Meet Jay Bandy: President of Goliath Consulting Group

Jay Bandy is the President of Goliath Consulting Group, a full-service restaurant consulting firm based in Decatur, Georgia. With over 35 years of hands-on experience, Jay has worked with independent restaurants, regional chains, national franchise companies, and food service technology companies across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

As president of Goliath, Jay has the experience, the contacts, and the tools to keep all the parts working together so clients can achieve their goals — whether taking a new concept from the idea stage to Opening Day, or finding long-term solutions to specific issues at an existing restaurant.

Jay has developed deep expertise in business strategy, restaurant development, and project management. He has overseen operations at hundreds of restaurants, built restaurant operating systems, and developed multiple brands. He has the knowledge to bridge the critical areas of strategic planning, operations, menu development, marketing, supply chain, and restaurant development. His results-oriented, people-first approach gives him the skill to bring teams together to achieve their goals.

Jay works quickly and thoroughly to assess current conditions — both financial and brand-related. After developing an action plan, he directs all members of the Goliath team to deliver results that exceed client expectations, maximizing sales opportunities, profit, and unit growth based on each client's unique vision.

Industry Involvement

• • Past board member, Georgia Restaurant Association
• • Member, Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)
• • Volunteer, ACE (Academy for Culinary Education)
• • Former officer, IFSEA (International Food Service Executives Association), Atlanta chapter

Book

In the summer of 2023, Jay released Keys to Being a Successful Restaurant Leader on Amazon — a guide to success in the restaurant industry for restaurant managers, aspiring mid-managers, and new restaurateurs.

Podcast

Jay is co-host of the Food and Culture Podcast with Amanda Leesburg. The podcast features restaurateur, chef, and celebrity interviews, insightful discussions, and the latest trends in food and culture.

Areas of Expertise

• • Strategic planning & business development
• • Restaurant development & project management
• • Menu development & design
• • Operations & management training
• • Supply chain management
• • Franchise consulting
• • Marketing strategy
• • Profitability assessments & business planning
• • New brand development