Select a Restaurant: Choose a restaurant in your local area. It can be a small independent restaurant or a chain establishment. Ensure that the restaurant allows public access. Tim Hortons etc.

Pre-Visit Research: Conduct preliminary research on the chosen restaurant. Gather information about their menu, sourcing practices, inventory management, relationships with suppliers, and any recent operational changes they have implemented.

Visit the Restaurant: Schedule a visit to the restaurant and allocate enough time for observation.

Observation Focus: During your visit, focus on the following aspects:

a. Inventory Management: Observe how the restaurant manages its inventory. Take note of storage areas, stock levels, and methods used for tracking inventory, such as manual or digital systems.

b. Supply Chain Relationships: Pay attention to any interactions or deliveries from suppliers. Observe how the restaurant receives and inspects incoming goods, including quality checks and storage procedures.

c. Menu Planning and Preparation: Observe how the restaurant plans its menu and prepares the food. Look for any indications of ingredient sourcing, food preparation methods, and how the menu affects the demand for ingredients.

d. Order Fulfillment: Observe how the restaurant handles customer orders and fulfills them efficiently. Pay attention to the flow of orders, communication between kitchen staff and servers, and any coordination with suppliers for last-minute orders.

Documentation and Reflection: Take detailed notes during your observation, capturing key observations, challenges, and interesting practices. After your visit, reflect on your findings and consider the following questions:

a. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the observed restaurant's supply chain operations?

b. Did you notice any opportunities for improvement in their inventory management, sourcing practices, or order fulfillment?

c. How do the observed practices align with the theories and concepts you have learned in your supply chain studies?

d. What other aspects of the supply chain could be explored in future observations or research ?