Gauge how well you're using technology in your on-premise.
Running a bar isn't easy — and we know that the last couple of years haven't made the job any easier. That's why more and more savvy bars and restaurants are turning to innovative and automated technology to help them stay on top of trends and day-to-day tasks.
Technology is all around us and allows us to make decisions with greater confidence. F&B professionals benefit from simplifying — even automating — tasks that take up time. The time you'll save can be used to create new ideas with analytical insights, engage and support staff, and ensure customer satisfaction.
The best part about harnessing the advantages and insights of technology in an on-premise setting is the availability of services that make adoption and implementation a snap. Once bar managers see how technology enhances all aspects of the dining experience, they wonder how or why they ever worked without it.
Still, old habits die hard, so we created this list of ways bars and restaurants can implement technological advances. By working toward satisfactory responses for each of these questions, you'll be well on your way to raising the bar on-premise
Now that you've gauged yourself, let's take a look at the key topics from the questionnaire.
Staff communication and flexibility are essential in an ever-changing work environment. Managers who can adjust on the fly and provide their team with timely updates earn the respect and admiration of those around them. Check out companies like SnapShyft and 7shifts for examples of technologies that can help!
In an industry where margins are historically razor-thin, compounded by rising prices and continued supply chain delays, tracking inventory and identifying trends ensures greater success. Success dwindles if ordering tasks are carried out with an excel sheet or pad of paper. As the old adage goes, if you can't track it, you can't improve it.
The days of rocking a keg and hoping it lasts through the night won't cut it. Managers need accurate information, in real-time, to take advantage of opportunities or avoid chaos. Guessing or relying on POS records about your draft inventory leaves you with a massive blind spot in your inventory.
This category happens to be our specialty. If you're running a draft program, the BrewLogix Performance Platform will give you the tools to cut your draft loss up to 20% and increase your average draft beer ticket sales by 15%.
Whether we like it or not, the reviews about us online mean something to prospective customers. Services like BirdEye are helpful because they help you cut down on the time it takes to keep track of all the places those reviews can pop up.
Consider this: A study by QSR found that nearly half of diners say that they tried a new restaurant based on their social interaction. Additionally, a similar study found a 40 percent increase in sales based on the establishment's social engagement. Managers need a way to be a part of the conversation online.
You can have the best beer and a killer menu, but you're in trouble if you don't have the capital to nurture it all. Finances can't be considered quarterly; they need to be monitored consistently to ensure you're on track. Having an effective online accounting system is key along with a process of measuring budget vs. actual results.
What could be more amazing than customers? Answer: fans! Transforming customers into fans requires engaging them and inviting them. How does one do that? Through email marketing and personalization. If you're not currently collecting customer email addresses, it is challenging to personalize messages for them to become fans. Luckily, it is very easy to do this with MailChimp or your website services.
Waste is an issue for all F&B establishments. The result of excess waste is the difference between profitability and simply hanging on. Take control of waste. Have a plan on how to identify, track, and limit it.
If you are utilizing technology effectively in an on-premise environment, then congratulations! If you have room for improvement, don't worry — you can use this questionnaire as a guide, referencing it frequently as you strive to raise the bar.
We believe that technology can truly transform a business and free up owners/operators to make their visions come true. While our area of expertise is within draft programs, we have a vision to see the whole food & beverage industry embrace technology across all areas of business.
If you're ready to cut your draft loss by 20% and start maximizing your profits, let's talk.