Carnivore strategy

As facilitators and students of strategy formulation and implementation, we are constantly on the lookout for examples of flawless execution of strategy. It is not difficult to spot – you know it when you see it. It is simply when everything works; when all the parts of the organizational machinery come together and work as one.

Last night was one such experience. We dined at a restaurant in South Africa called “Carnivore”. From beginning to end, it was a delight – not just the food, but the entire experience.

Firstly, the name of the restaurant states exactly what it is – a restaurant that serves and specialises in meat of all kinds (see the photo of the menu). Even so, they are careful to tell you in their promotions that they cater for vegetarians as well, thus ensuring that all in the party have an incredible experience.

The décor of the restaurant – African motif, carvings, heavy wooden tables and chairs, zebra patterned chair cushions and dining ware, rustic metal plates for the meat.

The staff know that their guests come for more than the food. They are on stage, full of drama – their costume, the way they serve the meat – walking around with it on spears shouting out “Chicken! Pork! Impala! Ostrich! Antelope! Crocodile” and then stabbing the spear on your plate and slicing off a portion of the heralded meat with a huge, very sharp knife! Even their playful disdain, yet caring concern, for vegetarians adds to the experience. No one feels left out. All are included.

Someone thought through this concept very carefully. Someone designed the parts in total alignment with the concept – the people, the processes all aligned with the desired customer experience. All executed flawlessly! Carnivore is theatre, experience, entertainment; strategy execution at its best!