3663's Initial thoughts
As the Best for Business campaign kicks off, 3663 First for Foodservice has been visiting the chosen operations, observing the areas in which each outlet excels and looking at the different ways they can further tailor the offerings to drive sales.
Lindsay Winser, communications controller at 3663, says: "We've been travelling the country, meeting the operators and finding out more about their businesses. Our first impression of the outlets is good, and they are all excelling in different areas. We've come across some excellent business practices, spotless kitchens and shrewd management."
She adds: "Although each business we've seen is different, we've found the Best for Business outlets share the same qualities: openness, a willingness to learn, and a hunger to succeed."
Already, Catherine Hinchcliff, 3663 marketing controller, has spotted an opportunity to help the margin management of the Stephan Langton's menu, and the potential to add value by creating systems to help staff identify dishes that offer maximum profit so they can, in turn, promote them to customers.
"We'd like to look at how 3663 can help Chris and Rosie increase average spend at the weekend when the pub is full. This could be linked to staff incentives," says Hinchcliff. "We're also keen to recommend some tailored staff training to educate and give the team pointers on upselling to help them identify the profitable dishes."
At the Mulberry Tree, 3663 marketing manager Isabelle Davis identified an opportunity to help advise on choosing ingredients, and there are already plans to discuss non-food requirements and light catering equipment to make the most of the outlet's kitchen facilities.
Meanwhile, the Taverners has proved to be a beacon of best practice in a number of areas, including local sourcing. 3663 will be analysing the areas of excellence and demonstrating how readers can make small changes to their businesses to improve margins and create sustainable business models.
Winser concludes: "Working together over the next 12 months we hope to use our expertise to fine-tune areas of these businesses and help add value to Caterer readers' operations by giving practical advice and guidance on the market."
The 3663 team meet the Stephan Langton's owners |