To fix this, our suggested approach included inventory reductions, storage cleanliness and organization along with simple fixes in the kitchen.Īnother big part of Erik’s family’s journey involved determining the appropriate training and resources they would need. Moreover, working on a business plan became imperative to provide direction, create metrics and to get money as well, hence why the family’s attendance to our Business Model Canvas was unequivocally fruitful to turn their ideas and dreams into an achievable plan.Īnother issue was dealing with the purchasing process, where the SBDC’s guidance was crucial to implement an interim operating agreement that would allow Zolina to continue business operations during the transition of one owner to another.ĭespite Erik, Zolina and Azra’s lack of prior restaurant experience, one of our advisors was able to to provide assistance regarding the poor existing infrastructure and sound operating systems. Therefore, our consultant Keith Holtaway insisted in developing accurate profit and loss statements, firstly by organizing the kitchen and storage in order to facilitate inventory accuracy, and to allow for well informed decisions to be made. Right from the start,one main issue that came up was the lack of a proper bookkeeping system, where COGS (costs of goods sold) were based on supplier invoices instead of inventories, which in fact had never been made. The restaurant had been around for 40 years, throughout which a true family had been formed among the staff members. Erik, his wife Azra and daughter Zolina received assistance in various areas, including purchasing a business, creating a business plan, making accurate financial projections, and applying for an SBA loan.Īfter Tortilla Flats’ previous owner’s passing away, Zolina realized she couldn’t just let the restaurant she had dedicated so much of her life to, simply close.

In 2021 Erik Svehaug came to us in the hope of purchasing this restaurant, where his daughter had been the manager for 20 years, and who would eventually inherit the business.

Tortilla Flats is now a family-run upscale full-service Mexican Restaurant that has been around since 1981.

Tortilla flats restaurant