Press

SoDel Concepts Makes Inc. 500

By David Burris on August 24, 2009

SoDel Concepts, which owns and operates five restaurants along the Delaware coast, was recently named to the 2009 Inc. 500, which lists America’s fastest-growing private companies.

SoDel joins the ranks of Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, GoDaddy, Under Armour, Jamba Juice, American Apparel and Oracle, which gained early exposure from appearing on the list.

Diversifying Dining

By Pam George on May 13, 2009

Don’t tell Matt Haley that the economy is in a free fall. The entrepreneur seems busier than ever. Haley, co-owner of SoDel Concepts, which owns five beach restaurants, is quickly building the portfolio of Highwater Management, the design, management and consulting business that last year helped launch the successful Que Pasa a Mexican-themed restaurant in Ruddertowne.

This year Highwater Management, which Haley founded with Scott Kammerer and Bryony Zeigler, is not only handling food and beverage at Sports at the Beach, but it’s also helped transform the landmark restaurant Fusion into Salt Air.

Haley and crew are a few of the area veterans who are finding opportunities during the recession. Despite the dismal headlines, several new restaurants have opened at the beach during the past year, which, coupled with relocations, expansions and chef changes, should make hungry visitors happy this summer.

Helping Competing Restaurants Succeed

By Pam George on September 4, 2009

In a struggling economy, some might consider it suicide to help a competitor. Especially in the restaurant industry and especially in a resort area that primarily earns its money four months out of the year. Not Matt Haley.

“I like to help people grow and make their business better,” says Haley, who opened his first beach restaurant, Bluecoast in Bethany Beach, in 2001. Apparently, he’s done just that. Highwater jump-started Que Pasa, a Mexican restaurant in the Ruddertowne complex in Dewey Beach, and revamped the venue’s other dining concepts.

There are solid advantages to working with a management company that’s linked with five restaurants. SoDel receives more than 500 job applications a year, which gives Highwater clients access to a talent pool. “Bry is great at hiring,” Haley says. “She knows who will work well with which managers.” Employee training is imperative. “Our first goal is to provide structure, discipline and organization,” Haley says. and oversight, if needed. Kammerer, vice president of operations for Highwater, is still onsite at Ruddertowne to help manage operations.

At Sports at the Beach, Highwater hired a good staff and holds them accountable, says Kammerer, who previously worked for Lane Hospitality, a hotel-management company. Highwater also reconfigured the complex’s “line” to serve customers quicker. New items include pre-portioned Italian water ice and now there’s a second cashier. Items that took too long to make were whisked off the menu. By July of this year, sales had equaled previous year sales.

Highwater clients also can tap into SoDel’s impressive purchasing power. “They get four to five times the return on their investment,” Kammerer says.