Tips to Kickstart a Fresh and Profitable Year in Hospitality
As we leave the busy holiday season behind and step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to hit reset and prepare your venue for success. A thorough spring clean and smart restocking can revitalise your space, energise your staff, and enhance the experience for your customers. Here’s how to get started:
1. Declutter and Deep Clean
A clean venue creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and boosts staff morale. Follow these steps:
- Conduct a Deep Clean: Empty fridges, clean extractor fans, and deep-clean kitchen appliances. Don’t forget to steam clean carpets, polish furniture, and sanitize high-touch areas.
- Declutter Storage Areas: Dispose of outdated promotional materials, worn-out equipment, and expired stock.
- Refresh Front-of-House Spaces: Wash windows, refresh paintwork, and repair any visible wear and tear to keep your venue looking its best.
2. Audit Your Inventory
A detailed stocktake ensures you’re not overstocking or holding onto unsellable items.
- Analyse Sales Data: Identify bestsellers and slow movers to adjust your ordering patterns.
- Check Expiry Dates: Rotate stock to minimise waste and prioritise using ingredients that are close to expiry.
- Evaluate Equipment: Are your tools and appliances in good working order? If not, invest in repairs or replacements.
- Introduce Seasonal Products: Incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients or beverages to keep your offerings exciting and aligned with current trends.
3. Restock Strategically
Start the year with a well-organised and balanced inventory:
- Seasonal Ingredients: Introduce fresh, seasonal produce that aligns with changing customer preferences.
- Bar Essentials: Restock trending spirits, mixers, and garnishes, as well as staples like ice and glassware. Don't forget refills for your kitchen gadgets and bar tools such as coffee filters, refills for your Flavour Blaster Aroma Gun and CO2 for your JetChill Dry Ice Machine.
- Specialty Items: Stay ahead of trends by stocking non-alcoholic options, plant-based ingredients, and unique flavours.
3. Assess Equipment and Technology
Outdated or malfunctioning equipment can hinder efficiency. Use the new year to assess and upgrade where necessary:
- Inspect Equipment: Ensure all appliances, from coffee machines to ovens, are in good working order. Schedule maintenance for anything that needs attention.
- Consider Upgrades: Explore new technology to streamline operations, such as POS systems or energy-efficient kitchen appliances. Make your business stand out by adding new tools to your collection such as Flavour Blaster Pro 2 Aroma Gun, allowing you to add scented bubble garnishes to your food and drink to impress guests. Looking to update your storage situation? Free up your dry ice freezer by investing in a JetChill Dry Ice Machine instead, using CO2 gas to create dry ice on demand, eliminating the need for storage.
- Stock Up on Spares: Keep extra lightbulbs, batteries, Aroma Gun accessories and refills, and other small essentials on hand to avoid disruptions.
5. Update Your Menus
Give your food and drink offerings a modern touch:
- Seasonal Specials: Add limited-time dishes or cocktails inspired by spring flavours.
- Simplify Choices: Remove low-performing items and refine your menu to focus on quality.
- Highlight Trends: Cater to customer demand for sustainable, plant-based, or allergen-friendly options. Incorporate zero waste alternatives to popular garnishes by choosing a scented aroma bubble garnish instead of a fruit wedge etc.
4. Refresh Your Space
Aesthetic updates can invigorate your venue and attract new customers.
- Repaint and Redecorate: Choose fresh, inviting colours or themes to align with the new season.
- Rearrange Furniture: Improve flow and maximise comfort for your guests.
- Enhance Lighting: Brighten dim areas and adjust lighting to suit the mood you want to create.
6. Train Your Team
A well-prepared team is the backbone of any successful venue.
- Upskill Staff: Offer training on new menu items, bar techniques, or customer service skills.
- Encourage Feedback: Gather ideas from your team on how to improve efficiency and the customer experience.
- Boost Morale: Host a kickoff meeting or team-building activity to energise staff for the year ahead.
7. Plan for the Future
Set clear goals to keep your venue thriving:
- Review Last Year’s Performance: Identify strengths to build on and areas needing improvement.
- Create a Calendar: Schedule seasonal promotions, events, and maintenance tasks.
- Embrace Technology: Consider investing in systems like contactless payment, inventory management, booking platforms and innovative tech such as Flavour Blaster Aroma Gun or JetChill Dry Ice System to level up your business.
- Enhance Your Digital Presence: Update your website, refresh your social media pages, and ensure your online menus are current.
7. Sustainability Check-In
Consumers are increasingly drawn to eco-conscious businesses.
- Review Waste Practices: Implement better recycling methods and reduce single-use plastics.
- Choose Sustainable Suppliers: Source locally and opt for eco-friendly packaging where possible.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in LED lighting or energy-efficient appliances to reduce your carbon footprint.
8. Evaluate Your Ambiance
The right atmosphere can make or break the guest experience.
- Update Décor: Add fresh flowers, rearrange furniture, or invest in new artwork to revitalise your space.
- Revisit Your Music Playlist: Set the mood with a curated playlist that matches your brand’s vibe.
- Perfect Your Lighting: Ensure your lighting creates a warm, inviting ambiance, especially during evening service.
8. Engage Your Customers
Let your customers know about your venue’s fresh start:
- Social Media Updates: Share photos of your clean, refreshed space and new menu items.
- Exclusive Offers: Encourage footfall with limited-time discounts or loyalty rewards.
- Host a Launch Event: Celebrate the new year with a themed event or tasting session.
10. Set Goals for the Year
Finally, take a moment to reflect and strategise for the future.
- Identify Key Areas of Growth: Whether it’s increasing foot traffic, improving reviews, or launching new services, set clear objectives.
- Track Progress: Use metrics like revenue, customer feedback, and staff performance to measure success throughout the year.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognise and celebrate wins to maintain momentum and motivation.
By focusing on these steps, you can reset and restock your venue for a successful year ahead. A clean, organised, and refreshed business not only improves the guest experience but also sets the stage for a motivated team and thriving operations.
Cheers to a prosperous and exciting year in hospitality!
