A platform for the connoisseurs to indulge with the mesmerizing beverages and lip smacking global cuisines, access the information and review and interact at the same time. This is also a huge support tool for the Hospitality aspirants pursuing any Hotel Management Program or is a beginner with the Hospitality Industry.
Menu engineering is a strategic approach used by restaurants to optimize their menu offerings in order to increase profitability and customer satisfaction. By applying menu engineering principles, restaurants can revitalize their business in several ways:
Profit Maximization: Menu engineering involves analyzing the profitability of each menu item. By identifying the high-profit and low-profit items, restaurant owners can make informed decisions about pricing, portion sizes, and ingredient costs. They can focus on promoting and highlighting the items that yield higher profit margins while considering adjustments or removing items that are not profitable.
Sales Optimization: Menu engineering helps in strategically positioning and promoting certain menu items to drive sales. Through effective categorization, placement, and visual presentation, restaurants can influence customer choices and encourage them to order higher-profit items or signature dishes. For example, using enticing descriptions, highlighting chef recommendations, or incorporating appealing food photography can attract attention and drive sales.
Demand Forecasting: By analyzing sales data and customer preferences, restaurants can gain insights into popular and less popular menu items. This information helps in understanding customer demand patterns, allowing the restaurant to make data-driven decisions regarding inventory management, ingredient sourcing, and menu design. Accurate demand forecasting reduces waste, optimizes costs, and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Menu Simplification: Streamlining and simplifying the menu can improve the overall dining experience. A cluttered or overly complex menu can confuse customers and lead to decision paralysis. Menu engineering involves analyzing the popularity and profitability of each item and potentially eliminating or reworking items that are not performing well. A concise and well-structured menu reduces customer confusion, speeds up decision-making, and enhances customer satisfaction.
Upselling and Cross-selling: Menu engineering provides opportunities for upselling and cross-selling. By strategically placing complementary or higher-priced items near popular choices or highlighting them with visual cues, restaurants can encourage customers to add extras, upgrade their orders, or try new dishes. This increases the average check size and revenue per customer.
Menu Innovation and Differentiation: Menu engineering can uncover insights about customer preferences and trends, allowing restaurants to introduce innovative and appealing menu items. By understanding customer needs and expectations, restaurants can create unique offerings that differentiate them from competitors and attract new customers.
In summary, menu engineering offers a systematic approach for analyzing and optimizing menus to drive profitability, enhance customer satisfaction, and revive the restaurant business. By employing strategies to maximize profits, optimize sales, simplify menus, and cater to customer preferences, restaurants can improve their financial performance and attract and retain a loyal customer base.
Five hotel trends to watch out for in 2023 and beyond
Julia Krebs, Rooms Division Lecturer, at Les Roches Marbella, tells us how the hospitality industry is going from traumatic to triumphant
In this article, Krebs outlines what the next 12 months have in store for the industry, how we can expect to see hotels adapt to stay competitive, and why it’s important to stay on top of the latest developments.
Changing workforce
Possibly the most significant development is the influx of younger people into the industry following the great exodus from hospitality during the pandemic.
Hotels are desperate for qualified people to work for them, which means there has probably never been a better time to enter the hotel industry. And the opportunities are there whether you have the experience or not. Many hotel groups are experiencing such acute labour shortages they are offering on-the-job development and expanding their management in training programs to include not only the traditional food and beverage or rooms division routes but also 360-degree operations as well.
We’re also seeing faster career progression than we had before due to skills gaps in key roles, so it’s going to be really interesting to see how that impacts the industry in the next 12 months and beyond. With more energetic, passionate, and enthusiastic people in higher positions, it’s unthinkable that will not have a significant effect on how hotels develop and the kind of services and technologies they embrace.
Technology trends
Another hangover from the pandemic – increased use of smart technology in hotels – is also set to be a theme throughout the industry in 2023. Where the Covid crisis necessarily saw new technologies such as a hotel app deployed for customers to check in and out, I think we will see that ‘smart hotel’ trend continue but with an increased emphasis on building human interactions back into the mix.
You just don’t get the same level of hospitality with a robot as you do with people, so hotels will increasingly be looking at ways in which they can combine the efficiency of technology with the personal touch. That will be even more of a factor given people are now spending a higher proportion of their income on their travels in the post-pandemic world.
Going green
Boosting efficiency isn’t all about saving money either. As the sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, so the spotlight has turned on the industry’s environmental impact and, as a result, sustainability will be a key trend in the next year and beyond.
Combatting climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today and is a top priority for the hotel industry. That’s why we’re seeing the entire industry adopting more environmentally-friendly approaches in almost every aspect of their operations and this is set to continue in 2023.
Whether it’s demanding more sustainable goods and services from supply chains, striving to reduce waste or designing energy-efficient buildings, hotels have embraced the challenge of reducing their carbon footprints and are aggressively pursuing a greener agenda.
The truth is sustainability is no longer something hoteliers can ignore. It’s increasingly a deciding factor in customers’ hotel choices and it’s important to the new generation of employees who will drive the industry in the future, so I’ve no doubt 2023 will see some big strides in this area.
Giving back to society
While tourism’s impact on the environment is rightly at the forefront of hoteliers’ minds, we are also increasingly seeing them consider how their operations affect the societies in which they have a presence too.
Mass tourism can have a devastating effect if it is not properly managed and hoteliers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential impact opening more and more hotels could have, so I think we will see a growth in the number of socially-conscious initiatives the travel industry develops in the next year and beyond.
In particular, giving back to local communities will be a recurring theme. We are already seeing more hoteliers making conscious efforts to source talent, goods, and services from the areas in which they operate, hiring from underrepresented groups when possible, and investing in their employees’ professional development. It doesn’t stop there.
Hotel companies are, in short, taking more responsibility for the development of tourism in their local communities and stepping up to the plate and I think this will be one of the key trends in the future.
Traveller preference trends
One of the more interesting key trends we have already seen have an impact on revenue management in the hotel industry – and one that’s set to continue for years to come – is the rise in segmentation of guests.
Things have come a long way since we asked whether the purpose of guest visits was business or pleasure. Hoteliers are now separating customer groups into many more categories and tailoring their offering according to the desired customer experience. For example, we have already seen more ‘pet-friendly’ hotels open in response to consumer demand, and niche offers of that type are likely to become more widespread.
Another driver of innovation in the industry – again influenced by the pandemic thanks to the technology behind remote working becoming more commonplace – is the burgeoning ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle. Older-style business lounge facilities are being updated and adapted to become co-working spaces for hotel guests. They provide the essential communications and IT infrastructure but also give guests the opportunity to network, taking away the sense of isolation many people experienced during the Covid years.
Catering for specific guest needs has already driven some of the larger hotel chains into diversifying their offer according to the experience clients are demanding and I think this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. And I’m not just talking about individual hotels – I can see the larger multinational groups creating entire sub-brands that are geared towards catering to a specific niche as they look to compete with boutique offerings in increasingly diverse target markets.
Covid recovery
As we have seen, the far-reaching effects of the pandemic are still having a significant impact on global hotel industry trends and the changes it brought about will define how hotels develop and thrive for years to come. Adapting to the ‘new normal’ is a common theme throughout the top trends in hotels for 2023 and this is evident not just in the way hoteliers have already tweaked their offer to suit changing traveller preferences but also in the very nature of hotel companies themselves, which have experienced an influx of young and passionate employees.
That workforce will be one of the factors driving the adoption of more socially conscious and environmentally sound initiatives and the technological solutions that can facilitate them. But unsurprisingly, it will be customer demand that shapes how hotels emerge from the pandemic and that underpins each of these hotel trends for 2023.
We are beginning to see the effects of what some in the industry have described as ‘pent-up demand’ unfold, with the result more customers are spending more on their travels. To ensure hoteliers benefit from this development, it’s critical they not only react to demand but also monitor and stay up to date with the latest and future trends. While they do not necessarily need to be first to market, early adoption or buy-in to certain trends can lead to significant business exposure, brand awareness, and customer loyalty.
Gen Z are causing a shake up in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic universes, ushering in a new era of mindful drinking, sober curiosity and ‘dry’ venues and events, according to a Euromonitor International expert.
Spiros Malandrakis, Head of Alcoholic Drinks at leading market research firm Euromonitor International, said that Gen Z – the generation born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s – has displayed a noticeable trend of reduced alcohol consumption compared to previous generations.
“All major non-alcoholic segments were among the top performers in Euromonitor International’s latest alcoholic drinks system update,” said Malandrakis.
Non-alcoholic beer sales registered 6% total volume growth in 2022
Malandrakis said: “From non-alcoholic beer, already present and embedded in drinking culture for decades yet still witnessing an enviable 6% total volume growth for 2022, to the emerging non-alcoholic wine segment posting 9% total volume growth and from the double digit momentum of the relative newcomer non-alcoholic ready to drink (RTDs) to non-alcoholic spirits spearheading innovation and a pivot to functionality with a 10% total volume growth, this is all proving to be much more than just a passing fad.”
Gen Z prioritise physical and mental wellbeing, often engaging in regular exercise and prioritising nutritious diets. They place significant value on authenticity and experiences. They are eager to engage in meaningful interactions, explore their passions and make a positive impact on society.
They often opt for socialising in environments that foster creativity, such as art exhibits, poetry slams or music festivals. They engage in outdoor activities, volunteer work or participate in clubs and organisations that cater to their diverse interests.
Younger people embodying ‘less but better’ mantra when it comes to alcohol consumption
Malandrakis commented: “Mindful drinking and sober curiosity, moderation initiatives, dry venues and events, no/lo focused retailers and a cornucopia of launches and innovation that is blurring the definitional lines between the alcoholic and non-alcoholic universes. There is little doubt that the once niche trend is now established, evolving and yet still holds huge untapped future potential.
“For younger cohorts who would historically be at the forefront of high energy occasions and high-volume alcohol consumption, the theme of moderation is also a key part of the ubiquitous ‘less but better’ premium mantra.
“Next gen euphorics, alcohol proxies and virgin extensions have come of age. New formulations are targeting a plethora of consumption occasions; functionality cues are increasingly replacing simplistic dealcoholising approaches and botanical alchemy and molecular experimentation with new ingredients is making the no/lo landscape one of the most innovative and exciting in the alcohol ecosystem. And it is here to stay.”
Scotch Whisky, American Whiskey (including bourbon and rye), Irish Whiskey, and other types of whiskies each have their own unique characteristics and production methods. Here's an overview of each:
Scotch Whisky: Scotch whisky is produced in Scotland and is renowned for its distinct flavors. It is typically made from malted barley and aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. There are two main types of Scotch whisky: single malt (made from malted barley in a single distillery) and blended (a mixture of malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries). Scotch whisky often exhibits smoky, peaty, and fruity flavors.
American Whiskey: American whiskey includes several subcategories, the most well-known being bourbon and rye whiskey.
Bourbon: Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. By law, it must be made in the United States and contain at least 51% corn in the mash bill. Bourbon has a sweeter and fuller-bodied flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Rye Whiskey: Rye whiskey is made primarily from rye grain and aged in charred oak barrels. It can be produced in the United States and Canada, with variations in production methods and flavor profiles. Rye whiskey tends to have a spicier and drier taste compared to bourbon.
Irish Whiskey: Irish whiskey is produced in Ireland and has a reputation for its smoothness and lightness. It is usually triple-distilled and made from a mixture of malted and unmalted barley. Irish whiskey is typically smoother and less smoky than Scotch whisky, with flavors of honey, fruit, and vanilla.
Other Whiskies: There are several other types of whiskies from different countries, each with its own distinct characteristics.
Canadian Whisky: Canadian whisky is often blended and made primarily from grains like corn, rye, barley, and wheat. It tends to be lighter and smoother in flavor.
Japanese Whisky: Japanese whisky is heavily influenced by Scotch whisky production methods and often exhibits similar characteristics. It has gained international recognition for its craftsmanship and quality.
Other Whiskies: Various countries, such as India, Australia, and Sweden, produce their own whiskies, which can vary in terms of production methods, ingredients, and flavor profiles.
It's important to note that these descriptions provide a general overview, and there can be significant variations within each category. The choice between Scotch whisky, American whiskey, Irish whiskey, or other whiskies ultimately comes down to personal preference and the flavors and characteristics that appeal to you.
Wine and whisky are both popular alcoholic beverages, but they have distinct characteristics and production processes. However, there are a few similarities between wine and whisky:
Fermentation: Both wine and whisky are produced through the process of fermentation. In wine production, the natural sugars in grapes are converted into alcohol by yeast. Whisky, on the other hand, is made from fermented grains like barley, corn, rye, or wheat.
Aging: Both wine and whisky often undergo aging to develop their flavors and complexity. Wine is typically aged in wooden barrels, usually made of oak, which can impart flavors and aromas to the wine. Whisky, too, is aged in wooden barrels, which significantly contributes to its flavor profile.
Varieties and regions: Both wine and whisky offer a wide range of varieties and regional variations. Different grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir, can produce distinct wine styles. Similarly, whisky can be categorized into various types, such as Scotch whisky, bourbon, or Irish whiskey, each with its own production regulations and flavor profiles.
Tasting and appreciation: Wine and whisky both have dedicated communities of enthusiasts who appreciate and evaluate the flavors, aromas, and nuances of these beverages. Tasting notes, descriptors, and sensory evaluations are commonly used in the evaluation and appreciation of both wines and whiskies.
Pairing with food: Wine and whisky can both be paired with food to enhance the dining experience. Wine is often paired with specific dishes based on flavor profiles and complementary characteristics. Similarly, certain types of whisky, like Scotch, are often enjoyed alongside specific foods to enhance the overall tasting experience.
While there are some similarities between wine and whisky, it's important to note that they have distinct production methods, ingredients, and flavor profiles, making them unique and separate beverages in their own right.
The future of experimental whiskies is bright. As the whisky industry continues to grow and mature, there is a growing demand for new and innovative products. Experimental whiskies offer the opportunity to explore new flavors and techniques and to push the boundaries of what is possible with whisky.
Some of the trends that are likely to shape the future of experimental whiskies include:
The use of new grains and ingredients. Whisky makers are increasingly experimenting with different grains, such as quinoa, millet, and buckwheat. They are also using unusual ingredients, such as seaweed, coffee, and chocolate.
The use of new distillation techniques. Whisky makers are also experimenting with new distillation techniques, such as continuous distillation and vacuum distillation. These techniques can produce whiskies with unique flavors and aromas.
The use of new casks. Whisky makers are also experimenting with new casks, such as those made from a variety of woods, such as bamboo, chestnut, and cherry. These casks can impart unique flavors and aromas to the whisky.
As these trends continue to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting experimental whiskies in the years to come. These whiskies will offer whisky drinkers the opportunity to experience new and exciting flavors, and to learn more about the possibilities of whisky.
In addition to the trends mentioned above, there are a few other factors that could contribute to the growth of experimental whiskies in the future. These factors include:
The increasing popularity of whisky cocktails. Experimental whiskies can add unique flavors and complexity to cocktails, which could lead to increased demand for these whiskies.
The growing global market for whisky. As whisky becomes more popular around the world, there will be a growing demand for new and innovative whiskies.
The increasing interest in sustainability. Whisky makers are increasingly looking for ways to make their production more sustainable. This could lead to the development of new experimental whiskies that are made with sustainable ingredients and production methods.
Overall, the future of experimental whiskies looks bright. As the whisky industry continues to grow and evolve, there will be a growing demand for these whiskies. The trends mentioned above, as well as the increasing popularity of whisky cocktails, the growing global market for whisky, and the growing interest in sustainability, could all contribute to the growth of experimental whiskies in the future.
Deciding between a career as a sommelier and bartending depends on your personal interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Both professions have their unique aspects and can offer fulfilling careers. Let's explore the characteristics of each to help you make an informed decision:
Sommelier:
Focus: As a sommelier, your primary expertise lies in wine. You'll learn about different grape varieties, wine regions, production processes, food and wine pairings, and more.
Specialization: Sommeliers often work in fine dining establishments, hotels, or wineries, where they curate wine lists, recommend wine to customers, and organize wine tastings. This specialization allows you to delve deep into the world of wine.
Knowledge and Training: Becoming a sommelier requires extensive knowledge and training. You'll need to study and pass various levels of certification exams, such as those offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).
Career Growth: With experience and expertise, sommeliers can advance to higher positions within the industry, such as head sommelier, wine director, or wine consultant. There may also be opportunities to work in wine sales, distribution, or import/export.
Bartending:
Variety: Bartending encompasses a broader range of beverages, including spirits, cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. It allows for creativity in crafting unique cocktails and exploring different flavor profiles.
Social Interaction: Bartenders often have direct interactions with customers, engaging in conversations and providing personalized recommendations. This aspect can be enjoyable if you thrive in a social and fast-paced environment.
Mixology and Skills: Bartending involves mastering mixology techniques, understanding flavor combinations, and staying up to date with industry trends. It offers room for creativity and experimentation.
Career Opportunities: Bartenders can work in a variety of establishments, such as bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, or even start their own ventures. Additionally, there may be opportunities to participate in competitions, join brand ambassador programs, or pursue a career in beverage management.
Ultimately, the "better" career option depends on your personal preferences, strengths, and career aspirations. If you have a deep passion for wine and enjoy the intricacies of the wine world, becoming a sommelier might be a rewarding choice. On the other hand, if you thrive in a vibrant, social environment and have an interest in mixology, bartending may be a better fit. Consider your long-term goals, lifestyle preferences, and the industry dynamics to make an informed decision.
