Joe Gregory’s Post

🎄The Christmas party countdown is on🎄 I’ve been there… Juggling an ice machine that seems to produce 1kg ice per day (😱), folding 100’s of napkins, polishing 1000’s of forks a week, a team that consists of casuals or agency team members who feel like they lay tables slower than a 🐌 , driving average spend up via that extra shot, beer, or bottle of wine (whilst of course making sure we don’t break The Licencing Act!), keeping the energy up, AND making sure every guest leaves with a smile… 😮💨 Christmas party season in hospitality is intense, but with the right prep, it can be a huge success. And a LOT of fun too! I’m excited to share more details about my upcoming workshop, Leading The Ultimate Party Night, designed specifically for your HODs, Assistant HODs, and Supervisors. This is all about setting your team up to shine during the busiest time of the year! Here’s an outline of the topics we’ll cover: 🪄 Essential ops top tips for Christmas party nights 📋 Anticipating and mitigating common challenges 👏 Crafting engaging, inspiring briefings 💨 Delivering fast, efficient service with Christmas spirit 🧘♀️Handling difficult guests with professionalism 💷 Upselling stategies for maximum impact 🥳 Recognition and rewards: Keeping morale high during the festive season ❤️🩹 Supporting team member wellbeing throughout the festive rush If you're looking to ensure your team is ready to deliver The Ultimate Festive experience, this workshop is for you. 🫵 Available throughout November, it’s the perfect way to prepare your team to handle the holiday hustle like the pros they are! More details coming soon! Stay tuned! 👀 #ChristmasPartyNights #HospitalityLeadership #FoodAndBeverage #GuestExperience #TeamTraining #HospitalityExcellence

Feeling Ghosted This Christmas? We're seeking insight from fellow hospitality humans! 🎄 Hey everyone, at The Urban Garden we are a family-owned, independent restaurant in Bournemouth, and we’ve been excitedly gearing up for the Christmas season. With enquiries rolling in, we’re doing everything we know about to make the booking process smooth and inviting. We're responding quickly with all the info, offering incentives to secure bookings promptly, and even following up with friendly and personalised reminders. But here’s the thing: despite these efforts, we’ve been getting ghosted! It’s a bit frustrating to see enquiries drop off without even a “thanks” or a polite decline that they've decided to go elsewhere (although those that do are very nice and engage in feedback as to why they chose elsewhere) We’re wondering if this is a trend others are experiencing, or if we’re missing a trick somewhere? If you're in the industry, are you facing similar challenges with festive bookings? What strategies have you found helpful to convert enquiries into confirmed bookings? Any tips for re-engaging those potential guests who aren't replying? We’re all ears and would love to hear your thoughts or advice! Let’s support each other through this busy (and very important for the continued success of our business) season. 🎅🎄 As a side note, and surely I'd be silly not to mention that if you’re still looking for your Christmas Party to be sorted, then get in touch and we can chat..... As long as you promise not to ghost me” 👻🎄

Here’s some info on the new workshop!! Check it out!

It’s time for the hospitality industry to step back into the spotlight as we prepare for the Easter holidays. 🐰   While many other industry sectors enjoy an Easter break, hospitality professionals continue to put in the hours (and a lot more of them!). Our guests are looking forward to heading out to eat, drink, and enjoy time with family and friends.   Easter is up there with Christmas as one of the busiest times for the hospitality industry. Whether it’s from increased footfall due to more customers being out and about or large group bookings for family and friend gatherings, don’t let it take you by surprise. We’re sure you’re staffed up and all your machines are running in tip-top order. But if not, then you’ve still got time to get those things lined up and take on Easter with gusto.    It's also worth reminding yourself that there is some fun to be found in the chaos of working on the other side. Yes, it can feel overwhelming - maybe stressful, but take a minute to consider the pockets of fun and opportunities ahead…   Happier customers 🌼 Taking a break from work and a stressful daily routine often makes for happier, more relaxed guests. With Easter comes decorations, games, and special menus, and there's a uniqueness in sharing these moments with our happy customers.   In fact, the interactions and bonds we form during this holiday season can often result in more long-term and loyal customers.   Generosity 😁   With holidays like Easter, there comes a certain level of generosity (beyond tipping).   Customers tend to be more forgiving and generous. And they may even be more likely to offer reviews and referrals. So lap up the Easter spirit and extend that kindness to others; it will be remembered long after the season ends.   Joy in the chaos 🌷   It’s one of the busiest times of year for us, but isn't there a certain thrill in the thriving energy of a busy venue?   Let's not forget to carve out moments of fun and appreciation for ourselves and our teams. That’s why we chose this path – hospitality professionals are known for their passion, resilience, and commitment in serving others.   So wherever you're serving this Easter break, we support you, we see you, and we’re here to help with speedy deliveries, servicing and maintenance! 🐣   🐰 #Hospitality #EasterJoy #EasterBankHoliday #HospitalityDistributor

🎁 Our Gift to You: Efficiency and Visibility for Your Holiday Party! 📋 Real-Time Updated Guest List Planning a festive party can be complicated—but not with Enjoee! Need to know how many guests will attend or what their preferences are? With our real-time updated guest list feature, you'll have all the information at your fingertips, stress-free. 🕒 View attendance confirmations and guest preferences in real time to make the best choices for the venue, menu, or schedule. No surprises, no worries! ✨ Effortless Festive Invitations Imagine sending personalized, festive digital invitations in record time! 🎅 With Enjoee, you have access to elegant, themed designs perfect for Christmas or New Year's parties. Simply choose the right style, add the details, and send the invitations with a single click. Invite your colleagues, friends, or business partners to celebrate with you—without the hassle. 👉 Visit www.enjoee.it now and schedule a demo to discover all the features that will turn your planning into a simple and enjoyable experience. Christmas and New Year celebrations start with great plans—start with Enjoee! 🎉

December in Hospitality: The Sprint to the Finish Line! Can you believe it? Just a few weeks left of 2024, and somehow January felt like it lasted six months, while the rest of the year has flown by. Sound familiar? For hospitality, this time of year is equal parts magical and manic. Christmas bookings, end-of-year events, and the endless energy of festive customers have us busier than ever. It’s a true testament to the resilience and passion of this industry. But let’s not forget to pause—even briefly—to recognize the incredible work that goes into making December memorable for everyone walking through our doors. From the front-of-house teams managing queues to chefs perfecting festive menus and behind-the-scenes planners ensuring everything runs smoothly, hospitality is at the heart of the season. So, as we sprint toward the finish line of 2024, let’s take a moment to celebrate the impact we’ve had on people’s lives this year. And, while we’re at it, let’s start looking ahead to 2025—with January already feeling just around the corner! How are you wrapping up this whirlwind of a year? xx

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it’s also crucial to prioritise safety to ensure that the festivities are memorable for all the right reasons. As we gather with family and friends, it's essential to remain vigilant about our surroundings and adhere to safety protocols. Whether you are attending a party, hosting a gathering, or traveling, being mindful of potential risks can significantly enhance your holiday experience. Staying hydrated and consuming alcohol responsibly will help prevent unwanted mishaps, allowing everyone to celebrate without worry. Traveling during the festive season can also pose challenges, as roads tend to be busier than usual. Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, plan your route ahead of time, and allow extra travel time to accommodate for traffic. If you're celebrating away from home, consider the safety of your destination—choose accommodations that are well-reviewed and secure. Moreover, digital safety should not be overlooked in this season of giving. Be cautious when shopping online, ensuring that websites are secure and protecting your personal information. Additionally, be aware of potential scams during this time, as fraudsters often take advantage of the holiday spirit to exploit unsuspecting individuals. By adopting a proactive approach to both physical and digital safety, you can enjoy the festivities while minimising risks. In conclusion, safety during the festive season should be a shared commitment among family and friends. By being mindful of potential hazards, practicing safety in food preparation and travel, and staying vigilant in our online activities, we can create a joyful and secure environment for all to enjoy. Happy holidays, and may your celebrations be filled with joy and safety! The DMF Team Tel: 031 267 7700 Email: info@dmfinc.co.za www.dmfinc.co.za #dmfinc #durbanattorneys #salawyers #saattorneys #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #localbusiness #LoveLocalBusiness #supportsmallbusiness #salawyers #saattorneys

The Challenges of Hosting During the Festive Season 🎄 🎅 “It was meant to be a peaceful Christmas booking… but instead, it turned into a nightmare.” 🎅 For many serviced accommodation hosts, this is a too-familiar story during the festive season. While December should be a time of warmth and celebration, it can also bring the dread of illegal parties, property damage, and the fallout that follows. We have had a few to deal with 😞 Running serviced accommodation isn't just about providing a space; it's about curating a home-away-from-home. But some guests see it differently. From a host's perspective: - The festive season often brings unexpected chaos: broken furniture, noise complaints, and hefty cleaning or repair bills. - Beyond the financial impact, it’s disheartening to see a space—carefully designed with love and care—disrespected. From a guest's perspective: - Some justify it with, “We paid for the space; why not celebrate?” - What’s often overlooked is how one night of carelessness can lead to weeks of stress for someone else, especially at this time of year when goodwill should take center stage. 🎄 The Christmas Conundrum: When a cozy, festive home is turned into a nightclub, nobody wins. Hosts face financial and emotional strain, while guests risk fines, blacklisting, or simply ruining the spirit of the season. ✨ A Festive Reminder: This Christmas, let’s foster a spirit of mutual respect: - For hosts: Ensure clear house rules and implement safeguards like deposit holds or noise-monitoring devices. - For guests: Treat every property with the care it deserves. Remember, you’re staying in someone’s livelihood. 🎁 Whether hosting or staying this holiday season, let’s make it a time of celebration, not confrontation. 💬 Have you experienced similar challenges during the holidays? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #ServicedAccommodation #FestiveSeason #HostingChallenges #ChristmasCare #RespectfulTravel

🎄Did you know? Santa is 1,753 years old!🎄 📣 Announcing the season hospitality hates to love. We plan for a year, and it’s over in a flash! I bet you’ve been busy selling, but how much thought have your Ops leaders put into party night service? Are your leaders setup for success? Are your Team Members going to be ready? I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 15, and have served or managed WELL over 100 Christmas parties 🎉. Then add the weddings and events. 💪🏼 I know what the a great party/event looks like in a hotel. 💪🏼 I know how to run a strong team briefing. 💪🏼 I know how to get a F&B operation organised. 💪🏼 I know how to get an event space setup EFFICIENTLY so you can get 100s of guests in and out without a hitch. Introducing 🥁 Leading The Ultimate Party Night 🤩 A highly engaging, convenient, virtual workshop for your HODs, Assistant HODs, and Supervisors! This is all about setting your team up to shine (and drive revenue 💷!) during the busiest time of the year! Here’s an outline of the topics we’ll cover: 👏 Crafting engaging, inspiring briefings 📋 Anticipating and mitigating common challenges 💷 Upselling stategies for maximum impact 💨 Delivering fast, efficient service with Christmas spirit 🧘 Handling difficult guests with professionalism 🥳 Recognition and rewards: Keeping morale high during the festive season ❤️ Supporting team member wellbeing throughout the festive rush 🪄 Essential ops top tips for Christmas party nights If you're looking to ensure your team is ready to deliver The Ultimate Festive experience, this workshop is for you. 🫵 Tune in tomorrow for dates and details! #ChristmasPartyNights #Hospitality #FoodAndBeverage #GuestService #Banqueting #Christmas