LSAC Joins O'Charley's In Its Celebration(posted Oct 18) Lafayette Square Area Coalition (LSAC) celebrated another victory with O'Charley's grand re-opening at 5130 W. 38th Street October 17. The LSAC is an organization committed to revitalizing the Lafayette Square Area (LSA). LSAC President Mary Clark thanked O'Charley's for staying and believing in the area. The event was branded as Project RevO'lution because it involved more than superficial makeovers, including retraining of customer service skills and investing in new technology that will better insure a higher level quality of food being served hot. The company invested about $150,000 in the store and staff training. Operations Director Russell Burnes explained that part of the renovation was more than just the outside physical structure changes like the awnings. It also involved giving the customer enhanced service with plate presentation on the decorative signature plate ware. General Manager Jayson Gee said he has worked for other restaurants in the past that have done renovations but failed to create better customer service through a retraining program. Staff's appearance is also rising a notch. The staff will no longer be wearing jeans, but an attire of red shirts and black pants. Gee explained the intent is for customers to leave with a good feeling about their dining experience and not just to be transactions to their server. Marc Bloomstein, director of marketing, said a new menu was not rolled out with the renovation, but that customers can expect one soon. The renovation also marked the ten year milestone that O'Charley's has been committed to doing business in the area. Gee honored the two longest serving employees of ten years each, Alice Ryle and Rosa Williams, with the "ribbon-carving ceremony." The renovation was of enough significance that Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell attended to congratulate the staff for their dedication to customer service. Ron Peck, Indianapolis Public School Area Coordinator, explained that he is very concerned with the economic success of the area because the IPS district extends west to High School Road. He said he tries to eat out twice a week to support O'Charley's and the other area restaurants. |
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