In November of last year, I wrote a blog about the folks at Zet’s who took over a Derry Road restaurant, just north of the airport. It was a dubious location, where multiple enterprises have failed over the last decade. After my first visit, my thoughts were “I think they did it right and will be a success. It’s well marketed and manned and I believe their attention to detail will make the difference in keeping their doors open and their business prospering. Time will tell.”

It appears, 9 months later, they indeed have made it a success at a location where previous endeavours have closed their doors in short order (no pun intended). Execution, consistency, financial resources and experience in the industry, were able to overcome a long history of failure. As important as the right location is, the right people with the right thinking can overcome hefty obstacles.

It’s something to keep in mind for any of us in the job we do or the business we run. Doing it right can take you a long way. It doesn’t have to be over the top, as long as it is above average…even a little bit and consistently so.

Congrats to Zet’s on Derry Road for turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse. A job well done!

 Lee’s Quote for the Day

“The lead in the TV show ‘The A Team’ used to say ‘I love it when a plan comes together’. In my opinion, there is no better feeling and it’s definitely something we can all aspire to.” 

Everyone has heard how important location is in creating a successful enterprise, especially in the restaurant business. We now have a chance to see if a well established product, great reputation and professional execution can offset a location with a long history of failure.

For folks like me (that have worked in proximity to the Toronto airport for most of my career), a once popular location has been revitalized. Pepi’s was a fast food joint on Derry Road just east of Torbram. It was right on the flight path and in its day was a very popular spot. Then the large McDonnell Douglas plant closed down, the major banks moved out of the area and the once well know eatery died a slow and painful death. It was vacant for many years and several entrepreneurs tried to bring it back without success.

A few months ago Zet’s, a 24 hour greasy spoon on the strip, took it over and breathed new life into the old location. A major facelift began including a freshly paved yard, new signage, new paint, a fresh interior…every detail was covered. They manned it with staff from the other restaurant and had 3 times as many people serving you, compared to previous renditions.

We went the other day for lunch. It was busy and although it had a limited menu and hours, compared to the airport road location, it was very professionally run, the food was well prepared and the menu fairly priced. The service was quick and friendly and everyone sported matching shirts with their updated brand prominently featured.

I think they did it right and will be a success. It’s well marketed and manned and I believe their attention to detail will make the difference in keeping their doors open and their business prospering. Time will tell.

Lee’s Quote for the Day

“Sometimes, the details that matter most, are paying attention to the details most will never even notice.”