November 11, 2024 Lavanya Rathnam
When most people think of a hotel’s revenue, they focus on room rates, occupancy numbers, and maybe special events. But there's another key piece to this puzzle that hotels sometimes overlook—the Food and Beverage (F&B) section.
Here’s why F&B matters so much for hotels and how you can use it to boost profits.
Make the Restaurant an Experience, Not Just a Meal
People don’t just want a meal, they want a memorable experience. Hotels can capitalize on this by transforming their dining areas into unique destinations. Think themed dinners, live music nights, or partnering with a local chef for pop-ups. People are willing to pay more for a night that’s about more than just food.
Keep it Instagram-friendly. Eye-catching decor, aesthetically plated dishes, and creative cocktails can lead to free marketing through guests' social posts.
Focus on Local Ingredients and Dishes
Travelers love authenticity. Offering a menu that features local cuisine or ingredients can make your F&B stand out. This not only sets your hotel apart but may attract guests who want to ‘taste’ the place they’re visiting. Plus, local sourcing can be more cost-effective, especially if you form partnerships with nearby farmers or suppliers.
Offer Flexible Dining Options
Room service? Sure.
But let’s talk about more options.
Grab-and-go breakfast stations for busy guests, a casual cafe for afternoon snacks, and even poolside dining can drive revenue. Each dining area can be tailored to different budgets and needs, maximizing the appeal to all types of guests.
Late-night snack menus can be a big hit with travelers getting in late or night owls.
Optimize the Bar Scene
An eye-catching bar can be a goldmine. Many hotels are finding success with craft cocktails, local beers, and even offering mixology classes for guests. Happy hours, tastings, and cocktail specials can attract locals as well as hotel guests, filling seats and upping the F&B revenue.
Leverage Tech for Convenience and Speed
Ever noticed how easy it is to order food from your phone? Hotels should do the same. Mobile ordering for room service, digital menus, and contactless payment options are great ways to enhance the guest experience while driving more sales.
This tech-driven approach can speed up table turnover and help cut down on labor costs.
Cater to Dietary Preferences and Trends
From vegan options to gluten-free dishes, keeping up with dietary trends can pull in a bigger crowd. When guests see that you care about their preferences, they’re more likely to become repeat customers or recommend your hotel to others. It’s about making every diner feel like you thought of them specifically.
Host Events and Special Occasions
The F&B section is also a stage for weddings, corporate functions, and special celebrations. Offering tailored event packages can transform underused banquet space into a major revenue driver. People often associate hotels with convenience for their events, and if the food is great, even better.
Promote these packages in-house with flyers and on social media.
Master the Art of Upselling
Finally, don’t shy away from upselling. Suggest appetizers, drinks, and desserts in an authentic, friendly way. A well-trained staff can work wonders in boosting the total check size by simply making recommendations or bundling items.
Overall, with a bit of strategy and creativity, F&B can be more than just a ‘nice to have’—it can become one of your hotel’s biggest profit drivers. So, go ahead and stir up something special. Your bottom line will thank you!
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