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DECEMBER 2009
December 2009 Part One
December 22nd 06.25 am Fulham London...
A large dark car pulls up in a quite street in Fulham to collect a somewhat nervous passenger, who would shortly be speaking to the nation via the radio and television.
In fact, he would be interviewed by no less then 11-radio stations and featured on two television shows before 9 am. The passenger's mission was to revel to the nation what we had been up to at the café for the last few weeks, and why.
With only a very small briefing this man would field questions and speak with authority his words would be heard by millions all over the country from all points of the compass and later all over the world.
At the café the lights did not burn all night in point of fact the manager was having a day off, the staff came to work as normal no one suspected what was going to happen in the yawning hours of a bitterly cold London morning. As the 7 o'clock news finished those, who were listening would have heard for the first time the words
'Forces Sauces'.
The secret was out and for the next 3 hours the name was on every radio station in the country and then picked by overseas networks and more and more interviews took place. The telephone started ringing at the café, mobiles started ringing emails flowed in and by the end of the day; we had sold every bottle of Forces Sauces.
Your response was over whelming, by 7 am the next day production was again underway, customers came to the café to buy Forces Sauces by the dozen and the food industry awoke to the realisation that a new brand had been born and that it was going to make a significant impact.
Inspired recipes and leadership from our Head Chef and General Manager Mike Logue, whom without his can do attitude we could not have produced Forces Sauces.
From the co-operation of our young apprentices lead by Duane Telfer a former wounded veteran of the Afghanistan conflict, Mike and the lads have brought to the table a product that you all embraced within 2 hours of the name being heard for the first time over the airways.
There is one more man we have to thank for the success of the 22nd of December and that is Angus Crawford a highly respected BBC correspondent of standing who has supported the plight of ex-servicemen for many years, and of course the BBC for their continued support of our servicemen and women so far away form home at this time of year, thank you so much.
Forces Sauces
Conceived by ex-service men, Made by ex-service men, Bottled by ex-service men, Sold by ex-service men with one sole aim, to help other ex-service men.
The story does not end here, only the stories begging,
Forces Sauces now belongs to the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation who have been helping, housing, and supporting ex-service personal since 1917. We all owe it to our boys and girls overseas to make sure this wonderful charity can continue to help and support those who fall on hard times after their service life.
Not all of those returning will need help, but sadly some will, and this is all about them.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
From all at the café and
Me
December 2009 part two
On Christmas day this year the young apprentices volunteered their time along with me, we cooked and served a full 3 course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings for 55 residents of the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation.
So hats off to the boys for doing this and also to our trustee servers who again this year volunteered their Christmas day to help ensure a great day for all.
2010 Day One
I have just arrived home from the café and our New Years Day Barbecue is well underway, along with regular customers, we have made some new friends this morning, and so have Forces Sauces.
With our business, heads on we have decided to close the café except for private functions during January and February.
Our re-open date in March will be published later this month; this closure time will allow us to further fast track our apprentice training with increased one to one with Mike Logue our General Manager and Head Chef.
In addition, we are also planning our full season's menus and changing our service style, so that our menus and service fit with what we can do very well, as opposed to fair.
When we opened the café in June of 2008 there was no blueprint to follow, the last time the building saw any sought of refreshment service was so long ago no one really remembers what it was like.
The building is not a purpose built café and it has taken some time to find out how best to get the most out what we have to work with, in conjunction with many factors that have emerged over the past full trading year.
Not unlike many other business in the UK that along with their core values also run training programmes we also have a dual responsibility. Whilst ensuring we operate a successful commercial operation we must adhere to the welfare and training of our staff.
The first two months of the year are the quietest period of the cafes life, so we feel it makes sound business sense to capitalise on this time to strengthen our position as one of Fulham's popular venues with exciting menus and well trained loyal members of staff.
Our young apprentices are also now going to sample life in some of London's fine dining establishments as well, we feel that this will enhance their attractiveness to future employers as and when their training once their NVQ qualification have been achieved.
Our remit is not just to train them but also to assist in full time employment as and when it comes time to say farewell to the café. Once employed away from the café we shall keep in contact with them so we are there to further support and mentor them.
This after care is a vital factor in assisting former ex-service personnel back in to civilian life and work environments. None of our apprentices will leave the café until they have a full time job.
2010 The Year Ahead
What does 2010 hold in store for the café and the Beef Kitchen Ltd, the above along with the building of our outside catering arm and brand building of Forces Sauces.
It is too early to say any more than this on Forces Sauces; we have had contact from various groups and individuals about the future and meetings have and will continue to take place, once I have any more to say on Forces Sauces I will.
Whist we are closed for daily business at the café, we are still able to host private events and will be happy to answer any questions/enquires you may have.
Mike has plans for all sorts of events at the café this spring and summer and on the new soon to be revamped website there will be a list of forthcoming events that you can book in advance, including an Armed Forces afternoon tea party on the lawn at the café.
Our Football service will continue as normal at the café and on that subject well done Fulham, keep doing it.
All the very best for 2010
Bob