food forward
OUR APPROACH
Food Forward is a Culinary Planning and Design consulting company that compliments experience with innovation to deliver exceptional results for every project we take on. We care deeply about developing sustainable food strategies and efficient integration in an architectural scope.
We are the liaison between all parties and work closely with the Client /Stakeholder, Architect, Designer, to develop and distill the culinary vision that helps inform the culinary program and define the architectural designs. Ultimately we ensure the food and beverage services align with the operational goals to achieve their full potential and financial success.
Food Forward is proud to have been selected to lead culinary designs for several complex projects.
Our services include Concept Development, Culinary Programming and Design, Menu Development, Operational Systems, and Financial Planning. We have provided consulting services for clients in Canada, the US, and Internationally.
What our clients have to say
The Food Forward team operates with high professional integrity and knowledge. Working very efficiently in identifying key issues that need attention, assisting our organization as it's grown in design development, enhancing our diverse culinary profile and helping us with operational and financial efficiencies at our Toronto properties (Drake Hotel, Drake One Fifty, and the Drake Commissary). They have been a pleasure to work with, and I would highly recommend their services to any forward-thinking hospitality operators. ---
Bill Simpson Chief Development Officer The Drake Hotel
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Information coming from Restaurant Metrics System and the Food Forward team allowed us to streamline many processes and analyze how to grow our business with strong financial management.
Laléh Larijani — Owner Operator,
Forno Cultura
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Our architect recommended Food Forward to assist in the design and culinary programming for our new location. Once open, we brought them back to implement Restaurant Metrics. Their system reduced our labor cost and inventory consumption by almost 10% in just a few weeks. The program has produced such excellent results [that] we work with them on a month-to-month basis.
Seng Luong — Owner Operator,
Sabai Sabai
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The Food Forward team was invaluable in shaping our new Hospitality Services Department at Hart House. We have implemented many of their recommendations and seen great results. I would highly recommend their services and expertise in the hospitality field, and they are a delight to work with. Nanci and her team are professional, responsive, and creative problem solvers who worked closely with us to develop the unique approach Hart House required. We continue to work with them for all our hospitality needs.
Sherry Kulman --- Chief Administrative Officer, Hart House, University of Toronto
List of Clients and Services Provided
Shopify - Toronto, Vancouver, Berlin
Oversee the culinary program vision and design strategy for all the food service spaces across Canada and internationally for Shopify’s growing culinary needs.
Working in collaboration with Shopify's internal culinary teams and external designers and architects to create the Concept direction and Culinary Programming through Schematic Design, Design Development, and Food Service Equipment Placement.
The Drake Commissary
Culinary Programming, Concept Development, Schematic Design, Food Service Equipment Planning. Production integration of kitchen, bakery, food service counter, and prepared foods. Analysis of operational systems and financial planning.
The Drake Hotel
Culinary programming, integration of food production for all Drake outlets. Operational assessment and financial planning.
The Drake One Fifty
Culinary programming, Menu Development.
Forno Cultura - King St, Queen St, The Path, Union Station.
Culinary programming, and integration of all food production for Forno Cultura outlets, including production kitchens, service counters, and prepared foods. Implement Restaurant Metrics®, develop company structure, and assist in financial planning.
PAI Northern Thai Restaurant
Commissary Kitchen, Concept Development, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Food Service Planning. Implement Restaurant Metrics®, and manage monthly RM reporting.
KIIN Northern Thai Restaurant
Commissary Kitchen, Concept Development, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Food Service Equipment Planning.
Implement Restaurant Metrics®, manage monthly RM reporting.
Sabai Sabai Thai Restaurant
Commissary Kitchen Concept Development, Schematic Design, Design Development,
Implement Restaurant Metrics®, manage monthly RM reporting.
Hart House U of T
Company Restructure of Food & Beverage Services. Implement Restaurant Metrics® for Gallery Grill Restaurant and M&E Catering.
The Arbor Room: Facility Assessment, Concept Development, Schematic Design
Design Development, Food Service Equipment Planning. Facilitate external food service operator agreement.
Century City Vancouver BC
Concept Development, Culinary Programming, Design Direction, Site Planning, Schematic Design, Design Development, Food Service Equipment Planning and Financial Plan. Working in collaboration with the Century culinary team, architects, and designers to oversee the culinary program vision and design strategy for Century City's Market Food Hall and Grocery Bar.
Trinity College U of T
Culinary Concept, Culinary Programming, Design Direction, Site Planning, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Food Service Planning. Work in collaboration with Trinty culinary team, and architects/designers to oversee the culinary program vision and design strategy, for the new Trinity College Lawson Centre.
Dog & Bear Bar
Concept Development, Schematic, Design, Design Development,
Implement Restaurant Metrics®, manage monthly RM reporting.
Black Bird Bakery
Product analysis, review of operational systems and menu costing.
Anne Boleyn Bar
Concept Development, Schematic Design, Design Development, Food Service Equipment Planning.
Substance Food Group - Terra, Francobollo, Sarpa, Rusty's
Review operational systems, implement and manage Restaurant Metrics®, manage monthly RM reporting.
Services
Planning
Expert Guidance
We believe a successful business starts at the beginning with the foundational pieces that build a roadmap for the future. In today’s rapidly evolving environment we understand taking bold chances requires making insightful decisions. Our goal is to guide you through every step.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS PLAN,
& FINANCIAL PROFORMA
Culinary Programming & Design
Integration of Design and Function
We are a liaison between all parties involved in a project Client /stakeholder, designer, and consultants. We work closely with the client to develop and distill the culinary vision that helps inform the culinary program and define the architectural designs. We take an active role in seeing the project through, supporting individual teams and consultants with the integration of the food and beverage services to ensure the realized experience lives up to the original intent.
In collaboration with architects, designers, contractors, chefs, and suppliers we assist in facilitating, managing, and coordinating all of the moving parts to ensure the build goes according to plan with insightful time-saving decisions and a commitment to functional design.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT, CULINARY PROGRAMMING, SITE PLAN, SCHEMATIC DESIGN, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, FOOD SERVICE FLOW & EQUIPMENT PLACEMENT.
Operations
Achieve Your Goals
We strive to get your business operating at an optimum level with manageable systems and solutions that help your team maintain a course towards a sustainable future.
COMPANY STRUCTURE, OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS
Restaurant Metrics®
Manage Costs, Reduce Expenses, Turn a Profit
Keeping our work relevant to our client's needs and challenges, we developed Restaurant Metrics Software & Tracking System implemented in two phases, starting with menu development, product inventory, and menu engineering to ensure your menu items are in line with your specific targets. All data is then onboarded into the software app and your company account.
Next, we implement the RM tracking system that improves efficiencies, net profit, and financial outcomes.
We currently have over 50 clients on the RM System all showing positive results.
GET IN TOUCH
Because we see innovative food concepts as such an important driver of design, and operations
we would love to work with you.