Toast’s Post

Forging New Paths in 2024 is going to be filled with new and exciting challenges. Moving into 2024, the hospitality & food and beverage industry finds itself at a critical crossroad. We are in a time and place in our industry that demands more than routine business strategies; it calls for a radical reimagining of how staffing is approached in the hospitality & food and beverage sector. This industry is ripe for transformation, and this year begs for visionary leadership, innovative practices, and a new precedent in how we serve our customers. The very essence of this transformation is not just about filling vacancies in our labor force. We have to revolutionize and reimagine the very fabric of the hospitality & food and beverage workforce. We are tasked in melding the passion and dedication, that have long been the hallmarks of our industry, with cutting-edge innovations and methodologies that are exploding into the 21st century. This year can be the beginning shift from merely reacting to changes in the industry to proactively shaping its future, and steering it towards a landscape where quality service is underpinned by innovation and foresight. So, the question is, “How?” Check out my blog below to see. https://lnkd.in/gqqMvmua #buildingbusinesses #2024trends #2024outlook #strategicgrowth

The Restaurant industry is one of the most important sectors in terms of contribution to global GDP and % of total workforce employed 🌍 But it also holds incredible cultural and societal importance. We as people are lonelier than ever, more disconnected from our peers than ever. We were not made to be behind screens or laptops 24/7, this leads us to crave human led experiences more than ever before 👩🍳 The sector is arguably becoming more important to the world as it sits as one of the last bastions of real human connection 🫂 But it needs to evolve. What worked in the last 20 years won't work today. The game has changed. The operating model (read cost base) has changed and consumer behaviour has changed 🤳 It's time for operator's to make a step change in how they are building and running their businesses 🏗️ There's a huge opportunity to build great, meaningful businesses in this next era of Hospitality, but to do that you need to be forward looking not hopeful of return to the past 🗻 #restaurant #ops

Navigating the Restaurant Industry: Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability from My Experience in Healthcare. The restaurant industry today faces immense challenges, from rising costs to shifts in consumer behavior. Yet, in navigating these complexities, I draw strong parallels to my time in healthcare, where adaptability, resilience, and relationship-building were key. Just like in healthcare, where patient care relies on collaboration and precision, success in the restaurant world is rooted in teamwork, consistency, and attention to detail. Both industries demand constant innovation, but at the heart of it is the same principle—delivering exceptional service, whether to diners or patients. Adaptability and innovation are essential in overcoming challenges, ensuring both industries thrive despite uncertainties. #RestaurantIndustry #Healthcare #Leadership #Adaptability #Resilience

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast - Because It Needs It Peter Drucker said, "culture eats strategy for breakfast." But have you ever thought that culture needs strategy for breakfast? Just like a good breakfast fuels your day, a robust strategy energizes culture. In the hospitality industry ofc culture is crucial, but without strategic framework even the best culture can become… well, anorexic or obese. #HospitalityIndustry #StrategyConsulting #ProfitManagement

Absolutely awesome to attend my first official Tech On Toast event yesterday, and on my home turf, the centre of the universe, hashtag #Manchester! The hashtag #hospitality sector is not without it's challenges (*massive understatement), that being said there is heaps to sing and dance about, and just as much to be optimistic about. Some key insights from a report shared by the awesome marketing team at Toast, a valued partner; 🍞 71% of UK operators surveyed expect to increase their investment in Tech within the next 12 months 🍞 Common top challenges restaurant operators can relate to include managing finances, website management & delivery management 🍞 Common top focus areas for restaurant operators in the next 12 months include improving profitability, employee productivity, and driving existing location revenue 🍞 Common top challenges pubs/bars can relate to include driving repeat customers, managing health & safety & attracting new customers. 🍞 Common top focus areas for pubs/bars in the next 12 months include retain employee's, increase guest demand & open new locations Big shout out to the panel squad - James Plant, Jack Edge, Lisa Shan Painter & Emma Hocknell - hosted by our very own Chris Fletcher - plenty food for thought! Excited to see the big waves team Toast make in the North West - they do not mess about - watch this space! (*and they are hashtag #hiring) 🚀 Sara Sutcliffe Rebecca Oliver Gavin Flood Brett Lang Saskia Boissevain Ducie Street Warehouse Hawksmoor

📣 Breaking news: Skip Kimpel appointed Global Director of Restaurant Technology and Innovation at Growth Advisors International Network - GAIN. We're thrilled to announce this significant addition to our senior advisor team at Growth Advisors International Network - GAIN. Skip Kimpel, a seasoned technology leader with decades of experience in restaurant and hospitality innovation, joins GAIN as our new Global Director of #Restaurant #Technology and #Innovation. Why it matters: Skip's appointment comes at a transformative time for the restaurant and hospitality industry, which continues to adapt to shifts driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the demand for contactless solutions, automated robotic production #tech, and data-driven patron engagement. Who it affects: This appointment will have a significant impact on global partners and regional clients within the restaurant and #hotel F&B sectors, as Skip leads #GAIN's new #RestaurantTechnology and innovation practice, and expertly drives efforts to leverage next-generation technology for growth and operational efficiency. What's next: Under Skip's leadership, GAIN will expand it's focus to efficiently advising restaurant organizations and hotel brand F&B business units, in maximizing the review and optimization of investing and integrating emerging technologies, to create customer-centric experiences, improve operational efficiencies, and unlock new growth opportunities. GAIN's take: Skip's deep expertise and visionary approach to restaurant and hotel F&B technology will play a crucial role in our ongoing mission to offer specialized advisory and optimized solutions that not only solve today's challenges but also prepare our clients for the future. Welcome Skip! Please find the official announcement link in the first comment below.

A single piece of feedback can transform an entire event. For me, the satisfaction of clients and event attendees is one of the most important metrics for measuring event success. After each event, my team and I go through the entire event to spot anything that could have been better. We create a sort of case study, analysing each service and venue. I also always ask my clients for their feedback so that I can identify strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint areas for improvement. 💡 The feedback is precious and, at times, surprising. For example, once, I organised an incentive trip that included different Michelin-starred restaurants. At the end of the incentive, the client said everything was perfect, except for the restaurants with the prestigious recognition.   The reason? “Too much food and too much time spent sitting down eating, and the feeling is not authentic, it is too perfect.” Michelin-starred restaurants are indeed a food experience, but needs and customs are changing. People want to feel emotions, and when something is too perfect, it becomes or feels fake and ordinary. From that feedback, we learned that certain types of restaurants are not the best choice for incentives.   -- What is the most important KPI to you? #EventPlanning #AuthenticExperiences #ClientFeedback

Reflecting on over two decades in the food and restaurant industry, I've seen my share of ups and downs—it's truly been a journey of growth, resilience, and learning. Building Geetham has taught me a few essential lessons along the way. First and foremost, this business is about delighting customers. It requires a constant focus on innovation across the entire customer experience, not just the food. Equally important has been fostering team growth alongside business growth. When your team feels empowered and connected to your vision, they bring their best to work daily, with the same passion you do. Finally, building a solid support system is essential. The journey can be a rollercoaster, so having family, business partners, or friends to rely on is invaluable. Here's to more learning, adapting, and delivering delightful experiences for years. #mondaymusing #newweek #restaurant #foodandbeverage #customerexperience #growth

Really enjoyed attending the first day of Casual Dining and lunch! yesterday. Lots of brilliant keynote sessions, and nice to catch up with people from right across the hospitality sector 🍽️🤝. One of the keynote sessions that caught my eye was titled “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁.” In a slight change from the published agenda, Thomas Campbell-Rawlinson, Head of Hospitality Development at M&S, shared his perspectives on Retail and Hospitality as One, including 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗠&𝗦 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 🛒🍴. Tom delivered a brilliant presentation, highlighting how retail businesses such as Hotel Chocolat, Holland & Barrett, and M&S are focusing on shared missions and expanding their offers into hospitality. There’s undoubtedly 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮 🔄, and it’s very clear that 𝗠&𝗦 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿. The lines are definitely blurring, which is to be expected when it’s ultimately the same customer that operators are competing for from a share of wallet perspective 💳. It will be fascinating to see how things evolve in the years ahead. Will we see more operators from the world of retail entering the hospitality sector? 𝗧𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗿? 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 🤔. #hospitalitytrends #UKHospitality #lunch24

Listening to your clients is key in your success!