Anna-Louise Powell’s Post

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting a colleague at a local coffee shop I hadn’t visited before. Founded in 2018, this charming spot quickly became my new favorite. You’ll find me there on Friday mornings, savoring not just the coffee but the entire experience. What struck me most wasn’t just how busy the place was, but how it was busy. Amid the steady stream of people, there were groups deeply engaged in laughter, conversation, and connection. It reminded me of something a restaurateur once said: when people are truly immersed in their conversation, that’s when you know you’ve created the right environment. This weekend, I stumbled upon a talk by Leon Wieseltier, where he warned about the danger of “living checklist lives,” rushing through experiences without truly savoring them. It made me think about the choices small food businesses face. As you navigate the pressures of competing with the industrial food system, you’ll have to decide: will you prioritize creating meaningful experiences for your customers, or will you focus solely on efficiency and profit? I believe that centering on experience and meaning will serve you best in the long run. Of course, efficiency and profit are important. But they shouldn’t be your ultimate goals. Instead, think of them as the foundation that allows you to operate sustainably. Let the industrial food giants cater to those seeking speed and cheap options. Why do I share this with you? Because as small food makers, you are vital to our community. When you help people slow down and find meaning in their lives, you build loyalty that’s far more valuable than any short-term gain. My life, like so many others, is filled with enough checklists and routines. That’s why I’ll be spending my Friday mornings at Pilgrim Coffee, savoring a cup of coffee, indulging in a pastry, and letting my thoughts flow freely. So, help your customers slow down. Price fairly to earn a reasonable profit. Look them in the eye and greet them with genuine warmth. And don’t rush them out the door. These small acts will not only strengthen your community but also create a steady, loyal customer base that sustains your business for years to come.

Local Businesses and the "Overwhelming Choice" Trap Last weekend, I visited a popular restaurant chain. The menu had endless options, making it hard to choose while trying to chat with everyone. It led to choice overload, leaving me unsatisfied and tired. Many local businesses make the same mistake on their websites. They overload potential customers with too many details and choices, causing decision fatigue. The solution? Simplify. Highlight key outcomes and benefits over endless descriptions. Make it easy for customers to see why they should choose you—no exhausting decisions required.

Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? We’ve got 5 tips to keep your kitchen buzzing, bringing customers back for more, and giving your profits an extra boost! This year, go beyond the basics in your planning. Add flavours that get people talking, craft loyalty programs they’ll love, and share your story in a way that only you can. Swipe through to grab tips that’ll make this your most successful (and delicious!) year yet.

Feeling the Inflation Everywhere? Want to have quality time with your partner but is there a way to make it wallet friendly? With rising costs, many of us are rethinking our budgets, especially for date nights. Affordable and Romantic Ideas: 1. Cook at Home: Create a special meal together. 2. Outdoor Picnic: Enjoy a simple meal in a local park and spam photos on your social media. 3. Movie Night: Set up a cozy home theater, or get a Klook deal to pay for weekday’s ticket price for a weekend show. There are even affordable restaurant right in town, more deals that help you to cut down cost, and maximize your dollars spent. DM me for more of my tips! Focus on the quality of time spent, not the amount spent. Maximize your resources to do more! Let’s connect.

As I put the finishing touches on my Thanksgiving menu, I can’t help but think about the power of preparation. In the kitchen, it’s the difference between a perfectly golden turkey and a “we’re ordering pizza” moment. In life and work, it’s what turns chaos into clarity. For me, being prepared isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. It’s setting the table (literally and figuratively) for success. It’s about anticipating needs, prioritizing what matters most, and leaving just enough room for the unexpected surprises that make life interesting. Here’s how I’m “prepping” for the week ahead: 1️⃣ Pick your “main dish” – What’s your non-negotiable focus this week? Make sure it’s the centerpiece. 2️⃣ Season with flexibility – Plans are great, but so is adaptability. Life has a way of remixing the recipe. 3️⃣ Make time to savor – Whether it’s family, progress on a project, or a quiet cup of coffee, preparation includes making room for gratitude. As we step into this holiday week, I’m leaning into the lessons the kitchen and career have taught me: Be prepared. Be flexible. And always save room for dessert. How are you preparing for success this week? I’d love to hear how you set the tone for what’s ahead! #ThanksgivingReflections #BePrepared #GratitudeInGrowth #SoWhat

Why do the busiest restaurants always have a waiting list? It’s not just because they’re full—it’s because scarcity sells. And this isn’t some sleazy “fake it till you make it” strategy. I’ve helped clients generate six-figure months by leaning into REAL demand: • Waitlists. • Limited spots. • And proof that their value outpaces supply. Example: One of my clients capped their coaching program at 5 spots per month and launched a simple waitlist. Result? Booked 3 months in advance with clients eager to invest $10,000 each. Just don't ruin this by being selfish. Once you decide on your capacity- stick with it. It's not the scarcity leading to sales. It's the integrity. Want the same playbook? Click here and start building your waitlist today. 👉 FixYourList.com

Happy National Coffee Day! ☕ In honor of this special day we've brewed up some top stats about your favorite coffee spots! 👇 1️⃣ Who's sipping what at their favorite coffee shops? ☕ Starbucks is a favorite for 'Ultra Wealthy Families,' accounting for 10.1% of their captured market so far this year. Meanwhile, 13.3% of those visiting Dutch Bros Coffee are coming from areas of 'Young Urban Singles'. 2️⃣ When are people enjoying their coffee? 🕑 Dunkin' drinkers drink their coffee until the late hours of the morning, with 42.8% of visits occurring between 7 a.m.-11 a.m. In contrast, BIGGBY COFFEE attracts a greater share of visitors during the midday hours, with 31.7% of visits taking place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 3️⃣ What are commuters grabbing on their way to work? 🚗 Dunkin' takes the lead as the top coffee spot for those heading to work, capturing 26.7% of visits. Following closely are: Biggby’s at 23.7%, Starbucks at 20.5%, and Dutch Bros at 17.3%.

Guest expectations are at an all-time high. And when your company’s second core value is “exceeding expectations,” it really keeps you on your toes. This is the 5th year in a row that we have presented Thanksgiving pies to all of our in-house guests. Or was a great idea that Corey Hawks suggested and it’s a keeper. I don’t know who’s having more fun, the employees or the guests! We now have guests that call the office and ask if they are getting a pecan or pumpkin pie as they plan their menus. My favorite today, though was a first time guest who was so excited to receive their Thanksgiving pie since a bear had broken into their car last night and ate their dessert! Lessons we’ve learned from trying to exceeded expectations. *Guest begin to expect a certain level of service and you need to be thoughtful about executing services that are sustainable for the long haul. *Make changes to create a sense of surprise and delight, but keep traditions that really warm the heart – – of the employees and the guests. *Have fun and engage all of your employees in the process. *Offer options—not everyone loves pumpkin pie like I do. This is such a fun business. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

You will probably need to work early morning(s) or late night(s) if… You really want to deliver for your clients. Or for your business. Or for or your team. … Don’t get me wrong! As a family man, I strive to exclusively keep work from 9-5 and at the office—not home. However, when my client (Stageline Pizza in Columbus) needs to update all of their pricing for their point of sale system AND online ordering on Monday… That’s a change that cannot happen during regular business hours. I need to make sure there is time to confirm that the updates are 100% accurate and functioning smoothly before Stageline’s next hungry customer walks in the door! … Like many of you, yes, I’m putting in a few late nights. Yes, things are hard: yes, my family has covid. Yes, of son broke his leg. Yes, my other son has an ear infection on top of covid. Yes! I’m tired, sick, and weak. But I have a much bigger “yes”: 👉 YES! It is wonderful that my clients can depend on me to deliver results. Its fantastic to be a part of taking Stageline’s restaurant to the next level with: 1. updated menu items and pricing 2. a new website 3. online ordering … So don’t feel bad for any late nights, early mornings, or hardship when things aren’t going well—cherish the opportunity to make sacrifices. Develop grit and humility. ☀️ God and my wife support me and make it possible. ☀️ #BusinessWebsiteDesign

How to Set Expectations and Deliver on Promises All-day breakfast that ends at 11:30 am? That's a recipe for disappointment. I decided to treat myself to a cheeky little M&S all-day breakfast. With visions of fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon dancing in my head, I walked in with high expectations. After all, "all-day breakfast" should mean just that, right? But when I arrived at 11:45 am, I was told breakfast service had ended. My excitement quickly turned to frustration. The idea of an all-day breakfast sounded fantastic, but the reality fell short. The truth is, setting expectations and then missing the mark can have a significant impact on customer trust and brand reputation. When businesses make promises, it's crucial they follow through, or risk alienating their audience. This experience was a stark reminder of how important it is to ensure that what we promise aligns with what we deliver. Whether in marketing, customer service, or product offerings, clear and honest communication is key. In this case, a simple rephrasing to "breakfast served until 11:30 am" would have saved a lot of disappointment. The lesson I learned is that setting realistic expectations is just as important as delighting customers. Missteps can lead to frustration and lost trust, which is far harder to rebuild than it is to maintain. How do you ensure that your business sets and meets expectations? #CustomerExperience #BrandTrust #MarketingStrategy