A well-managed F&B business is likely to attract more customers, garner a good reputation and drive revenue, boosting its prospects of long-term success. There are several key areas of focus that will help F&B entrepreneurs to build and maintain a business that is both viable and sustainable. These include:
1-Market research
Carrying out thorough market research is essential before launching an F&B venture, from identifying your target customers to establishing their spending habits. Competitive analysis will help you to understand your market positioning. It’s important to find an area of need, rather than starting out with an idea and making the research fit. Look for the answers to key questions, such as: Which audiences are underserved? Where is demand outpacing supply?
2- Menu design
Menus offered should balance quality with variety, while aligning with your target market. It’s also important to take account of dietary restrictions and sustainability when devising your menu. At the design stage, a menu should relay your restaurant’s personality, helping to ensure your brand remains fresh in customers’ minds.
3-Cost management
Operational costs can make or break an F&B business. Opting for bulk purchasing, seasonal ingredients and energy-efficient appliances can help with managing costs effectively. It’s also worth considering a couple of my personal favorites, which are thinking about product sustainability in relation to logistics and the cross-use of items in recipes.
4-Team hiring and training
Recruitment is the first step on the path to value since it is instrumental in introducing a healthy attitude and talent to your restaurant. Having made these wise hires, the next move is to invest in training. Focus on training that prioritizes customer service, hygiene and efficient operations. Above all, staff should be trained to make authentic connections with clientele. EQ (emotional quotient) rules should extend beyond simply knowing menu items, since understanding guests’ varying needs are key to securing repeat business.
5-Technology integration
Utilizing technology across the operational spectrum is essential in today’s business environment, from inventory management and table reservations to point-of-sale (POS) systems. Not only does it have the twin advantages of minimizing errors and improving service, but technology also supports the broader customer experience, by freeing up time for the team to focus on guests.
6-Marketing
Elements falling under the reputation management umbrella should be on the radar of every F&B business. These include monitoring ratings and feedback, alongside showing appreciation for and careful handling of reviews. It’s important to remember that leveraging social media goes beyond customer loyalty programs. In addition, partnerships with local businesses can be an excellent way of creating a strong marketing strategy. With a robust communication strategy, you’ll be able to create the emotional link needed to deliver the desired results. This will also ensure that your patrons are kept up to date and informed about what’s new or what they may have missed. Effective marketing communication involves understanding your target audience, selecting the appropriate channels for messages and adjusting strategies. Don’t just do it – do it with a purpose.
7-Sustainability and regulatory compliance
Sustainability is not just a trend but an expectation from today’s consumers. Against that backdrop, it has become essential to adopt a range of eco-friendly practices, from waste reduction to sourcing local, organic produce. In addition, your groundwork should also include ensuring you adhere to local laws and regulations, and obtain the necessary permits.
As can be seen, building a sustainable restaurant requires the development and implementation of a carefully considered strategy. However, by taking these crucial steps, F&B business will be significantly increasing their chances of achieving long-term viability and success.
7 ways to build and sustain a viable F&B business
Bastien Blanc, CEO and board member at TroKadero Hospitality Global, outlines the areas of focus that should be in every strategy aimed at securing a restaurant’s long-term success.
A well-managed F&B business is likely to attract more customers, garner a good reputation and drive revenue, boosting its prospects of long-term success. There are several key areas of focus that will help F&B entrepreneurs to build and maintain a business that is both viable and sustainable. These include:
1-Market research
Carrying out thorough market research is essential before launching an F&B venture, from identifying your target customers to establishing their spending habits. Competitive analysis will help you to understand your market positioning. It’s important to find an area of need, rather than starting out with an idea and making the research fit. Look for the answers to key questions, such as: Which audiences are underserved? Where is demand outpacing supply?
2- Menu design
Menus offered should balance quality with variety, while aligning with your target market. It’s also important to take account of dietary restrictions and sustainability when devising your menu. At the design stage, a menu should relay your restaurant’s personality, helping to ensure your brand remains fresh in customers’ minds.
3-Cost management
Operational costs can make or break an F&B business. Opting for bulk purchasing, seasonal ingredients and energy-efficient appliances can help with managing costs effectively. It’s also worth considering a couple of my personal favorites, which are thinking about product sustainability in relation to logistics and the cross-use of items in recipes.
4-Team hiring and training
Recruitment is the first step on the path to value since it is instrumental in introducing a healthy attitude and talent to your restaurant. Having made these wise hires, the next move is to invest in training. Focus on training that prioritizes customer service, hygiene and efficient operations. Above all, staff should be trained to make authentic connections with clientele. EQ (emotional quotient) rules should extend beyond simply knowing menu items, since understanding guests’ varying needs are key to securing repeat business.
5-Technology integration
Utilizing technology across the operational spectrum is essential in today’s business environment, from inventory management and table reservations to point-of-sale (POS) systems. Not only does it have the twin advantages of minimizing errors and improving service, but technology also supports the broader customer experience, by freeing up time for the team to focus on guests.
6-Marketing
Elements falling under the reputation management umbrella should be on the radar of every F&B business. These include monitoring ratings and feedback, alongside showing appreciation for and careful handling of reviews. It’s important to remember that leveraging social media goes beyond customer loyalty programs. In addition, partnerships with local businesses can be an excellent way of creating a strong marketing strategy. With a robust communication strategy, you’ll be able to create the emotional link needed to deliver the desired results. This will also ensure that your patrons are kept up to date and informed about what’s new or what they may have missed. Effective marketing communication involves understanding your target audience, selecting the appropriate channels for messages and adjusting strategies. Don’t just do it – do it with a purpose.
7-Sustainability and regulatory compliance
Sustainability is not just a trend but an expectation from today’s consumers. Against that backdrop, it has become essential to adopt a range of eco-friendly practices, from waste reduction to sourcing local, organic produce. In addition, your groundwork should also include ensuring you adhere to local laws and regulations, and obtain the necessary permits.
As can be seen, building a sustainable restaurant requires the development and implementation of a carefully considered strategy. However, by taking these crucial steps, F&B business will be significantly increasing their chances of achieving long-term viability and success.
Bastien Blanc,
hotelier and co-founder of TroKadero Management
tkh.global
@blancbpe
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