Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Program partners with Local First AZ to provide restaurant bootcamp for businesses in need

July 2, 2020 at 3:16 pm

The City of Mesa is teaming up with Local First Arizona to host the Mesa CARES Restaurant Bootcamp for Mesa restaurants affected by COVID-19. Local First Arizona will conduct three 8-week bootcamps with the first beginning Monday, July 27. The Bootcamp will be conducted each Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Two additional 8-week Bootcamps will begin Aug. 10 and Aug. 24 with hours yet to be determined.

The Bootcamps are part of the Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which is designed to provide free training, one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance services to eligible, Mesa-based businesses that were impacted by the required business closures or limited services mandated by statewide Executive Orders.

The Restaurant Bootcamp is designed for restaurateurs who want to improve their businesses without high costs and liability and provides them with the necessary tools to succeed. The course is valuable for recently opened food businesses or existing businesses looking to streamline their current operating systems.

"Many Mesa small businesses and restaurants have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," Mayor John Giles said. "The Restaurant Bootcamp provided by Local First Arizona is an excellent resource provided by the Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Program that can help local restaurants get back on their feet."

Each bootcamp will be limited to 15 participants and will be facilitated by Local First Arizona Director of Food Programs, Gabe Gardner, a life-long hospitality professional. In addition, the bootcamp will include content experts who will provide practical knowledge to give restaurateurs tactical plans to grow their businesses.

The course will cover the following topics through a mix of lectures, guest speakers, discussion and student activities:

Food Service Purchasing
Food Service Math and Costing
Profitable Menu Creation
Point-Of-Sale Systems
Local Procurement
Front and Back of House Relations
Food Service Logistics and Marketing
Food Establishment Permitting

Businesses can apply online at www.MesaAz.Gov/CARESBizTechAssist. Anyone needing help completing the application may contact the Mesa CARES Call Center at (480) 644-CARE (2273). The call center is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program is part of the Mesa CARES Initiative that supports individuals, families, and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Media Contact: Kim Lofgreen
Office of Economic Development
480-644-3962
Kim.lofgreen@mesaaz.gov