The food industry loses a staggering amount of money each year to food waste. Food waste can have a big effect on a restaurant’s bottom line, but in many cases, it can be avoided.

First, it’s important to understand where food waste is occurring in your kitchen. Have a system in place for tracking which ingredients are getting thrown away and with what frequency. Decreasing the order amount of particular ingredients or removing them altogether can help cut down on the amount of food that ends up in the trash. Make sure that your food vendor offers flexible order qualities on the items you use the least.

Take steps towards maximizing the shelf-life of your food in any way possible. Make sure that all refrigeration equipment is always in good working order by inspecting it frequently. Most importantly, make sure that your restaurant is ordering all of your food and drink supplies from trustworthy suppliers. All ingredients should be checked for freshness upon delivery but partnering with a top-rated supplier, to begin with, will ensure that deliveries regularly meet your restaurant’s quality standards.

Make sure your menu is designed to minimize waste as well. Naturally, you want your menu to incorporate a wide variety of ingredients but be careful not to overextend your offerings to the point that you’re unable to rotate your inventory efficiently. Additionally, your staff should be trained to take note of and report situations where post-consumer waste can be decreased. If your staff flags a particular dish the customers seldom seem to finish, there is an opportunity to make the portion size of that dish smaller to cut back on food waste and cost.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your kitchen may still find itself with excess inventory. When that happens, you still might be able to save that food from going to waste. If possible, have a system in place to donate food that is still safe to consume, but that you are unable to use for whatever reason. There are many programs that will happily take your food donation to help feed those in need. In many cases, the food donations your restaurant makes to these organizations are tax deductible. Having a donation system in place is not only a good way to cut down on waste, it’s also a great way to support your community.

Minimizing food waste starts with effective supply chain management. Source1 Purchasing offers many solutions to help restaurants get the best prices possible on their supplies.

Take your next step toward greater profit with the Source1 Purchasing Solution.
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Click here to get your free Supply Chain Analysis. (Typically, a Supply Chain Analysis will identify savings opportunities of 9% or more!)

With endless amounts of food, drink, and entertainment waiting just beyond their doors, casinos are a huge draw for adults looking to have some fun. There is, however, a rising trend of guests looking for experiences beyond the buffets and rows of slot machines. Many customers are now calling for more health-centered dining and activity options. For casinos seeking to cash in on this trend, becoming a health and wellness destination doesn’t have to mean abandoning their roots. It is possible for healthier dining and activities to seamlessly coexist with a casino’s existing offerings.

Although casinos have long been synonymous with excess, health-minded guests are more concerned with quality than quantity. Consuming fresh food and sustainably-sourced ingredients is a top priority for them. There are many opportunities for casinos to incorporate clean-eating menu choices throughout their resort. Green juices and smoothies can be a profitable addition to an on-site coffee bar. These can be made to order or pre-bottled and offered as a grab-and-go option. Restaurants can appeal to guests who observe restrictive diets by incorporating vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-fat dishes in their menus. Likewise, cocktail menus can be modified to include a selection of “skinny” drink options.

Some casino guests enjoy exercising even when they’re on vacation. Many larger casinos have sizeable on-site fitness centers with a wide array of free weights and cardio machines. However, even a casino without a dedicated gym can offer guests an opportunity to get a workout in during their stay. Yoga classes and guided meditation can be offered either pool-side or in a ballroom during early morning hours.

Spa treatments are another popular option for guests seeking to partake in some self-care during their stay. Casinos with on-site spas should focus on creating a quiet sanctuary where people can take a break from the energy on the casino floor. Small touches like ambient noise and aromatherapy can help add to a relaxing atmosphere.

Any casino can position themselves as a health and wellness destination. With proper kitchen staff training and quality food and drink suppliers, healthy dining options can easily be incorporated into a resort’s current menu. Partnering with suppliers that offer a wide variety of quality clean eating options doesn’t have to affect operating costs. As purchasing specialists, Source1 Purchasing has the ability to get casinos the best possible prices from top-rated suppliers.

Take your next step toward greater profit with the Source1 Purchasing Solution.
Call: 888.411.9987
Contact Us Here
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Click here to get your free Market Basket. (Typically, a Market Basket will identify savings opportunities of 9% or more!)

Social media has made it easier than ever for a customer to share their opinions with the world, which can have a positive impact on your business. The majority of reviews posted online are favorable. Online review sites are a great way to get exposure for your restaurant, hotel, or other business. But what if you receive a bad review online? How should you respond? No matter how dedicated you are to providing your customers with a positive experience, chances are you may have to deal with a negative review at some point. Here are some tips for handling a bad review:

Have a Plan in Place

Even if you’ve never received a bad review in the past, it’s a good idea to have an action plan in place so you can swiftly address a negative review when it’s posted. Many business owners and managers make the mistake of allowing their emotions to get the best of them when a bad review comes in. The result is often a defensive and ineffective public response to the reviewer which can reflect poorly on your business.

Act Quickly

When it comes to online reviews, failing to address negative feedback in a timely manner can make matters worse. Potential and existing customers can mistake your silence for indifference. Reply to the review publicly, letting the customer know that their concerns are a top priority. If possible, request more details about their experience via a private message. Talk to any staff members that may have knowledge of the incident in question to determine where you could have served the customer better.

Make it Right

Do your best to mend your business relationship with the reviewer. If you find that your establishment failed to offer them with adequate service, compensate them in a way that seems fair. The promise of a future discount or a credit or partial credit of their recent visit can go a long way in bringing a disgruntled customer down to a cool calm. Above all, be sure to always validate their feelings, even if you don’t feel your business was in the wrong. Many customers will update their review if they feel you adequately handled their complaint.

Negative review can be devastating, especially for restaurants and hotels with multiple locations, where a bad review of one location can hurt business for all the other locations. If your expansion has caused variability in the customer experience, you will benefit from a purchasing services organization that will help you initiate restaurant-wide buying standards and set up systems to monitor and enforce your procurement processes.

Take your next step toward greater profit with the Source1 Purchasing Solution.
Call: 888.411.9987
Contact Us Here
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Click here to get your free Market Basket. (Typically, a Market Basket will identify savings opportunities of 9% or more!)

Thank you BryLynn Kilroy from HD Supply for the Source1 Purchasing Lunch ‘n Learn on March 29, 2018.

HD Supply has all the operating supplies a hotel could ever ask for. Congratulations Marissa Roman for winning the prize, nice bag!

Catering is an extremely competitive industry, and many companies struggle to define what makes their brand unique. Any catering company can offer an attractive menu and exceptional customer service, but what will really set your company apart comes down to the details. Here are a few ideas on how to build a catering business that stands out from your competitors:

Find Your Niche

It’s tempting to try to appeal to all types of clients, however, establishing a niche for your catering company can help attract stronger leads. Weddings are a popular specialty, but there are plenty of other industries you can serve with less competition. Do some research to try to identify the underserved industries in your service area. Large office buildings, financial institutions, family reunions and wellness retreats are good markets to start exploring. Specialized menu offerings are another good way your catering company can be competitive. Offering organic, vegan or even culturally-specific menu items could help your company stand out.

Form Strategic Partnerships

No matter what type of food you serve, it’s imperative that you strive to source the highest quality ingredients. Aligning your company with trustworthy suppliers can make or break your business. Sourcing your food, linens, and equipment from the right providers can help build your company’s reputation for quality and consistency. Unfortunately, vendor management can often be a daunting task for catering companies. Joining a buying group is an excellent way to make your purchasing systems run more efficiently with the added benefit of cutting down on overhead.

Shine on Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool when it comes to creating a name for yourself online. Prospective customers will often look to your social media channels to get a sense of what your company has to offer prior to ever reaching out for a quote. You only get one chance at a first impression, so it’s important that your social media profiles reflect your company and what makes it unique. The content you share on these channels should tell a story about the care that goes into every event you cater. Of course, you’ll want to share photos of your beautifully designed spreads and expertly plated meals, but you should also consider sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the prep that goes into an event. Learning how to get catering clients is essential and giving prospective customers the opportunity to peek behind the curtain will help them feel more connected to your brand, which could ultimately lead to more bookings.

Take your next step toward greater profit with the Source1 Purchasing Solution.
Call: 888.411.9987
Contact Us Here
www.source1purchasing.com

Click here to get your free Market Basket. (Typically, a Market Basket will identify savings opportunities of 9% or more!)

 

Members of the Source1 Purchasing team will be joined by Sysco as a Silver sponsor at the 2018 Radisson Hotel Group Americas Business Conference. The conference will take place from April 2- April 5, 2018 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

On Wednesday, April 4, between 10 am and 2pm, representatives from Sysco and Source1 Purchasing will be at Booth #413 educating conference attendees on the benefits of the program. In addition, Jim Northcutt, from Source1 Purchasing’s Business Development team will be leading two 15-minute “Quick Hits” presentations to further educate member hotels about the program.

Learn more about the Radisson Hotel Group Food and Beverage program at radisson.source1purchasing.com.

 

Source1 Purchasing holds the number two spot for “All Client Purchasing,” including hotels, during the 2016 calendar year. This, in effect, means that Source1 Purchasing holds more total purchasing power than all but one of the feature purchasing companies.

As Generation Z enters adulthood, many hotels have begun exploring ways to reach this young demographic. The hotel industry faces some unique challenges when it comes to appealing to their next generation of customers. The amenities and brand consistency that older generations look for are not enough to attract younger guests. To build a reputation among Generation Z customers, hotels will have to market to them in a completely different way. However, establishments that make moves to reach this demographic now will have the upper hand in a few short years when Generation Z is expected to account for upwards of 40 percent of all hotel customers. To get started, here are a few things hotels need to consider about Gen Z:

Their Values

The first step towards reaching Generation Z is understanding their values. Despite their young age, Generation Z is extremely socially conscious. They take pride in supporting businesses with values that mirror their own. Hotels that are active in their community, have a history of charitable giving, or openly speak out on current events have an opportunity to stand out from other establishments.

Their Relationship with Money

Like the Millennials that came before them, Generation Z tends to put more value on experiences over luxury. This means a unique craft cocktail menu is more likely to draw guests into a hotel bar than top-shelf spirits. In fact, hotels will find that it’s generally very difficult to upsell this demographic on any luxury offerings. Generation Z is very guarded with their money. This is a generation that has grown up with a wealth of information at their fingertips, and they are experts at getting what they want at the best possible value. To keep guests from looking outside their hotel for dining and entertainment, hotels will have to work harder to create unique offerings such as specialized spa treatments that can’t be experienced anywhere else.

The Way They Use Social Media

Visual storytelling is popular among Generation Z. They tend to shy away from text-based social media posts and have largely lost interest in platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Instead, this generation opts for image and video-based networks like Instagram and Snapchat. Focusing on creating rich visual content on these platforms is the best way to get noticed by Generation Z. These changing trends in social media can be a great opportunity for hotels to engage with guests on a deeper level and gain exposure at the same time. There are many ways hotels can create photo-friendly moments throughout a guest’s stay. Floral arrangements and pieces of art can serve as an irresistible backdrop for a photo, especially when paired with favorable lighting. Even a perfectly organized continental breakfast bar can beckon for a closeup. Small details can play a big part in the way your hotel is portrayed online.

Take your next step toward greater profit with the Source1 Purchasing Solution.
Call: 888.411.9987
Contact Us Here
www.source1purchasing.com

Click here to get your free Supply Chain Analysis (Typically, a Supply Chain Analysis will identify savings opportunities of 9% or more!)

 

 

Gluten-free offerings have increased in demand in recent years. Some consumers have embraced gluten-free or gluten-reduced diets because they believe it’s beneficial to their health. However, there is a segment of the population that suffers from a serious autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease, a condition that can cause severe damage to the small intestine if gluten is consumed. People with severe cases of celiac disease must take extra precautions when dining out. Many food distribution companies are working to increase the number of gluten-free items they offer in an effort to accommodate customers with gluten sensitivities.

For restaurants and catering companies committed to offering more gluten-free dishes, choosing the right food service company is crucial. There is a huge difference between gluten-reduced foods and those that are truly gluten-free. A trustworthy vendor will have standards set in place to ensure that an item not only contains no trace amounts of gluten but was never at risk of exposure to gluten during processing. A food vendor that is experienced in providing truly gluten-free options should be able to explain how they safeguard their products against cross-contamination. If your vendor can’t make such guarantees, you have no way of ensuring that your dish is truly gluten-free.

It’s important that kitchen staff is trained to segregate gluten-free foods upon delivery to avoid any cross-contamination. Gluten-free supplies should have a dedicated space within a kitchen and should be clearly labeled. Keep in mind that your vendor may offer both gluten-free and non-gluten-free selections for the same item. If your kitchen orders both varieties, it’s important that the two are stored in different places. Precautions should also be taken by kitchen staff to avoid cross-contamination by setting aside pans, cutting boards, and other tools specifically designated for cooking gluten-free meals. For a customer with a severe case of celiac disease, even the smallest trace of gluten can be detrimental to their health.

Having a reputation for offering quality gluten-free options can give you a major advantage over your competitors. With a strong set of best practices for product sourcing and handling supplies, you can serve your gluten-free dishes with confidence. Source1 Purchasing has partnered with a number of trusted suppliers of gluten-free and gluten-reduced foods. Connecting with our network of quality food distributors and other vendors can help you optimize your supply chain while cutting your overall costs.

Take your next step toward greater profit with the Source1 Purchasing Solution.
Call: 888.411.9987
Contact Us Here
www.source1purchasing.com

Click here to get your free Market Basket. (Typically, a Market Basket will identify savings opportunities of 9% or more!)

Source1 Purchasing holds the number two spot for “All Client Purchasing,” including hotels, during the 2016 calendar year. This, in effect, means that Source1 Purchasing holds more total purchasing power than all but one of the feature purchasing companies.