Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore 572: Robert Mescolotto on How to Get the Most Out of Your General Contractor
Robert Mescolotto is the Founder and Owner of Hospitality Construction Services, who specializes in building Michelin Star and Bib Gourmand Star restaurants in DC. They work very closely with the chef/owner to discuss their needs and provide value engineering and other solutions for delivering unbelievable spaces on time and under budget.
Today we're here to discuss three topics: 1) How to Select the Best General Contractor for the Job, 2( How to Get the Most Out of Your Meeting with a General Contractor, and 3) Construction Shortcuts You Should Never Take.
Show notes… Favorite success quote or mantra:"Treat people the way you want to be treated."
"Success is defined differently among different people."
Selecting the Best General Contractor for the Job- Interview multiple.
- Listen to what your industry partners have to say about their experiences.
- Is hard bid your best option?
- Get subcontractor references.
- What is their track record… restaurants are complicated.
- What do KEC have to say about the difference GC's… the market is small.
- Do they know the ins and outs of permitting and inspections related to restaurants (liq lic, health, etc)
- Discuss budget.
- Discuss availability.
- Review drawings together.
- Understand the cost of materials being specified.
- Skipping the value engineering the project… 5% can be saved just by making smart choices.
- Not meeting the sub contractors, personally.
- Not listening to experts and/or maintaining schedules with all parties.
- Not budgeting with a contractor in advance of final plans.
- Starting too early and dragging the project – reduces contractor efficiency.
- Know the % of each division… are you top heavy in one area?
- Setting aside money for opening.
- Know when Tenant Improvement monies are due from the landlord.
- Ask questions about better ways to build… not all drawings are created equal.
- Learn how to read blueprints with your GC… glad to help!
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Huge thanks to Robert Mescolotto for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!
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