Fresco Creperie & Café brings a slice of French artistry to the local food scene in Williston Park, New York, and Tom Grippo is the visionary behind it all. Specializing in making delectable crepes, the café is more than just a foodie hotspot; it’s a saga of experience, passion, and a digital transformation in the restaurant industry, particularly through its partnership with Orders.co.
From Long-standing Partnership to Restaurant Ownership
Tom Grippo was a trusted business associate of Fresco Creperie & Café’s original owners for years, even before the café opened its doors in Long Beach in 2000. Back then, Tom was deep in corporate sales, contemplating whether reentering the restaurant industry was wise. However, life had a way of keeping him tethered to the café. When a second location opened in Williston Park in 2010, he maintained his close association. Finally 2019, the unique opportunity to own this second location surfaced. Tom seized the chance, albeit with some reservations, becoming an owner just six weeks before the pandemic hit the globe.
Introducing Menu Innovations and Bridging the Digital Gap
Tom wasted no time putting his stamp on Fresco Creperie & Café. He spiced up the menu with innovative savory, and candy-infused delights. These novel items captured customer attention and signaled Tom’s willingness to adapt. Yet, despite the culinary buzz, the café lacked an online or takeout presence, a gap Tom knew he needed to bridge for a successful restaurant success story.
The Digital Transformation Begins
During this reflection period, Tom stumbled upon Orders.co. Realizing that the café’s old-school owners had never embraced online ordering or social media, he made it his mission to bring the restaurant into the digital age. The first steps involved laying down a robust social media foundation and wading through the confusing world of third-party app integration.
Smooth Onboarding with Orders.co
Initially concerned about the logistics of managing multiple menus and delivery apps, Tom found his answer in Orders.co. The platform streamlined everything, enabling him to manage all delivery apps from one tablet. What could have been a complicated transition became smooth sailing. Orders.co even took up 90% of the heavy lifting, making staff training almost effortless. As for customer service? In Tom’s words: “I never have to wait for a rep; I always get a callback.”
A Balanced Business Model Emerges
Today, Fresco Creperie & Café boasts a well-balanced business model, with a 30% takeout and 70% dine-in ratio. The Orders.co-crafted ordering website has become a pillar of this new stability, allowing Tom to cater to his existing clientele while simultaneously building new online revenue streams.
The Next Chapter in This Restaurant’s Success Story
What’s next on Tom’s agenda? He’s set his sights on acquiring the original Long Beach location. Armed with the digital arsenal that Orders.co provides, he’s not just optimistic about this next venture; he’s fully equipped for it.
The Sweet Taste of Culinary and Business Success
As Fresco Creperie & Café plans for the future, its partnership with Orders.co has been a game-changer. With Orders.co’s help, Tom has blended his love for making great crepes with the benefits of modern technology. Together, they’re reaching more customers and enhancing the dining experience. Looking ahead, Tom is excited about expanding his business even further. With a strong foundation and a great partner in Orders.co, the future looks promising. As more people discover the taste of Fresco’s crepes, there’s no doubt they’ll keep coming back for more.