Summary

In this episode of The Prep List, Shaun discusses the importance of location intelligence in the hospitality industry. He emphasises the shift from relying solely on gut feelings to using data-driven decisions for site selection and evaluation. Shaun shares tools and strategies for conducting location audits, highlights real-world examples of operators who have successfully leveraged location data, and encourages listeners to maximize their current locations' potential.

Takeaways

• Location intelligence is crucial for site selection.
• Operators are now using data before signing leases.
• Combining gut instinct with data leads to better decisions.
• Regular location audits can save significant costs.
• Tools like Google Analytics and ABS census data are valuable.
• A location scorecard can help evaluate potential sites.
• Real-world examples show the impact of location decisions.
• Maximising location potential involves understanding local demographics.
• A structured approach to location evaluation is essential.
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Links to brands we talked about in this show:

GeoTech: Link

LocationIQ: Link

Link to our free location spreadsheet: Link

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Summary:

Join Shaun as he shares insights on the importance of regular supply chain reviews. Discover how staying proactive can save costs and enhance efficiency in your venue.

Key Takeaways:

Trend to Watch: "Reviewing Before Regret" - Regular supplier reviews every 6-12 months can prevent overpaying and ensure competitive pricing.

Tool to Test: "Track It, Don't Wing It" - Utilise tools like Restoke, Loaded, Cook in the Books, and Quantaco for effective supply chain management.

Real-World Move: Go direct with suppliers for better margins and quality control, as seen with specialty coffee and matcha sourcing.

Smart Question: "What's one product we use every day that no one's questioned the price of lately?" - Encourages a margin mindset and curiosity.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone in hospitality. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating or review. For more resources, visit our Linktree page linked in the show notes.

#SupplyChain #Hospitality #CostManagement

Links to brands we talked about in this show:

Restoke: Link

Loaded: Link

CTB AND CO: Link

Quantaco: Link

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

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Summary

In this episode of the Prep List, Shaun discusses key trends and tools for the hospitality industry, focusing on rising energy costs, the importance of data management, and long-term planning strategies. The need for operators to clean up their data to make informed decisions, and shared a case study of a supermarket's successful move to a larger facility. The episode concludes with advice on preparing for the summer season and scheduling discussions with team members.

Takeaways

• Energy bills are rising; review your plans.
• Tools like Termina can help manage energy costs.
• Cleaning up data is crucial for accurate reporting.
• Old data can mislead your business decisions.
• Long-term planning is essential for growth.
• Spring is a good time for operational changes.
• Discuss summer schedules early with your team.
• Menu tweaks should be tested before peak seasons.
• Shedding old habits can improve efficiency.
• Sharing insights can benefit the hospitality community.

Brands Shaun spoke about in the podcast:

LaManna Supermarket

Termina

How to connect with Open Pantry Co.

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

Open Pantry Co. Website: Link

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This podcast episode focuses on the critical evaluation of point of sale (POS) systems within hospitality venues, emphasising the necessity of determining whether these systems are genuinely beneficial or inadvertently detrimental to business operations. I elucidate the evolution of POS systems, which have transformed from mere cash registers into multifaceted integrated platforms encompassing inventory management, customer loyalty, rostering, and marketing functionalities

Takeaways:

• The point of sale (POS) system in your venue must be optimised to ensure it is effectively contributing to your business operations and not hindering them.
• Conducting a thorough audit of your POS system can unveil underutilised features that may enhance service efficiency and sales performance significantly.
• It is imperative to solicit feedback from both front-of-house and back-of-house staff regarding the functionality and usability of the POS system.
• Regularly reviewing the reports generated by your POS system is essential to making informed business decisions that can positively impact your overall performance.
• Simplifying the use of your POS system and focusing on essential features can yield better results than continuously seeking new technologies.
• Training your staff on the effective use of the POS system can prevent operational inefficiencies and improve customer service during peak times.

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The principal focus of today's discourse revolves around the paramount significance of establishing brand clarity as a foundational element in the successful operation and expansion of hospitality venues.

Takeaways:

• Establishing brand clarity serves as the foundational element for sustainable growth in hospitality.
• In the context of venue expansion, knowing your brand's tone and service style is crucial.
• The documentation of your brand's key principles aids in maintaining consistency across multiple locations.
• A well-defined brand identity ensures that guests experience uniformity regardless of the venue they visit.
• Investing in brand clarity may initially slow down the process, but it yields faster decision-making later.
• Consulting a branding agency can significantly enhance your venue's identity and operational coherence.

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This discussion centres on the burgeoning trend of AI-powered phone answering systems, a technological advancement that is permeating the hospitality industry with remarkable rapidity.

Takeaways:

• The emergence of AI-powered phone answering systems is significantly transforming the hospitality industry.
• Utilising AI tools allows venues to manage customer inquiries without staff interruption during busy service hours.
• Adopting an online-first booking strategy can enhance guest experience and streamline operations efficiently.
• Automating responses to repetitive guest inquiries can improve service quality while reducing staff stress levels.
• AI systems can operate 24/7, capturing late-night and early-morning booking requests without requiring human presence.
• It is essential to evaluate the suitability of any technology for your specific venue to maximise its benefits.

Subscribe to the 🥪Sandwich Press Newsletter: Link

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Links referenced in this episode:

• nowbookit.com
• sevenrooms.com
• opentable.com

This podcast episode highlights the paramount importance of recruitment within the hospitality sector, emphasising not merely the act of filling vacancies but rather the strategic endeavour to cultivate cohesive teams that contribute to sustained organisational success.

Takeaways:

• The podcast highlights the importance of employer branding in attracting top talent to the hospitality industry.
• It is essential to create job advertisements that are welcoming, clear, and aspirational to attract suitable talent.
• Onboarding should not be viewed as a mere chore; rather, it serves as a vital recruitment tool that can enhance retention.
• The discussion highlights the importance of consistent team check-ins during the onboarding process to ensure new hires feel supported and integrated.

Links referenced in this episode:

• employmenthero
• tanda
• deputy
• harvest hospitality