Friday, April 9, 2010

Looking for Distribution Logistics Coordinator

The Melting Pot Restaurants Franchise Support Center, based in Tampa, Fla., is seeking a Distribution Logistics Coordinator to add to its Purchasing and Distributions team.

If you meet the qualifications below, please forward your cover letter and resume to Ric Benyo --- rbenyo@meltingpot.com.

SUMMARY:
The Distribution Logistics Coordinator is responsible for a diverse array of logistical aspects related to the supply chain. This includes transportation from the producers/ manufacturers to the restaurants. As well, this job encompasses analyses for usage volumes for all products, drayage costs, compliance with approved brands and distributors and providing reports to various levels of management, outsourced resources and end users on an as needed basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Produces usage reports. Included within this responsibility is the ability to utilize Microsoft Excel software functions at an advanced level.

• Provide primary level contact with franchisee/distribution community on order guide maintenance and distributor operation interaction with restaurant staff including but not limited to incident problem solving and delegation of vendor issues to the buyer of record.

• Coordinate with out-sourced resources to maintain order guide audit function.

• Provide support to TMPRI buyers with details on expiring contracts and the documentation for renewed agreements on file with DMA.

• Tracks and accrues product and distributor rebates.

• Directs product roll out to all distributors servicing Melting Pot restaurants.

• Serve as primary contact with franchisees to coordinate purchasing and distribution related issues.

• Provides all levels of management with needed reports.

• Provide recommendation on relationship development with strategic distribution partners.

• Travel to restaurant locations, vendors, distributors and industry shows as needed.

• Assists with annual events and meetings as required and/or assigned.

• Other related duties as needed.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Reports to work on time each day.

• Dresses according to company policy.

• Keeps immediate supervisor informed of all business matters pertaining to all areas of responsibility. Takes prompt action to resolve problems or barriers and suggest alternative solutions or actions when necessary.

• Performs all duties in a timely, effective, and proficient manner in accordance with established company policies to achieve the expected results of the position responsibilities.

• Maintains favorable business relationships with peers, field staff, vendors, and other company employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.

• Demonstrates effective project management, communication, and follow-up skills at all times.

• Performs other duties and special projects as required that affect the Melting Pot concept.

• Maintains strict confidentiality with information or knowledge considered sensitive or confidential in nature.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• No supervisory responsibilities

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform all job responsibilities and accountabilities. The items listed in the Distribution Logistics Coordinator job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Minimum high school graduate; college degree preferred. Professional certification / education in restaurant or logistics related field is highly desired and recommended. Advanced course work curriculum or experience will be accepted in lieu of certification.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English. Additional or secondary / primary languages are encouraged. Ability to write, analyze, and evaluate operating reports, manuals, internal & external business correspondence, and use e-mail, computer skills. Present information in an organized and accurate, clear, concise format to an audience consisting of members with variable skill sets and authority levels.

MATHEMATICAL & REASONING ABILITIES:
Calculate figures & amounts. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, statistics, and some advanced math may be required. Understand percentages and projections. Ability to define problems, collect data/information to draw conclusions and make sound training & business decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Typing, working at a computer monitor for long periods, standing, bending, crawling, using hands to grasp, stoop, reach overhead, sit, walk, maintain fast pace for 9-12 hours at a time. Lift small, medium, large objects up to 25 lbs. lift up to 15 lbs., on a regular basis. Must use senses: taste, smell, sound, sight. Stamina to work 50+ hours each week, more if needed with occasional weekend work in addition to regularly scheduled office hours. Be able to work a variety of shifts or varying schedule and / or hours as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The Distribution Logistics Coordinator will be exposed to moderate to high noise levels in an office environment 98+% of the time. Less than 2% of the time will be spent in a restaurant environment with possible extreme heat and or wet, dry, humid conditions. Gas, electric, and other cooking equipment or utensils. Sharp objects, cutters, and knives. Hot water, cold water, cleaning chemicals. Possible harmful fumes or other airborne particles.

TRAVEL:
Travel should be expected within the United States. International travel is a remote possibility. A valid passport is required. All travel is on an as needed basis. Being able to travel with little or no notice is required.

If qualified, email Ric Benyo with a cover letter and resume --- rbenyo@meltingpot.com.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Looking for talent!

The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is always interested in top marketing talent! We want to know about talented, experienced and motivated individuals with skills in restaurants and hospitality, including:
* Marketing – national and local strategy and tactics
* Franchisee relations
* Public relations
* Social media
* Graphic design


Qualified candidates must:
* Possess a MINIMUM of five years relatable experience
* Be strategic-minded
* Have experience in developing, implementing, managing and evaluating all marketing and PR initiatives for an organization
* Be familiar with a multi-layered marketing approach and implementation
* Develop marketing plans on local, regional and national levels
* Be able to identify marketing opportunities on local, regional and national levels
* Be able to analyze trends in sales and marketing initiatives through data and reporting
* Be able to manage and direct multiple projects (and people) simultaneously
* Demonstrate personal and professional networks
* Possess a background in marketing, business administration, journalism, public relations or communications
* Have dynamic presentation skills


If you’d like to be on our radar, and you are a professional who meets the above criteria, we encourage you to email resumes to Rod C. James at RJames@MeltingPot.com. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. Candidates only, no recruiters please.

SD

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

SD Invades LA - Part Three


SD in LA – Part Three

Now that I’ve had a chance to decompress a bit from the celeb extravaganza, I wanted to provide a quick recap. The red carpet rocked! ET, Access Hollywood, International Foreign Press, everyone in Hollywood was out to impress! We watched several stars arrive, give interviews and walk the red carpet – such as Bradley Cooper, Topher Grace, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Jessica Biel,Jewel, etc.






Once inside the premiere, Director Garry Marshall stood up in front of the theatre and made a speech – introducing the entire cast and thanking everyone involved. He was really funny! And I got to see Julia Roberts!!! One of my absolute favs!!

Good film, and then off to the after party. Check out some pics:
































NOW... On to my final day in LA -----
What can I say about my final day? Traffic. Traffic. Traffic. Insane. Insane. Insane. It is amazing how every road… back roads, the 405, I 10, Santa Monica Blvd., Sunset Blvd., Hollywood Blvd., the Pacific Coast Highway, etc…. are INSANELY slow and backed up ALL the time. Simply mind-boggling. Where does everyone have to go at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday? And is the event/meeting/shuttle launch/child birth/etc. that involved where everyone in the world is filtering in the same direction at the exact same time?? It really is a sight to behold.

Besides the traffic, we also enjoyed some amazing eats and great sites! Thanks to our Facebook fan recommendations, they hit another suggestion out of the park with The Griddle on Sunset Blvd. If you are driving too fast down Sunset, you might miss it. The only thing making the joint stand out a bit is a little red awning. But don’t let this little place fool you… it has some of the BIGGEST tastes I have ever experienced! Its menu was full of innovative breakfast options with pancakes larger than your plates, thick French toast, eggs cooked all different ways, etc. I rocked the Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookie French Toast. Um hi… amazing! Insane how the French toast was cooked in the cookie crumbs and then topped with it as well. My boyfriend had the “Hear me roar” pancakes – made with frosted flakes and strawberries…. One of the best breakfasts we have ever had. In the battle of man vs. food though, I'm sorry to say food won!! I will certainly be going back on my next visit.

After breakfast, we went down to Santa Monica Beach, walked the pier, played some air hockey, car racing games and skeeball (I lose every air hockey game known to man, but I typically dominate car racing and skeeball!), and then headed down to Venice beach for yet another incredible meal – this one took place at Bondi Barbeque (known for its Australian style). This joint was also feature on “Man vs. Food” about a year ago. Fantastic pulled pork sandwich!!

The rain slowed us down a bit, but not too much! So much to do and see…. So little time!

Drove out to Malibu on the Pacific Coast Highway… and then headed back to LAX to fly home to Tampa. Just ran into Joe Madden – head coach of the Tampa Bay Rays. Sal, of course, walked up to say hello and received a very firm handshake. GO RAYS!

So, that is my trip in a nutshell. ☺ Good times, great experience, and I really enjoyed stirring things up in Hollywood!

SD

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

SD Invades LA - Part Two


Day 2 in Los Angeles:

Our day started out with breakfast at "Twist" with our sweepstakes winners, Maureen and Camille. So great to meet them! They were great, and we rocked some great eats. LOVED the chocolate chip pancakes!

From there, we went to the Griffith Observatory that overlooks LA... beautiful! It was a bit windy up the Hollywood Hills... so I got a bit motion sickness. HAHA! But still really fun to see the city from that perspective.



Drove through the Hollywood Hills... then into Beverly Hills... walked around The Grove and Farmer's Market (which was super cute!)... hunted for a purple tie so Sal, my boyfriend, could match my dress. $200 at Nordstrom or $24 at Macy's... um yeah, no competition. So we rocked Macy's for a hot minute...

Then on to a pretty good burger at 25 Degrees at the Roosevelt Hotel. I rocked the Turkey; Sal rocked the sirloin. Both burgers were kind of dry... really missed out on the juicy factor. But, great rootbeer and fries!

Off to get hair done and then bolted to the premiere! My fav celeb encounter--Bradley Cooper. He was so nice and gracious! Love him!



More pics and everything to come later!!

SD

Monday, February 8, 2010

SD Invades L.A.



Day 1 of Los Angeles Trip:

So, I'm here in L.A. for the world premiere of the new Warner Bros. film, "Valentine's Day."

I flew in this morning... well now, it would be yesterday morning. (The time change has really screwed up my internal clock!) Decent flights coming in with a connection in Houston. I've never been to Texas before, so that was fun flying in! Who knew Houston's airport was so huge? It is nice to see that in an age where most airlines charge for baggage and provide no beverage or snack service, Continental rocked a hearty breakfast of Cheerios, milk, banana, beverage and refills! I, of course, thought this was fantastic!! Also rocked the exit rows on both, so the extra leg room was nice! Other than that, :) nothing earth-shattering to note about the flights.

Landed at LAX, singing Miley Cyrus:

I hopped off the plane at LAX
with a dream and my cardigan
welcome to the land of fame excess, (woah)
am I gonna fit in?

Jumped in the cab,
Here I am for the first time
Look to the right and I see the Hollywood sign
This is all so crazy
Everybody seems so famous...

Anyway... that song is now stuck in my head.


First mission - find good eats. My boyfriend and I are "foodies"... LOVE to find the good eats everywhere we go. And, we love food shows. BIG fans of "Man vs. Food"... totally rocks!! So, we saw this one episode where Adam went to a joint called Phillippe's - home of the famous French dipped sandwiches... so we knew we had to try this place out.

Sandwiches totally lived up to what we hoped for and expected. We rocked the "double dip" which is both pieces of bread dipped in the special meat juice... AWESOME! So delicious. I also tried the potato salad and the macaroni salad... both had a fantastic pickle element... really tasty!! And we topped it off with a slice of cherry pie! YUM YUM! I mentioned I'm a foodie, right? :) LOVED the great eats!

We also rocked the "Walk of Fame" on Hollywood Blvd. Check out some pics:


Thursday, February 4, 2010

The Melting Pot Celebrates National Chocolate Fondue Day by Offering a Chance to Win Free Fondue For a Year!

Yes, you read that correctly! There’s actually a National Chocolate Fondue Day and it’s coming up tomorrow Feb. 5. This year, The Melting Pot will be utilizing social media to make National Chocolate Fondue Day synonymous with The Melting Pot. Our No. 1 seller is the Flaming Turtle chocolate fondue. Starting tomorrow, Feb. 5, The Melting Pot will be launching a contest via Facebook and Twitter, where consumers are invited to become a fan of our national Facebook fan page. Upon doing so, fans will be able to take part in our “Fondue Fanatic Friday Faceoff” contest for a chance to win free fondue for a year! The prize is valued at $1,200 (12 $100 Melting Pot Gift Cards).

On a side note… As a proud New Yorker, I was happy to learn that Chocolate Fondue officially has its roots in New York City at the Chalet Suisse (It has since closed) back in the mid to late 60’s (approx. 1966). Right next door to the restaurant was the Swiss Center, which housed the Swiss National Tourist Office. Beverly Allen, a New York publicity agent, was trying to promote a new Swiss chocolate product called Toblerone. The SNTO and Allen wanted to bring Toblerone to the United States with the hopes of making the product a huge hit. Allen brought the chocolate product to the head chef at Chalet Swiss, Konrad Egli. Konrad (also known as Konni) came up with a brilliant use for it as chocolate fondue. This Swiss really thought they were crazy when the idea was presented. However, the new creation was a big success and has since spread around the world as a popular fondue dessert.

What a way to learn about Chocolate Fondue!

Happy Dipping!

Misa aka Bashful Dipper

Monday, January 11, 2010

The Melting Pot Restaurants Partner with Warner Bros. for Valentine's Day

The Melting Pot Restaurants is giving away more than $20,000 in prizes, including a grand prize trip to Los Angeles for the premiere of the new Warner Bros. romantic comedy release, "Valentine's Day," as well as featuring three new SKYY Vodka "Love Potion" cocktails (started Dec. 31) in a drive to increase Club Fondue membership and enhance brand awareness. "Valentine's Day" opens nationwide on Feb. 12, 2010.

The "Valentine's Day Red Carpet Premiere Sweepstakes" site contains the following:

* Club Fondue membership information and sign-up - This program offers fondue features including wine tastings, food samplings, invitations to special events and advanced holiday reservation privileges.
* Virtual scratch-off game to win prizes including:
- Grand prize – A three-night trip to Los Angeles with roundtrip airfare and deluxe accommodations included for the premiere of the Warner Bros. release “Valentine’s Day”
- Fondue for a year valued at $1,200 (two prizes valued at this amount)
- $100 gift card (20 prizes valued at this amount)
- “Valentine’s Day” movie tickets (500 winners for two tickets per person)

The game will end Jan. 31, 2010, with the grand prize winner announced Feb. 1.

The Melting Pot Restaurants will feature SKYY Vodka in three new “Love Potions” on a specialty cocktail shaker menu that will be available in stores Dec. 31, 2009 – March 15, 2010. This feature includes the following drinks:
* Exotic Mojito – X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, SKYY Infusions® Citrus Vodka, Monin Mojito Mix, Monin Red Passion Fruit, fresh lime juice and mint leaves
* XTC Martini – X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, Simple Syrup, lemon juice, Prosecco, strawberries and basil
* Passionate Kiss – SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit Vodka, Simple Syrup, lemon juice, Prosecco, orange chunks and basil leaves

What do you think of these fun, new recipes? Have you had a chance to view the trailer for "Valentine's Day" yet? Weigh in.

SD
@SocialDipper
@TheMeltingPot

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

How Twitter Will Help Reshape Our Brand

The use of social media for business purposes rages on as a hot debate over investment vs. return. I believe over the coming year, this brand - The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. - could see a major return on social media investment if everything is executed properly.

Our brand lives by the Perfect Night Out - the perfect date night/dining experience. We encourage interaction, dialogue, quality time, communication between loved ones and friends... but up until a few months ago, our brand failed to carry this beyond the dining experience.

The team recognized a huge missing component - how social media could really reshape our brand and the way we operate - translating into more awareness, interaction and sales. Going into 2010, we are on the brink of embracing the world of social media and everything it has to offer.

One of the major tools in our arsenal is Twitter - opening us up to fans and foes alike who are talking about us and sharing experiences, feedback, recipes and everything fondue. With hundreds of Tweeps chatting about us every day, Twitter allows us to reconnect with our fan base, answer questions, provide recommendations, obtain feedback from a guest's experience and so much more. It has become an invaluable tool as we look for new and exciting ways to engage with our guests.

Are you experiencing the benefits of having Twitter as part of your social media platform? Please holler back with feedback!

SD
@TheMeltingPot
@SocialDipper

Monday, November 2, 2009

The Melting Pot Joins St. Jude for Sixth Annual Thanks & Giving Campaign

The Melting Pot Restaurants join St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the sixth annual Thanks and Giving campaign from Oct. 31 - Dec. 5 to "give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not" by donating a portion of proceeds to cancer research.

With every donation of $10 or more, guests will receive a Fondue for the Kids Card that offers $20 off any purchase of $50 or more. All proceeds from the Fondue for the Kids Card will be donated to St. Jude. The Melting Pot Restaurants also offer additional support for St. Jude with the ongoing Fondue a Cure for Childhood Cancer signature chocolate fondue bars. For each $5 bar purchased, $1 is given to the hospital.

Since becoming a partner in 2003, The Melting Pot Restaurants have raised more than $4 million for St. Jude to date.

This national campaign unites celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Robin Williams, Antonio Banderas and Reggie Bush with retail, corporate and media partners to help St. Jude continue its work in the fight against childhood cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. St. Jude is the nation's leading pediatric cancer research and treatment center and the only one that covers all of the costs for medicine, treatment, food, travel and lodging for the patient and one family member.

For more information or to make a donation, visit St. Jude, or call 1-800-4STJUDE. The Melting Pot chocolate fondue bars can also be purchased here.


SD

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Melting Pot Takes a Dip Into Social Media

In such a fast-paced society, it is hard to keep up with all of the changing and developing technologies... especially if you are a business. The economy has taken a toll on so many companies. Oftentimes, the focus is on staying afloat, saving jobs and improving bottom lines instead of staying ahead of the curve by amending business models and coming up with new ways to market companies while creating growth.

I am so proud to be on board with a company that understands the value of capitalizing on new ways of marketing to stimulate growth and embraces the social realm as a viable option to gain customer loyalty that will eventually translate into sales.

According to a study done by Cone Business, 60 percent of Americans use social media, and of those, 59 percent interact with companies on social media Web sites. One in four interact more than once per week. So, as you can see, this realm must be taken into consideration as a growth strategy.

My name is Sandy D'Elosua, and I was recently brought on board as the national director of public relations and social media for The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.

We are launching a complete social media platform in December that will provide instructions and guidelines for franchisees nationwide. Every location will be allowed to maintain local Twitter and Facebook accounts to communicate directly with guests. The corporate headquarters, based in Tampa, Fla., will manage national Twitter and Facebook accounts on behalf of the brand.

We are also launching a YouTube channel, Ning community, Flickr account, LinkedIn profile, Delicious site, etc. Details on these media are coming soon.

I'm really excited to be part of this team and look forward to establishing a national word of mouth presence in the months to come!

SD

Follow me on Twitter: @SocialDipper and @TheMeltingPot
Become a fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/themeltingpotrestaurants