Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/69604
EAT UP THE VIEW. DRINK IN THE SCENERY. TASTE THE SWEET LIFE! Located right on the harbor Join us at Michael's Landing, our newest bar on the deck. From seafood to sirloin, and everything in between, this is as fresh as it gets! ne Business Voted Best Outdoor Dining by North Shore Magazine. One Tournament Wharf • Newburyport, MA michaelsharborside.com Despite the recent economic downturn, Flatbread Company never experienced the anticipated 10 to 15 percent decrease in sales. Instead, it intensified customer satisfaction, eliminating charges for extra salad dressing or sauce to keep customers happy. It might have taken some money off overall, but, says Meehan, the company remained strong. Gould credits Flatbread Company staff with the popular- ity of the restaurants. "We have great people who take care of what needs to be taken care of," he says. Managing partners earn a share of the base profits, which Gould hopes fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. If employees are invested, they will likely care more about the restaurants' success. For instance, one Portland waiter brought his homemade caffeine-free Mad River Root Beer to the attention of managers, and it's now offered on menus. With feelings of community obligation running deep, even the buildings that house Flatbread Company restaurants get extra consideration. "We honor the building and put a restau- rant on the inside," says Gould. "We respect the building and don't try to turn it into something else." Both owners put in long hours but don't hide that they organize work around surfing times. Hardly the image of button-downed businessmen, Gould and Meehan are nev- ertheless driven. Despite the seemingly breezy surface (they wanted to name corporate headquarters "The Clubhouse"), Flatbread Company is meticulous in its operation and com- pelled to honor its mission. "It is a casual atmosphere, but we are very serious about what we do," says Gould. Workers sample menu items weekly, and secret shoppers evaluate how everything is running. Independent sanitation testers ensure that cleanliness exceeds normal restaurant requirements. Meehan believes customers notice the good "groove" that he himself feels upon entering Flatbread Company restau- rants. "People want good food, and they can trust that we are going to great pains to provide that," he says. ● n Special. Daily. Every day is special at Ten Center. Casual pub downstairs Refined dining upstairs 10 Center Street Newburyport MA 978.462.6652 tencenterstreet.com 80 nshoremag.com July 2012 Seasonal dining on our outdoor patio Private dining nshoremag.com July 2012Lunch | Dinner | Sunday Brunch Zen Master: Gould, relaxing, and boarding in Rye, NH, a favorite pastime.