Close to Open Consulting specializes in coaching, mentoring, training, and duplicating high‑performance, hospitality‑driven operations. Our team brings extensive experience across Restaurant Fine Dining, Casual, Fast Casual, Bars, Nightclubs, and Concert Venues, with private and public resort‑level expertise, including special event planning for large conference centers.

We prioritize leadership development, servant leadership, and building teams that guests and staff are excited to experience. Our approach is anchored in a true “Hospitality First” mindset: every decision starts with how it will impact the guest experience and the people delivering it.
 

We are private restaurant consultants who focus on successful Restaurant Starts, Turnarounds, Management Training, System Development, and, most importantly, cultivating a thriving, people‑centered culture. Each client—in diverse market sectors—brings a unique context, and that perspective sets us apart.

Our Founder has more than 30 years of combined experience across Montana, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, and Colorado, while our partners contribute over six decades of collective wisdom. This blend ensures guidance that is practical, grounded in real‑world hospitality, and oriented toward lasting people‑first outcomes.
 

We are a down-to-earth, people‑centered business. Our heart and passion for others shines through in everything we do. We go above and beyond—whether we’re dressed for a Liquor License hearing or rolling up our sleeves in a kitchen or storeroom—to help your team perform at its best.

Our reputation in the restaurant industry rests on the ability to balance all essential components of a business with a strong emphasis on culture. We align brand, operating model, and strategy to create a foundation for premium profit and ongoing success, all while fostering a positive, high‑functioning work environment that people are proud to support.

We are Food and Beverage experts with a passion for helping others thrive.
 

Hospitality First approach
 

• Leadership development at every level: structured coaching, mentorship, and ongoing training to build confident, servant leaders who empower their teams and elevate the guest experience.

• Culture building that lasts: a daily practice of clear expectations, feedback loops, recognition, and accountability that creates a work environment people want to be part of.

• Custom training manuals that reinforce your vision: management and team manuals designed to embed your mission, mindset, service standards, and operational rituals into day‑to‑day practice. These living documents guide onboarding, supervision, and continuous improvement, ensuring consistency across shifts and locations.

• Holistic guest experience: every touchpoint—from arrival to farewell—is designed to reflect your brand promise, with hospitality as the differentiator that drives loyalty and word‑of‑mouth.
   

Close to Open Consultants work with a process designed to generate sustainable profitability while reinforcing hospitality excellence.  

We guide your team through each winning step, with a focus on training, coaching, and empowering staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Our approach balances business outcomes with a culture where accountability, open communication, and continuous improvement are everyday practices, so investors and partners feel confident and staff feels inspired.
 

Starting and growing a restaurant, bar, or nightclub is complex, but with clear purpose, proven leadership, and thoughtful systems, you can turn a concept into a beloved local institution. If you’re ready for support, reach out and we’ll discuss how we can help you build a hospitality‑driven operation that attracts great talent, delights guests, and sustains growth.
 

We approach opening like curating a carefully designed stay at a Five Star Resort: a seamless flow from arrival to farewell, a curated atmosphere reflecting and honoring your brand with a focus on a culture where every team member elevates the experience while feeling valued for their unique contributions.
 

Leadership here means clear expectations, ongoing coaching, and decisions grounded in hospitality first, service a close second—to both guests and staff.

We’ll help you build a culture of care, where accountability, communication, and constant improvement are as natural as the daily dinner features. From high‑level operational discipline to restaurant warmth, authentic care and love, we focus on hospitality as a competitive advantage. That means thoughtful service standards, proactive problem solving, and a brand voice consistently welcoming everyone, whether a VIP or a first‑time guest.

And yes, we’ll keep the tone as inviting—efficient, attentive, and always cheerful, with great hustle and heart.
 

Key areas of focus include
 

• Concept, brand, and market fit: define the concept, target guest profile, and brand positioning; conduct competitive landscape analysis and demand assessment; develop a 12–24 month rollout plan and success metrics.

• Menu design and engineering: menu concept, pricing strategy, and profitability modeling; seasonal planning, supplier sourcing, and ingredient availability; menu engineering to balance cost, appeal, and speed of service.

• Training Manuals for Management Teams & Staff: development of customized SOPs, leadership frameworks, and onboarding playbooks that embed your vision and culture across all roles.

• Team training and mentoring: ongoing coaching, skill development, and performance management to elevate service and teamwork.

• Site selection and layout: location analysis, lease evaluation, and feasibility; kitchen, bar, and dining room layouts optimized for flow and throughput; equipment lists and back‑of‑house design.

• Operations systems and training: SOPs for every role; staffing models, hiring assistance or evaluations, and ongoing training programs; opening checklists, service scripts, and quality control processes.

• Procurement, cost controls, and finance: vendor vetting, contract negotiation, and relationship management; inventory, portion control, and waste reduction systems; budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and P&L optimization.

• Compliance, risk, and safety: licensing, permits, inspections, health and safety programs; security measures, cash handling, incident response plans; CPTED endorsed security plans and design layouts; insurance requirements and regulatory compliance.

• Technology and operations stack: POS selection, back‑office integration, data analytics; reservations, waitlist, loyalty system setup; kitchen display, order management, and reporting dashboards.

• Marketing, branding, and guest experience: grand opening strategy, ongoing promotions, events; social media, PR, influencer partnerships, and community outreach; guest journey mapping, service standards, and training foundations.

• Bar and nightclub specifics: beverage program design, inventory, and cost controls; bar layout, equipment, and speed of service; liquor licensing, audience flow, security, crowd management, noise control; VIP services, bottle service logistics, and event scheduling.

• Sustainability and culture: local sourcing, waste minimization, energy efficiency; inclusive menus and accessible guest experiences; positive workplace culture and staff retention strategies.

• Leadership training for all supervisors and management team members: targeted programs to strengthen decision‑making, delegation, coaching, and team empowerment.
   

Some specific tasks we streamline and assist with
 

• Feasibility studies and concept validation: market sizing, guest demographics, and competitive benchmarks.

• Brand development and menu strategy: concept articulation, naming, positioning, and pricing models.

• Site evaluation and design coordination: site tours, floor plans, and vendor coordination.

• Kitchen and bar design: space planning, equipment lists, line efficiency, and workflow mapping.

• Vendor management and procurement: RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract review.

• Financial modeling and budgeting: startup costs, capital expenditure, and monthly burn estimates.

• SOPs and training programs: operations manuals, trainer guides, onboarding checklists, and leadership development tracks.

• Hiring and onboarding: role definitions, interview guides, and training timelines.

• Systems integration: POS, kitchen display, reservations, loyalty, and inventory software setup.

• Opening plan and checklists: timeline, task ownership, and risk mitigation steps.

• Compliance and risk management: license applications, health and safety programs, and insurance reviews.

• Marketing launch plan: pre‑open marketing, launch events, and ongoing guest engagement.

• Operational audits and ongoing optimization: periodic reviews, KPI tracking, and performance coaching.
   

We offer a free initial consultation and analysis for your concept.

Please share a bit about your concept (restaurant, bar, nightclub), target opening date if not already in business, location, approximate budget, and any must‑have features.

Working with your vision, we can draft a tailored project plan outline, including a 90‑day pre‑opening checklist and a high‑level staffing and equipment plan to get you moving.
 

Why Close to Open?

We teach teams to, with integrity, close the end of the day with great heart and energy so the opening staff doesn’t have to clean up or handle tasks left behind. Great restaurants are consistent with culture, heart, energy, and delivering the highest quality standards from Open through Closing regardless of weather, volume or any chaos that might ensue throughout the business day.