house.
Jon has the advantages of being both an accountant and chef/manager, hence his advice is sound at both levels as he understands the complexities and difficulties of running a restaurant – the need to provide excellent food, service in a friendly atmosphere plus running it in a cost effective way. He also brings his vision as a professional photographer to the design. While Ulla brings to the table her knowledge and understanding of service and the resolution of the problems associated with front of house.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Langhill Consulting to others in the industry.
Sigmund Jorgensen CB
Montsalvat Ltd
7 Hillcrest Avenue, Eltham