Case Studies
CHA’s approach has always been to work together with a client to implement required improvements in organizational and project performance. While, as consultants, we may be instrumental in helping the client to identify risks, develop strategic plans, analyze and effect improvements in organizational effectiveness, and improve the performance of specific projects, we never feel it is appropriate to allocate full credit to ourselves for the benefits that accrue from these services. Without executive leadership, management commitment & support, and buy-in from the project level, there can be no improvement.
There are, however, many situations where our clients have advised us that the significant improvements in project and financial performance they achieved would not have been possible without our help. A selection of these is summarized below.
Joe’s Place Marengo, Illinois SITUATION: The owner and operator of a single unit establishment decided to expand his services to include a new fast casual restaurant, full service banquet facility, an on-premise fresh meat market and butcher shop and an extensive catering and delivery operation all located in an 18,000 sq. ft new-build facility. The expansion was overwhelming for the operator who was in need of expertise in consulting and system development. SOLUTION: CHA was called in to oversee the implementation and complete a marketing and branding program and establish SOP’s for the new facility. CHA was contacted and hired by the owner to analyze and move the company forward. Under CHA’s direction, the company has been provided with a pre opening strategic plan along with all training materials and on-sight presence from CHA to help and assist in the opening. Joe’s Place has opened. 
WHEATSTACK Lisle, Illinois SITUATION:The Lisle Park District has operated The View Restaurant which was located on their 9 hole golf course in Lisle Illinois. The restaurant lacked the sales & profitability that was sustainable and unique in a casual dining secondary market. The development needed a strong concept and offering if it were to be embraced by the community The Park District knew they lacked the expertise and was in need of a company to help and assist with a business plan followed up by an implementation strategy for a new concept. SOLUTION: CHA worked with the Lisle Park District to develop the concept, create standards on both food and beverage operations and systems. Quality, consistency and ease-of-preparation were determining factors for creating this well received, finely tuned concept. CHA assisted in the entire creation and development of WHEATSTACK working in conjunction with the design team, equipment provider and the entire management team. CHA helped launch a successful opening with continued accolades. 
Claddagh Irish Pubs Solon Ohio SITUATION: The Claddagh Irish Pubs was a 17 unit chain that was put into involuntary bankruptcy due to mismanagement and nearly $30 Million in debt. The US Bankruptcy Courts and the State Trustee needed to put a Management Team in place to reposition the chain for a future sale. SOLUTION: CHA was contacted and hired under the court’s supervision to analyze and move the company forward. CHA brought in an executive team and under CHA’s direction, the company has streamlined costs and introduced a new food and beverage offering in the Pubs. CHA continued to work with the courts and remained during the transition to re-establish the company for acquisition. Claddagh has been sold and is now a thriving restaurant organization. 