East Bay SBDC and the City of Alameda present
HOW TO MAKE FOOD BUSINESS MORE PROFITABLE WORKSHOP SERIES
Funded by the City of Alameda, East Bay SBDC offers a free 6-part workshop series for food businesses! Register now to learn financial metrics, online marketing, menu cost management, and financing options for success in the competitive food industry.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Check out the workshops below and register for the ones you are interested in separately. Click here to download our flyer.
| Date | Workshop Title | Time | Instructor | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5/19/25 | Improve Internal Restaurant Finances | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Shawn Walker-Smith | Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program |
| 2 | 6/2/25 | Understanding Your Menu Costs and Restaurant Systems | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Shawn Walker-Smith | Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program |
| 3 | 6/16/24 | Reengineer Your Menus for Greater Profits | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Shawn Walker-Smith | Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program |
| 4 | 8/11/25 | Marketing Your Restaurant Online | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Sneha Lundia | Advisor, East Bay SBDC |
| 5 | 8/25/25 | Marketing Your Restaurant Using Social Media Marketing | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Sneha Lundia | Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program |
| 6 | 9/8/25 | Funding Your Restaurant Dream: Exploring Financing Options | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Blair Abee | Advisor, East Bay SBDC |
WORKSHOP TOPICS
1. Improve Internal Restaurant Finances
Monday, May 19, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Shawn Walker Smith, Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program
This workshop is designed to help food and beverage businesses clearly understand their internal financial health. It will cover understanding and interpreting key financial metrics, budgeting techniques, and cost-saving strategies to help businesses make informed decisions and improve their overall profitability.
2. Understand Your Menu Costs and Restaurant Systems
Monday, June 2, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Shawn Walker Smith, Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program
Learn how to manage your menu costs and restaurant systems effectively. Discover strategies for optimizing your pricing, reducing food waste, and streamlining operations to improve profitability and customer satisfaction.
3. Reengineer Your Menus for Great Profits
Monday, June 16, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Shawn Walker Smith, Advisor, NorCal SBDC Restaurant Program
This workshop offers food and beverage businesses a strategic approach to menu optimization. Discover how to identify high-profit items, streamline your menu, and implement effective pricing strategies to boost your bottom line.
Summer Break
4. Marketing Your Restaurant Online
Monday, August 11, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Sneha Lundia, Advisor, East Bay SBDC
In this workshop, we’ll break down the key elements of an online marketing strategy that will help your restaurant stand out. Topics will include targeting, positioning, email marketing, social media marketing, SEO, advertising etc., which we’ll guide you through the process to boost your online presence.
5. Marketing Your Restaurant Using Social Media Marketing
Monday, August 25, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Sneha Lundia, Advisor, East Bay SBDC
This session will focus on actionable steps to execute your restaurant’s marketing strategy. You’ll gain insights on campaign management, content creation, and digital tools that will help you seamlessly execute your plan and grow your customer base.
6. Funding Your Restaurant Dream: Exploring Financing Options
Monday, September 8, 2025 – 8:30 – 10:00 am
Blair Abee, Advisor, East Bay SBDC
Whether starting or growing your food related business you probably will need some financing. Explore your options and the steps to take to when seeking the money you need.
Questions? Please email us at ebinfo@eastbaysbdc.org, and we will respond as soon as possible.
INSTRUCTORS
Shawn Walker-Smith
Advisor, NorCal SBDC
Restaurant Program
Sneha Lundia
Advisor,
East Bay SBDC
Blair Abee
Advisor,
East Bay SBDC
OUR PARTNERS
Funded by City of Alameda
