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Flipping through an open book
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: August 2024

5 Books to Read this Month: August 2024

by David Klemt

Flipping through an open book

Our August book selections focus on the 2024 Spirited Award finalists and winner of the 2024 Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book.

These books cover an array of topics, from mastering ice and drink ratios to foraging for botanical cocktail ingredients.

To review the book recommendations from July 2024, click here.

Let’s jump in!

The Ice Book: Cool Cubes, Clear Spheres, and Other Chill Cocktail Crafts

The winner of the 2024 Spirited Award for Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book. This is much more than just a guide for making crystal clear ice cubes or sphere. While that’s certainly a focus, The Ice Book includes tips on embossing and branding ice, creating huge slabs, and even making ice bowls for punches and other large-format drinks. Truly, this book will help you master ice.

From Amazon: “In The Ice Book, internationally renowned cocktail icepert Camper English details how to use directional freezing to make perfectly pure ice in a home freezer, carve it up into giant diamonds and other shapes, and embed it with garnishes, including edible orchids and olives. You’ll learn how to create a frozen bowl for Negroni punch, serve a Manhattan inside an ice sphere, and infuse cubes with colors and flavors to create cranberry cobblers, a color-changing Gin and Tonic, and other awesome drinks.”

Grab this book now.

Slow Drinks

With a shift in mindset you’ll likely notice the incredible world of cocktail ingredients at your fingertips during something as simple as a walk around your neighborhood. The author of this book, Danny Childs, is an ethnobotanist who can guide you through that change. Further, this informative book is more than just a list of botanicals you can grow and forage. You’ll learn how to pickle, infuse, and even ferment, taking your cocktail creation to incredible new heights. If there was ever an excuse to start and maintain a garden dedicated to your bar team, it’s picking up this book.

From Amazon: “Organized by season, Slow Drinks teaches home cooks, industry pros, homebrewers, and foragers how to transform botanical ingredients—whether gleaned, grown in the garden, or purchased from the store—into singular beverages and cocktails. With transporting photography and gorgeous color illustrations, Slow Drinks is the definitive guide to backyard mixology that can live just as comfortably in your basket on a foraging trip, as it can on the coffee table as a conversation piece.

Click here for the hardcover.

Tropical Standard: Cocktail Techniques & Reinvented Recipes

What if a bartender married modern cocktail-crafting techniques to dozens upon dozens of classic cocktail recipes? Well, odds are they’d be Garrett Richard, bar manager of Sunken Harbor Club. And documenting this marriage would be drinks author Ben Schaffer.

When it comes to drinks, some bartenders feel the original variants are sacred; techniques, ratios, and ingredients aren’t to be altered. However, there’s no reason classics can’t be honored and built in more modern ways, for modern palates.

From Amazon: “Crucial techniques are clearly detailed, including how to balance syrups, flash blend, handle carbonation, tackle tinctures, cordialize citrus, and power up juice with acid adjusting. Over the course of 84 recipes, vintage cocktails like the Rum Barrel, Mai Tai, and Ray’s Mistake are reimagined just as future classics are revealed, including the Beachcomber Negroni, Winter in L.A., and Field of Mars. These drinks honor founding legends such as Donn Beach, Trader Vic, and Harry Yee as well as modern icons, including Dale DeGroff, Audrey Saunders, Julie Reiner, and Dave Arnold.”

Pick it up here.

The Book of Cocktail Ratios: The Surprising Simplicity of Classic Cocktails

Speaking of cocktail ratios…this is your book if you and your bar team want to achieve a deeper understanding of balance. If you think about it for a moment, you’ll understand the importance than ratios and balance have on a cocktail. It goes beyond ensuring a particular drink tastes great. And it goes further than guaranteeing consistency. Shift one ingredient enough and you’re not just altering the taste, you’re likely making a different drink entirely. As author Michael Ruhlman points out, a Gimlet, Daiquiri, Bee’s Knees are the same cocktail; it’s the ratios that separate them.

From Amazon: “As Michael Ruhlman explains, our most popular cocktails are really ratios—proportions of one ingredient relative to the others. Organized around five of our best-known, beloved, classic families of cocktails, each category follows a simple ratio from which myriad variations can be built: The Manhattan, The Gimlet, The Margarita, The Negroni, and the most debated cocktail ever, The Martini.”

Order yours now.

Hacking the New Normal: Hitting the Reset Button on the Hospitality Industry

Doug Radkey‘s followup book to Bar Hacks! The world around us has changed. The food and beverage industry has changed. The hospitality industry has changed. But will some ways of life change for the better? Will perhaps the restaurant, bar, and hospitality industry come out even stronger? With the right changes to the previous status quo, it is possible. There’s no question, resets are major undertakings, but a major reset will provide us with a clean start and that’s what this industry needs.

From Amazon: “Whether or not you’re a hotelier, restaurateur, bar owner or a front-line staff member—this book will position you for success in the new normal. With a spotlight on hybrid business models, real estate, profit margins, technology, guest experiences, culture, diversity, and mindset, Hacking the New Normal is the guidance you need.

Click here to pick your copy up today.

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash

KRG Hospitality. Bar Consultant. Nightclub. Lounge. Mixology. Cocktails.

Hospitality Reinvented podcast logo in 2:1 ratio compared to original, produced by KRG Hospitality
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Hospitality Reinvented: A New Series

Hospitality Reinvented: A New Podcast Series

by Doug Radkey

 

Hospitality Reinvented podcast logo in 2:1 ratio compared to original, produced by KRG Hospitality

In my opinion, and likely that of many others, the hospitality industry today is at a crossroads, facing both unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

As we navigate these changes that are upon us, it’s clear that a reset or reinvention is not just desirable, but essential.

To truly understand hospitality and the way forward, let’s take a few steps back.

Hospitality has its roots deeply embedded in ancient civilizations, where the concept was often viewed as a sacred duty and a fundamental aspect of societal norms.

In ancient Greece, for instance, the idea of “xenia” represented a code of hospitality and protection that was honored by both hosts and guests. This tradition emphasized generosity and courtesy toward strangers, reflecting a reciprocal relationship that benefited both parties.

Similarly, in medieval Europe, hospitality was a core tenet of life. Monasteries provided food, shelter, and medical care to travelers and pilgrims. These historical practices established the foundational principles of hospitality that continue to influence the industry today.

The Definition of Hospitality

At its core, as we know it today, hospitality is about providing a welcoming environment, exceptional service, and genuine care for guests. The fundamental principles include warmth, generosity, and attentiveness to the needs of others. These principles are designed to make guests feel valued and comfortable, creating a memorable experience that encourages repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

The essence of hospitality lies in anticipating and exceeding guest expectations, ensuring that every interaction is characterized by respect and kindness. This unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction is what distinguishes truly exceptional hospitality services from the rest.

In the modern era, hospitality has evolved to incorporate technological advancements and changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core principles. Today, hospitality encompasses a broader range of services and experiences, from luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining to personalized services and cutting-edge technology.

The rise of digital tools on the hotel side, such as mobile check-ins, AI-powered concierge services, and virtual tours, has transformed how hospitality businesses interact with and serve their guests. Moreover, contemporary hospitality also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and cultural authenticity, with many brands striving to minimize their environmental impact and offer experiences that celebrate local heritage and traditions.

These modern interpretations reflect the industry’s adaptability and commitment to enhancing guest experiences while trying to stay true to the timeless principles of warmth and generosity.

The Purpose of Hospitality

The primary purpose of hospitality is to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on guests. In today’s competitive market, it is no longer sufficient to simply provide a place to stay or a meal to eat.

Hospitality businesses must go above and beyond to craft unique and personalized experiences that guests will remember fondly, and talk about long after their visit.

This involves attention to detail, creativity, and a deep understanding of what delights and surprises a targeted set of guest. From custom welcome amenities and personalized room settings to curated local excursions and immersive cultural activities, the goal is to create a sense of wonder and joy that makes guests feel special and valued.

Another vital purpose of hospitality is building meaningful relationships with guests. Hospitality is fundamentally about human connection and fostering a sense of community. By treating guests as individuals rather than transactions, hospitality businesses can cultivate strong, lasting relationships that encourage repeat visits and brand loyalty.

Genuine, personalized interactions during which staff take the time to understand and cater to each guest’s unique needs and preferences are mandatory. Building relationships also means engaging with guests before, during, and after their stay through various touchpoints and guest journey maps that now many include personalized emails, social media interactions, and follow-up surveys.

Ongoing interactions help to establish a deeper bond with guests, making them feel appreciated and connected to the brand.

Elements of Hospitality We Need to Leave in the Past

One of the key elements that the hospitality industry must leave behind is the reliance on outdated practices. These include rigid check-in and check-out times, excessive paperwork, and a lack of technological integration.

Modern guests expect flexibility, convenience, and efficiency, which cannot be provided through antiquated methods. Embracing digital solutions such as mobile check-ins, contactless payments, and automated booking systems can streamline operations and significantly enhance the guest experience.

We need to move away from outdated practices so hotels and other hospitality businesses can meet the evolving expectations of their clientele, and stay competitive in the market.

Reluctance to Change

Resistance to change is another significant hurdle that the hospitality industry must overcome. The rapid pace of technological advancement and shifting consumer preferences demand that businesses continuously adapt and innovate.

However, a reluctance to embrace new technologies and modern approaches can stifle growth and lead to stagnation. Successful hospitality businesses must foster a culture of innovation and agility. They need to encourage their teams to stay ahead of trends and adopt new practices that enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

A commitment to embracing change and aligning a forward-thinking mindset will help operators better navigate the challenges of the modern marketplace.

Lack of Sustainability

Further, the hospitality industry has long been criticized for its unsustainable practices, including excessive water and energy consumption, waste generation, and reliance on single-use plastics. As environmental consciousness grows among consumers, it is imperative for hospitality businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes implementing energy-efficient systems, reducing water usage, minimizing waste, and sourcing eco-friendly products.

Many bars, restaurants, and hotels are now pursuing green certifications and adopting practices such as using solar energy, installing low-flow fixtures, and offering recycling programs. Prioritizing sustainability means hospitality businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also attract eco-conscious guests.

Toxicity

Lastly, toxic workplaces that fail to take care of their team members are another critical issue that needs to be addressed.

The hospitality industry is notorious for high employee turnover. Unfortunately, we’ve become known for poor working conditions, lack of career advancement opportunities, and inadequate compensation. Each of these go against the essence of hospitality.

How we treat our guests is how we should treat our very own people. Creating a positive work environment that prioritizes staff well-being, professional development, and fair treatment is essential for retaining talent and ensuring high-quality service. This includes providing comprehensive training programs, offering competitive salaries and benefits, and fostering a supportive, fun, and inclusive culture.

Hospitality businesses can improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and ultimately enhance the overall guest experience by investing in their people.

Where the Hospitality Industry is Going

There’s no secret, hospitality is embracing technology at warp speed. Operators are now inundated with solutions promising to enhance operational efficiency, plus staff and guest experiences.

Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming how hotels and other hospitality businesses operate.

AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are improving guest services by providing instant responses to guest inquiries, along with personalized recommendations. IoT devices are enabling smart room controls, allowing guests to adjust lighting, temperature, and entertainment options with ease. Blockchain technology is enhancing security and transparency in transactions and loyalty programs.

Leveraging these advanced technologies sets the hospitality industry down the path toward providing more seamless, personalized, and engaging experiences for guests.

Focus on the Right KPIs

As the industry evolves, so do the metrics used to measure success. Traditional key performance indicators (KPIs) such as occupancy rates and average daily rates are being supplemented with new, more holistic KPIs.

Guest satisfaction scores, social media engagement, and sustainability metrics are becoming increasingly important. For example, Net Promoter Scores (NPS) provide insights into guest loyalty, and the likelihood to recommend the hotel to others. Social media metrics, including likes, shares, and reviews, reflect the hotel’s online reputation and guest engagement.

Additionally, sustainability metrics such as energy consumption per guest and waste reduction rates are being tracked to ensure that the hotel is meeting its environmental goals.

These new KPIs offer a more comprehensive view of a hotel’s performance, encompassing guest experiences, brand reputation, and environmental impact.

The Guest and Staff Experience

The future of hospitality is also about reimagining staff and guest experiences to create more meaningful and memorable interactions.

For staff, this means providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities. This approach keeps the team updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. Despite the technology, operators need to empower team members. A great leader ensures their teams are receiving valuable training on the skills and knowledge they need to excel. Doing so improves service quality, and boosts morale and retention rates.

On the guest side, new programming and experiences are being introduced to cater to diverse interests and preferences. By focusing on innovative staff and guest programming, the hospitality industry is creating environments that are enriching, engaging, and memorable.

Spirit of Hospitality

With all that said, amidst all the technological advancements and new metrics, it is essential to bring back the true essence of hospitality and what it means to be hospitable. We have to get back to the “why” of what we do in this industry, and remind ourselves once again about the true definition of hospitality.

At its core, hospitality is about genuine care, warmth, and making guests feel welcome and valued. This involves cultivating a culture of empathy and service excellence in which every guest interaction is an opportunity to create a positive impact.

Personalized service, attention to detail, and going the extra mile are the hallmarks of true hospitality. It’s about creating an atmosphere where guests feel at home, whether they are eating at a restaurant, having a drink at the bar, or staying for a night or an extended period.

Blending modern conveniences with the timeless principles of hospitality ensures that the heart and soul of hospitality remain intact, even as it continues to evolve and reinvent itself.

Introducing Hospitality Reinvented Podcast Series

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends and innovations is crucial for success. That’s why I am excited to announce the launch of the Hospitality Reinvented podcast series hosted with yours truly, Doug Radkey.

This podcast, set to go live this month, aims to explore and discuss the latest developments in the hospitality industry. I’ll provide insights and strategies to help operators and their businesses thrive in their dynamic and competitive market.

The Hospitality Reinvented podcast will delve into a variety of topics, from the integration of modern technology and new KPIs to reimagining staff and guest experiences. Each episode will blend timeless principles of hospitality with modern innovations and strategic playbooks, offering listeners practical advice and inspiration to create a guest-centric, sustainable, and forward-thinking industry.

The podcast will serve as a valuable resource for hospitality professionals looking to reinvent their operations and stay ahead of the curve. Join us on this journey as we explore how to blend tradition with innovation to shape the future of hospitality.

Tune in to Hospitality Reinvented each week and discover how you too can transform your business and create lasting, memorable guest experiences.

Join us on this journey by subscribing to the Hospitality Reinvented podcast, following us on social media, and staying engaged with the latest insights and trends here at KRGHospitality.com.

Image: KRG Hospitality

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"Think about things differently" neon sign
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Program for Unique Holidays: August 2024

Program for Unique Holidays: August 2024

by David Klemt

"Think about things differently" neon sign

Do you want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Change how you think about your August holiday programming.

Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and this month is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to esoteric.

Pay attention to the “weird” or unique holidays to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests. Why do what everyone else is already doing? Why program only around the same holidays as everyone else?

Of course, you shouldn’t try to celebrate every holiday, strange or otherwise. Focus on the days that are authentic to your brand; resonate with your guests; and help you grab attention on social media.

You’ll find suggestions for promotions below. However, the idea behind our monthly holiday promotions roundup is to inspire you and your team to get creative and come up with unique programming ideas.

For our July 2024 holidays list, click here.

August 3: National Mustard Day

Condiments offer the perfect finishing touch to the dishes we present to guests. Given their importance, we should celebrate them whenever we get the chance.

For some, nothing but mustard belongs on a hot dog. And there are even those out there who claim it’s the only condiment that belongs on a burger.

August 6: National Night Out Day

Traditionally, this holiday aims at encouraging communities to set up neighborhood watches. However, some communities also use this day to simply foster a sense of togetherness, organizing cookouts, block parties, and concerts.

This is a great day to establish your bar or restaurant as part of the community, particularly if your business is family friendly.

August 7: Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day

This is certainly one of the more obscure holidays I’ve encountered. To put a spin on this day to leverage it for a bar or restaurant, I suggest engaging your kitchen and bar teams to come up with an over-the-top presentation for one food item, and one drink. Make it Instagram-worthy and it’ll spread like wildfire on social media, making it a clever marketing exercise.

August 11: Play in the Sand Day

This is another holiday during which operators will benefit from tapping into the creativity of their kitchen and bar teams. The back of house, for example, can look into creating a sand pudding dessert. As for the bar team, the Blood and Sand is a classic whiskey cocktail that teams with the theme.

August 12: Afternoon Tea Week

An entire week dedicated to afternoon tea! In 2024, this holiday runs to August 18. Afternoon Tea Week is a fantastic way to boost traffic and revenue during the lunch daypart. Further, operators have two shots at brunch to cap this weeklong holiday.

Engage the bar team to have them create an LTO menu of tea-based cocktails, including zero-alcohol to full-ABV options.

August 14: World Calligraphy Day

If you have someone on your team with particularly fantastic handwriting, a sandwich board, and chalk (or markers for acrylic boards), you’re all set to celebrate this holiday. Not only can these signs lure passersby into a restaurant or bar, people like to spread them on social media. The same goes for restaurants and bars with chalkboard menus, making them useful marketing tools.

August 20: National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

You’ve probably eaten a slice of pecan pie. But what about chocolate pecan pie? It’s possible many of your guests haven’t tried this lesser-known dessert. I bet your kitchen team can change that…

August 22: Burger Day

On its face, Burger Day isn’t particularly unique. However, any holiday can be made unique with a clever and creative promotion.

While it’s the ideal day for promoting your signature burger (or burgers), it will also work as a traffic-boosting LTO. For example, if you don’t have a smashburger on your menu, consider creating one for Burger Day. As another example, if you don’t have sliders, this is the time to offer them. Track the sales of your Burger Day LTOs to consider making them repeat promotions, or adding them to the standard menu permanently.

August 27: National Just Because Day

Sometimes operators are handed the perfect day to create and execute any promotion they can imagine. This is one of those days.

August 30: National Beach Day

Drinks with umbrellas, tropical shirts and beachwear, summery drinks, classic cookout dishes, refreshing desserts… Even bars and restaurants that don’t have an outdoor area can be transformed into a beachy scene.

Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels

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Close-up photograph of a chef sharpening a cleaver
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Every Chef

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Every Chef

by Nathen Dubé

Close-up photograph of a chef sharpening a cleaver

In the world of culinary arts, the right equipment can make all the difference between cooking a good dish and crafting an extraordinary one.

Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial for efficiency, precision, and creativity in the kitchen.

Tag along as I explore the essential kitchen equipment every chef should have, from basic must-haves to advanced tools. I also share usage tips, maintenance advice, and personal stories about my favorite equipment.

Equipment: The Essentials

Knives

A good set of knives is the cornerstone of any kitchen. High-quality knives can improve your cooking experience significantly, making prep work faster and more precise.

The key types of knives every chef should have include a chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and boning knife. A chef’s knife is versatile, suitable for chopping, slicing, and dicing, while a paring knife is ideal for peeling and intricate work. A bread knife, with its serrated blade, is perfect for slicing bread and pastries, and a boning knife is essential for de-boning meat and fish.

To make the most of these tools, it’s important to keep knives sharp, as sharp blades ensure clean cuts, and reduce the risk of accidents.

Use the appropriate knife for each task to maintains efficiency and precision. Hone knives regularly with a honing steel to maintain their edges, and sharpen them with a whetstone or professional service periodically to ensure long-term performance.

Hand wash and immediately dry knives to prevent rust and damage, which will prolong the life of your knives.

My chef’s knife is my most trusted kitchen companion. I remember purchasing my first high-quality chef’s knife early in my career. The difference it made in my chopping speed and accuracy was astounding.

Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are essential for providing a safe and efficient surface for food preparation.

The primary types of cutting boards include wooden, plastic, and composite boards. Wooden cutting boards are gentle on knives and durable, while plastic cutting boards are easy to sanitize, and are often used for raw meat and poultry. Using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables is crucial to prevent cross-contamination.

Secure the cutting board with a damp cloth underneath to prevent slipping, and ensure safety.

Wooden cutting boards require regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking, while plastic cutting boards should be cleaned with hot soapy water and sanitized in the dishwasher. It’s also important to replace cutting boards that show deep grooves or signs of wear to maintain hygiene and efficiency.

I’ve always been partial to wooden cutting boards for their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Cookware

Quality cookware is essential for various cooking methods, from sautéing to baking.

Essential cookware includes a skillet, saucepan, stockpot, baking sheets, and a Dutch oven. A skillet is versatile for frying, searing, and sautéing, while a saucepan is perfect for making sauces, boiling, and simmering. A stockpot is ideal for soups, stews, and boiling large quantities. Baking sheets are indispensable for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and more. A Dutch oven is great for slow cooking, braising, and baking bread.

To ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding, it’s important to use the correct size of pan for the job. Preheat pans before adding ingredients to achieve better searing and browning.

Avoid metal utensils on non-stick cookware to prevent scratching, and clean cookware according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain their non-stick properties and finish. Season cast-iron cookware regularly to maintain a non-stick surface—and prevent rust—to extend its lifespan.

Mixing Bowls

Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients, marinating, and more.

The main types of mixing bowls include stainless steel, glass, and plastic. Stainless steel bowls are durable and resistant to stains and odors, while glass bowls are non-reactive and versatile for mixing and serving. Plastic bowls are lightweight, and often come with lids for storage.

Use larger bowls than you think you need to prevent spillage when mixing. Also, ensure you have a variety of sizes on hand so you’re prepared for different tasks. Clean bowls thoroughly after each use to prevent residue build-up, and avoid abrasive cleaners on glass bowls to to prevent scratching.

Mandolin

A mandolin is an essential tool for achieving uniform slices and julienne cuts, which are crucial for presentation and even cooking.

With adjustable blades, a mandolin can slice vegetables, fruits, and even cheeses to precise thicknesses.

Using a mandolin can be dangerous without proper handling, so always use the hand guard, and work slowly to avoid accidents. Clean the blades regularly and make sure they’re sharp to maintain the efficiency and safety of this tool.

One of my favorite uses for the mandolin is preparing vegetables for ratatouille. The uniform slices not only show off their color and texture but preserve their crunch.

Equipment: Advanced

Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is an invaluable tool for any chef, capable of mixing, kneading, and whipping with ease.

Stand mixers come with various attachments, including a paddle for mixing, a whisk for whipping, and a dough hook for kneading. Starting on a low speed prevents ingredients from splattering out of the bowl and ensures thorough mixing.

To maintain a stand mixer, clean attachments and bowls immediately after use to prevent residue from hardening. Check and tighten the attachments regularly to ensure they are secure.

My stand mixer has been a game-changer, particularly for baking. I remember making my first batch of bread dough with it. The ease and consistency it provides are unparalleled, allowing me to focus on perfecting recipes rather than spend valuable time on manual kneading.

Food Processor

A food processor is essential for tasks like chopping, slicing, grating, and pureeing.

Use the pulse function to control the consistency of chopped ingredients, and avoid overfilling the bowl to ensure even processing. Clean the bowl, blades, and attachments promptly to prevent food from drying on them, and handle blades carefully as they’re extremely sharp.

My food processor has saved me countless hours of prep work. Creating salsas, dips, and marinades are a breeze with the press of a button!

Sous Vide Machine

Sous vide cooking involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature, which results in perfectly cooked dishes. Season food before vacuum-sealing it to enhance flavor, and use a container with a lid or cover the water bath with plastic wrap to minimize water evaporation.

Clean the sous vide machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and regularly descale it if you use hard water to prevent build-up.

My sous vide machine revolutionized the way I cook proteins. I recall preparing a sous-vide steak for a dinner party; the precise temperature control ensured it was cooked to perfection.

Immersion Blender

An immersion blender, or hand blender, is perfect for pureeing soups, sauces, and smoothies in the pot or container directly. Move the blender up and down for blending, and avoid overfilling the container to prevent splattering.

Clean the blade and shaft immediately after use so food doesn’t dry on them, and be cautious when handling the blade as it is sharp.

My immersion blender has been a versatile tool in my kitchen. Again, soups, sauces, jams, etc. are all done directly in the pot, saving time (and mess) from transferring to a food processor.

Digital Scale

A digital scale is an essential tool for any chef, particularly for baking, where precision is key. Measuring ingredients by weight rather than volume ensures accuracy and consistency, which is crucial for successful recipes.

To use a digital scale effectively, always set the scale to zero after placing your container on it to ensure you are only measuring the ingredients. Calibrate the scale regularly, and replace the batteries when necessary so it maintains its accuracy.

I use my digital scale extensively when baking bread. Precise measurements of flour, water, and other ingredients are crucial to achieve the perfect texture and rise. This tool has improved the consistency significantly.

Set of Ring Molds

Ring molds are invaluable for creating uniform and aesthetically pleasing presentations, particularly in fine dining. They are used for shaping and plating dishes such as tartares, layered salads, and desserts.

Use ring molds to elevate the presentation of your dishes; they’ll ensure a professional and well-crafted appearance. Ensure the molds are well-greased or lined to prevent sticking and achieve clean edges.

Equipment: Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance and care of your kitchen equipment are essential for longevity and performance. Regular cleaning prevents food from hardening and becoming difficult to remove, and proper storage in a dry, safe place prevents damage and ensures easy accessibility.

Perform routine maintenance checks, such as sharpening knives, seasoning cast iron, and descaling appliances, to keep equipment in optimal condition. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and usage to avoid voiding warranties and ensure optimal performance.

Having the right kitchen equipment is crucial for any chef, whether professional or amateur. From basic essentials like knives and cutting boards to advanced tools like stand mixers and sous vide machines, each piece of equipment plays a vital role in creating culinary masterpieces.

Proper usage and maintenance of these tools ensure they perform well and last for years, enhancing your cooking experience and efficiency.

Invest in quality kitchen equipment to improve your cooking and make the process more enjoyable. Take care of your tools and learn how to use them effectively, and you’ll elevate your culinary skills and create dishes that impress and delight.

Image: Los Muertos Crew via Pexels

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An AI-generated image of a split screen, technology versus people
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Bridge the Gap: Tech and Hospitality

Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Personal Development in Hospitality

by Doug Radkey

An AI-generated image of a split screen, technology versus people

We shouldn’t have to say this, but the above is an AI-generated image.

It’s said that between 70 percent and 80 percent of hospitality businesses plan to increase their investment in technology and AI over the next five years.

As the industry evolves, the key to success lies in bridging the gap between technology and personal development.

Exploring how integrating technology, artificial intelligence, and personal development can transform your hospitality business is more important now than ever before. It’s crucial that today’s operators understand and leverage these elements to improve operations, enhance guest experiences, and foster staff growth.

The Role of Technology in Modern Hospitality

In today’s fast-paced world, the hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of technology.

Hotels, restaurants, and bars are increasingly leveraging innovative tools such as AI, IoT (Internet of things), and data analytics to improve efficiency, personalize services, and to stay competitive. As these technological advancements continue to evolve, they are reshaping the landscape of this hospitality, making it more dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing needs of guests.

While technology offers numerous benefits to the hospitality industry, it also presents several challenges and potential downsides. One significant concern is the risk of de-personalization, as the increased use of automated systems and AI can create a barrier between guests and staff. This barrier has the potential to diminish the personalized touch that is a hallmark of exceptional hospitality.

Additionally, the learning curve for staff can be steep. Team members may require extensive training and ongoing support to utilize new technologies effectively. This can lead to initial inefficiencies and frustration as employees adapt to unfamiliar tools and processes.

Balancing technological advancements with human interaction is crucial to maintaining the warmth and personalized service that guests expect, while also ensuring that staff are adequately equipped, and comfortable with the technological tools at their disposal.

The Emergence of AI in Hospitality

There is no better example of the transformative impact of technology on modern hospitality than the recent developments in artificial intelligence. Hospitality-centric AI applications range from chatbots and predictive analytics such as dynamic pricing tools to personalized marketing platforms, offering a plethora of benefits.

Leading hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have successfully implemented AI-driven guest services and operational efficiencies, setting new standards in the industry.

For example, these hotels are increasingly using AI to personalize the guest experience, from check-in to check-out. Hilton’s Connie, powered by IBM Watson‘s AI, acts as a concierge, assisting guests with information about hotel amenities, dining recommendations, and local attractions.

AI enhances guest personalization by tailoring services to individual preferences while streamlining operations through automation, and providing valuable insights into guest behavior and preferences.

However, these advancements are not without challenges. Data privacy concerns are paramount, requiring stringent measures to protect guest information. Additionally, ongoing management and updates necessitate in-depth training and processes for staff to effectively integrate AI into their daily routines.

Balancing these challenges with the benefits is crucial to harnessing this technology to its full potential in hospitality.

The Importance of Personal Development in Hospitality

The rapid advancement of technology in the hospitality industry underscores the critical importance of continuous staff training and development. As new tools and systems are introduced, keeping staff updated with the latest technological advancements is essential.

Continuous training programs ensure that employees are proficient in using these new technologies, which not only enhances their productivity but also improves the overall guest experience.

For instance, regular workshops and online courses can help staff stay abreast of the latest AI applications and digital tools, enabling them to seamlessly integrate these advancements into their daily operations.

In addition to keeping up with technology, skill enhancement plays a crucial role in personal development. Key skills for hospitality staff must now include digital literacy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence on top of the core values team members should come to understand during onboarding.

Three Keys

Digital literacy ensures that employees can navigate and utilize various digital platforms and tools effectively. Adaptability is essential in a fast-paced industry where change is constant, enabling your staff to adjust quickly to new processes and technologies. Emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others, is particularly important in hospitality, where guest services and interaction are paramount.

Developing these skills through targeted training programs—along with onboarding those that fit your values—can enhance staff performance and guest satisfaction significantly. Moreover, personal development initiatives can greatly influence staff motivation and retention by investing in the continuous growth and development of your employees.

When staff feel valued and see opportunities for personal and professional growth, they are more likely to stay with your business, reducing turnover rates. This is particularly important in this industry, where high turnover can disrupt operations and negatively impact service quality.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development despite the advancements in technology, your business can create a motivated and loyal workforce that is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Technology and Personal Development

To truly revolutionize this industry, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach that integrates technology while maintaining a strong focus on human elements. A balanced approach ensures that while technology streamlines operations and enhances guest experiences, the human touch remains a key component of hospitality.

This integration involves not only the implementation of advanced technologies but also the development of staff skills to use these tools effectively.

Such an approach ensures your business can harness the full potential of both technology and its workforce, creating a seamless and enriching experience for both staff and guests.

Creating effective training programs is a critical step in this integration. These programs should include comprehensive education on technology and AI, ensuring that staff are not only familiar with new tools but also confident in using them.

Keys to Effective Training

Training should be continuous and not a one-off or a one-hour briefing, and should cover practical aspects of technology use.

For example, this may include operating digital check-in systems or utilizing AI-driven guest service platforms, as well as theoretical understanding of how these technologies enhance operations and guest satisfaction.

Regular workshops, online courses, and hands-on training sessions can help staff stay updated with technological advancements, and develop the necessary skills to leverage these tools in their daily tasks.

Fostering a collaborative culture is equally important in helping staff embrace these new technologies. Encouraging a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement can significantly ease the transition to a technology-enhanced workplace. Involving staff in the decision-making process and encouraging feedback ensures that team member feel valued. Therefore, they are more likely to engage with new technologies.

Bridging the gap between technology and personal development requires a balanced approach that integrates technological advancements with comprehensive training programs and a collaborative culture. This holistic strategy ensures that the hospitality industry can leverage the benefits of technology while maintaining the essential human touch that defines the exceptional service we all love and strive for.

Integrating the Technology

Integrating technology and personal development doesn’t set aside the requirement for careful assessment and planning. Begin by evaluating your current technology and training needs to identify gaps, and opportunities for improvement.

Conduct an audit of your existing systems and processes (tech-based and non-tech-based systems), gather feedback from your staff, and set clear objectives for integration. A thorough assessment helps create a strategic playbook that aligns technological advancements with the developmental needs of your staff, ensuring a cohesive approach.

When it comes to technology adoption, it’s crucial to select and implement new tools that complement your personal development goal, operational needs, and guest experiences. Choose technologies and AI tools that enhance operational efficiency and guest experiences without compromising the human element.

Consider factors such as ease of use, scalability, and integration capabilities. Pilot testing new technologies before full implementation can help identify potential issues, and ensure a smoother transition.

Regular updates and feedback are essential for maintaining the effectiveness of your technology and training programs. Take the time to establish a continuous feedback loop where staff can share their experiences and suggestions for improvement, and then update your systems and training materials regularly to reflect the latest advancements and best practices.

This proactive approach ensures that your team remains equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage new technologies more effectively.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

If you’ve been operating for a number of years and the embracing of technology is new to your style of operations, you may receive resistance from staff who have been with you for a while. Addressing potential resistance to change is a common challenge in integrating technology (or any other type of change).

Strategies for overcoming this resistance may include involving staff in the decision-making process, providing comprehensive training, and highlighting the benefits of new technologies. Developing a growth-based mindset within your workplace culture—through positive reinforcement and recognition of early adopters—can also help encourage acceptance and enthusiasm for change.

Lastly, continuous improvement is vital for sustaining the benefits of technology and personal development initiatives while positioning your brand for the new era that’s upon us.

Evaluate the impact of new technologies and training programs on your operations regularly, and be aware of guest satisfaction scores. Use performance metrics and feedback to identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments.

This commitment to ongoing development ensures that your hospitality business remains competitive and adaptive to future industry changes.

Bridging the gap between technology and personal development is essential for creating a seamless and enriching experience for both staff and guests. Embrace these approaches so your business can innovate and thrive, while still maintaining the warmth and personalized service that define exceptional hospitality.

Image: DALL-E

Tech-Stack Consulting for Motels Hotels Resorts

A well-crafted chicken sandwich with pickles, lettuce, and sauce, served next to a basket of French fries
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Campbell’s Shares Tips for LTOs

Campbell’s Shares Tips for LTOs that Generate ROI

by David Klemt

A well-crafted chicken sandwich with pickles, lettuce, and sauce, served next to a basket of French fries

Yes, the Chicken Sandwich Wars are still going strong in 2024.

We appreciate Campbell’s Foodservice’s reports and posts, and their most recent insights address how operators can succeed with LTOs.

For example, our look into their tips for leveraging nostalgia is here. And our thoughts on Campbell’s Culinary TrendPulse 2024 report are here for your review.

This time out, Campbell’s Foodservice, utilizing data from Technomic, Datassential, and other sources, is tackling LTOs.

If you’re a regular reader of KRG Hospitality’s industry insights, you know we love an LTO—if an operator executes it effectively. Along those lines, you probably also know that we view Taco Bell as a leader in the industry when it comes to leveraging the power of LTOs.

Not only does the QSR giant know what their guests want, they know how to generate demand. In fact, Taco Bell understands the power not just of LTOs but of tying them to their subscriptions. Take, for example, their Taco Lover’s Pass and the Toasted Breakfast Taco menu drop.

When approached with thoughtful consideration, well-executed LTOs are a crucial element of an operator’s marketing and branding strategy. They drive traffic and sales, boost guest engagement and loyalty, and attract attention from first-time guests.

Of course, crafting a gainful LTO—gaining profits, loyalty, and positive public perception—can be easier said than done. However, there are a number of steps you can take to get the ball rolling and come up with one that reflects your brand, and resonates with guests.

Four Steps

Kicking off their tips, Campbell’s Foodservice recommends keeping LTOs simple. As they say in their report, which you can read here, operators need not “reinvent the wheel” when developing these promotions.

You can differentiate an LTO menu item from its standard counterpart in a number of simple ways. A few examples are using a unique cooking process, crafting a limited-edition sauce, and featuring a distinctive and specific topping or two.

Another tip is to do your best to offer LTOs that embrace current trends. While sharing these tips, Campbell’s cites Datassential and the revelation that just 20 percent of all LTOs are recurring. That means that the vast majority of LTOs are new creations, not stalwarts like the McRib. To draw the attention of a wider swath of guests, feature regional and local items and flavors. Per Datassential, 70 percent of guests are interested in such LTOs.

Speaking of attention, operators should learn how to take and edit attractive F&B images. Or, as Campbell’s says, “make LTOs pretty.” Per Datassential, roughly a third of consumers will try an LTO if it looks appealing in an advertisement or in-store imagery.

Finally, and this one is crucial as it embodies the previous three tips, leverage seasonality. It’s currently summer, so what can you add in the way of flavor to an existing item? Is that item regional and locally sourced? Will photographing it and crafting a sharp post communicate the season and inspire a bit of FOMO? These questions can help guide your approach to crafting profitable LTOs.

Oh, and to help you get started, I’ve shared Campbell’s season flavor suggestions below. Cheers!

Campbell’s Foodservice Seasonal Flavors

Not only did Campbell’s share tips for succeeding with LTOs, they also provided several examples of seasonal flavors to inspire you and your team.

Since it’s July, I’ll start with their summer suggestions.

Summer: basil, blackberries, corn, cucumbers, peaches, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini

Fall: artichokes, cranberries, edamame, parsnips, pears, pumpkin, sweet peppers, tomatillos, turnips,

Winter: butternut squash, persimmons, radishes, salsify (a root vegetable), sunchokes, sweet potatoes, tangerines

Spring: asparagus, fava beans, pea greens, rhubarb, snap peas, spring onions, strawberries

Campbell’s Foodservice sources:

  1. Foodservice and Hospitality: A strong LTO strategy helps operators retain and grow their customer base (March 2024)
  2. Datassential: Limited Time Offers Keynote Report
  3. Technomic: 162 Best-in-Class LTOs for 2023
  4. Food & Drink Resources: A Limited Time Offer Strategy For Restaurants
  5. Your Guide to Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, The Spruce Eats
  6. Datassential: State of the LTO 2024

Image: Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash

Bar Nightclub Pub Brewery Menu Development Drinks Food

A team meeting at a table, with people taking notes on notepads
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Feedback: Friend or Foe?

Feedback: Friend or Foe?

by Jennifer Radkey

A team meeting at a table, with people taking notes on notepads

Feedback can be used as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, so why is it that the majority of people purposefully avoid it?

The short answer is that we don’t like to be told that we aren’t doing a good job. Even if the feedback is all positive, there is that slight chance that there might be some negative feedback. Therefore, it’s avoided all together.

There needs to be a mind shift towards feedback. Instead of thinking of it as a criticism of you personally, think of it as constructive advice for how to become a better version of you. Once you accept that, you can use that feedback to build a better version of your business.

Feedback is subjective to the person who is giving it. It is dependent upon that person’s experiences, values, and beliefs, which is why it can not be taken at face value. Feedback needs to be heard without judgment, and then examined for validity.

Assessments and feedback are tools that, when used properly, can give you an edge over your competition.

These tools provide clarity, and allow you to see potential areas for growth that you may not have been able to notice otherwise. When the feedback is positive, it highlights strengths for you to celebrate. When it is negative, it shines light on areas that need to be examined and possibly improved upon.

Who wouldn’t want that opportunity? So, instead of hiding or running away from feedback, what should you be doing?

Seek it Out

Make it a goal to actively seek feedback from others. Shifting your mindset and perception of feedback—positive or negative—to accept that it will help improve your business is powerful. If you are the one seeking feedback, then there is no room to fear it.

Who should you be asking for feedback from? Everyone!

Let’s start with your team. Your business is only as strong as your team. Your success relies heavily upon their performance.

You are most likely already providing constructive feedback to your team and celebrating their successes. (If this is not the case, you need to make this change.)

Are you asking for their feedback though?

Knowing how your team feels about working in your establishment is critical for creating a positive culture, lowering turnover, and building a reputation that makes people clamor to work for you. Create anonymous surveys or bring in a third party to conduct stay interviews to obtain the most valid and truthful feedback from your team. Many may be too fearful to share their honest opinion face to face with an owner or a member of a leadership team.

Next up, you need feedback from your guests.

Most operators already have a system in place for hearing customer feedback, whether it be Google reviews, Facebook reviews, or another platform. The question is…what are you doing with those reviews? Are they being read and considered, and replied to with a thoughtful response?

All three of those actions need to happen to take full advantage of the feedback guests provide. A guest who feels heard and valued is a guest who will respect your business.

Lastly, what feedback do your colleagues have for you? What are your competitors saying about you? Do vendors have a positive experience interacting with you?

The more you know about how others view your business, the more power you have to make informed, effective changes.

Analyze It

Once you have received feedback it’s time to approach it from a curious and analytical mindset. Remove emotional response (or accept your emotional response and put it aside) so that you can benefit from whatever the feedback may be.

Yes, if the feedback is negative you may have an initial negative response. You may feel defensive, angry, anxious, or frustrated. Accept that these are natural responses and then move on.

You will not be able to clearly analyze the feedback if you are stuck in a negative mindset.

A successful operator uses strategic thinking as their main tool to gain clarity. Get curious and start asking questions.

Is the feedback relevant? Is there truth in it? What experience led to it? How was that opinion formed?

Some feedback will require action to be taken on your end, others will not. It’s up to you to analyze and decide.

Implement It

After requesting and analyzing feedback, it’s time to implement it!

Purposeful action defeats fear every time. Take what you have discovered through the feedback that you sought out, and put it into action.

Create S.M.A.R.T. goals and an action plan for you and your team. Or, if the action is larger in scale, host a team meeting, and work together to create the goals and plan. Creating goals as a team allows for everyone to take ownership of the process and the results.

Don’t forget that it’s not only negative feedback that may need to be addressed with action, but positive feedback as well.

How are you going to share positive feedback with your team, and how will you celebrate it? Success is not only built upon implementing change where needed but also in the act of practicing gratitude when needed. Make sure you are doing both.

So, it’s time to stop hiding from feedback; it is your friend.

Seek it, analyze it, and then implement it. Not all feedback requires action on your end, but sometimes you will receive valuable feedback that may create a change in your business that could propel you to another level of success. Be ready for it.

Cheers to personal and professional growth!

Image: Dylan Gillis on Unsplash

KRG Hospitality. Business Coach. Restaurant Coach. Hotel Coach. Hospitality Coach. Mindset Coach.

An AI-generated image of a business plan on one side, versus a playbook on the other side
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Difference Between a Plan and Playbook

The Difference Between a Plan and a Playbook

by Doug Radkey

An AI-generated image of a business plan on one side, versus a playbook on the other side

Sometimes AI comes up with impressive images. This is one of them.

You’ve likely heard that 80 percent of hospitality businesses fail within the first five years.

When you ask those in the industry the question of why there is such a high rate of failure, they reply with a fairly predictable list of factors. These tend to be location, concept or brand confusion, lack of service standards, toxic workplace culture, sub-par marketing efforts, and mismanaged funds.

Many operators who fail try to quickly blame external factors, such as the economy.

When you ask the next question—what are the other 20 percent of operators doing differently to surpass five years in business—you get one simple answer. The difference between those who drive a sustainable profit of 12, 15 or 20 percent (or more) and those who don’t boils down to one thing and one thing only: they have strategic clarity.

It’s not that the successful 20 percent did not battle challenges or the same tough economy or labor struggles. What they had was clarity, and a playbook detailing how to overcome a multitude of challenges.

So how do you achieve strategic clarity? Well, it’s much more than just writing—or filling out a template for—a business plan.

What is Strategic Clarity?

Strategic clarity is the comprehensive understanding and alignment within your hospitality business regarding its identity, direction, purpose, and the means to achieve its goals.

It involves clear communication and consensus on key aspects of the business, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same objectives. Below, the key components that define strategic clarity.

1. Understanding Who We Are

  • Core Identity: This includes the mission, vision, and core values of your business. It defines what the business stands for, and its fundamental purpose.
  • Strengths and Weaknesses: Recognizing the business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) aids in identifying the core competencies and areas for improvement.
  • Culture: The shared beliefs and practices that characterize the business’ internal environment, and how it interacts with both staff and guest perceptions.

2. Knowing Where We are Going

  • Vision: A clear and compelling picture of what the business aspires to become in the future. It serves as a guide for choosing current and future courses of action.
  • Long-term Goals: Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that outline the desired outcomes over an extended period.
  • Milestones: Intermediate targets that mark progress towards the long-term goals.

3. Understanding Why We are Doing This

  • Purpose: The fundamental reason for the business’ existence beyond making a profit. It encompasses the broader impact the business aims to have on its community.
  • Motivation: The driving force behind the business’ actions and strategies. This includes the values and principles that guide decision-making, as well as behavior.
  • Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring that the goals and activities of the business align with the interests and needs of its stakeholders: guests, employees, investors, and the community.

4. How We are Going to Get There

  • Strategy: The overarching plan that outlines how the business will achieve its vision and long-term goals. It includes the allocation of resources and the selection of strategic initiatives.
  • Tactics: The specific actions and steps that will be taken to implement the strategy. This involves detailed planning, delegation, resources, and execution.
  • Performance Metrics: The criteria and tools used to measure progress and success. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other metrics help track the effectiveness of strategies and tactics.
  • Continuous Improvement: The process of regularly reviewing and refining strategies and tactics based on performance data and changing circumstances.

Strategic clarity is essential for the cohesive and effective functionality of your bar, restaurant, or hotel business. This leadership approach ensures that all members understand and are aligned with the business’ identity, direction, purpose, and methods.

By achieving strategic clarity, organizations can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build upon sustainable long-term success. What we have found over the years that attributes to long-term clarity and success is a series of playbooks.

Understanding Plans and Playbooks

Let’s first dive into the critical distinction between a plan and a playbook, and why this matters for your bar, restaurant, or hotel. Understanding and utilizing both can significantly impact your business’ ability to start strong, stabilize effectively, and ultimately position you to scale successfully.

A traditional business plan, as you may know it, is a document that outlines your goals, and the steps you will take to achieve them. It’s often the number one consideration to secure funding and to set strategic direction.

However, it is, more often than not, missing plenty of crucial information, strategies, and guidance that end up planting a false sense of security.

A playbook, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive guide filled with detailed processes, best practices, and adaptable strategies tailored to your specific operations. Within this dynamic industry, you need more than a standard business plan if you want to be successful.

In fact, you should have eight different playbooks in place to position yourself within the top echelon of this industry.

The Power of Playbooks in Hospitality

While plans are often static or rigid (and often forgotten about shortly after they’re written), playbooks are designed to be flexible and adaptable.

Playbooks provide a step-by-step guide, ensure consistency and efficiency, and offer adaptable strategies and best practices to start, manage, and grow effectively.

Playbooks go into more granular details, and provide actionable steps. In this way, they’re notably different from a singular business plan.

The Eight Playbooks

No matter if you are operating a coffee shop, bar, restaurant or hotel (or any other concept within the hospitality industry), the following eight playbooks should be looked at as non-negotiables.

  1. Feasibility Study/Playbook: The foundational guide for assessing the viability of your hospitality business idea. It involves a comprehensive analysis of the market, competitive landscape, financial projections, and operational requirements. This playbook helps you determine whether your concept is realistic and profitable before committing significant resources.
  2. Concept Playbook: Focuses on refining your hospitality business idea into a clear and compelling concept. This playbook guides you through creating a unique value proposition, defining your target market, and outlining the core elements of your business, including service style, interior design, and internal programming.
  3. Prototype Playbook: A step-by-step guide to developing a tangible representation of your hospitality concept. This playbook helps you create a prototype that can be tested and refined before a full-scale launch. This playbook covers design specifications, operational workflows, fixtures/furniture/equipment, and detailed budgets.
  4. Brand Strategy & Identity Playbook: Defines the strategic approach to building and maintaining a strong brand. This playbook covers the creation of your brand identity, messaging, and positioning to ensure consistent and impactful brand communication. It involves color psychology, core values, mission statements, brand experiences, and more.
  5. Marketing Playbook: Outlines the strategies and tactics to attract, build, and retain your target guests. This playbook provides a roadmap for creating and executing effective marketing campaigns across various channels. It provides a step-by-step guide on content, social media management, database building, email marketing, partnerships, and community activations, along with detailed guest journey maps.
  6. Tech-stack Playbook: Provides guidance on selecting and implementing the correct technology solutions to enhance your hospitality operations. This playbook ensures that your technology infrastructure supports your business goals and improves efficiency. This playbook identifies technology gaps, software solutions, hardware requirements, and integration plans, plus training and support on technology.
  7. Financial Playbook: A comprehensive guide to manage your hospitality business’ finances. This playbook covers budgeting, financial forecasting, accounting practices, and financial performance analysis. It should highlight financial contingency plans, mock labor schedules, daily/weekly/monthly/seasonal traffic reports that align with the business, and financial objectives.
  8. Operational Playbook (a.k.a. Business Plan): Outlines the day-to-day operations in great detail, along with long-term strategies. This playbook ensures that all aspects of your operations are well-coordinated and aligned with your overall business goals, and the other seven playbooks. It should highlight standard operating procedures, labor plans, supply chain management, guest services, and measurable operational metrics.

You’ll notice there are seven other playbooks written before the business plan. Far too often, this is where people start. Without the other seven playbooks, it will be nearly impossible to craft a winning playbook for your day-to-day operations.

When Should You Use Playbooks

  • To Start: These eight playbooks are crucial to craft your success story right from the beginning. Build the foundations before signing a lease or purchasing a property.
  • To Stabilize: If you’re currently underperforming (profit margins under 12 percent for bars and restaurants, and under 15 percent for hotels), use playbooks to generate impactful results.
  • To Scale: These playbooks will help ensure that both your first location—and the next location—are prepared for consistent operations without diminishing your brand equity.

Strategic planning within detailed playbooks is essential for your hospitality business’ success.

Regardless of your current position, evaluate your use of business plans, and consider developing comprehensive playbooks instead. Make the time and commitment to achieving true clarity in your business, and position yourself to be on the correct side of this industry’s statistics.

AI image generator: DALL-E

KRG Hospitality Start-Up Restaurant Bar Hotel Consulting Consultant Solutions Plans Services

Black-and-gray, AI-generated image of a ram's skull covered partially by a shroud, with the word "death" underneath it
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Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Entrepreneurship with Purpose: Your Why, How & What

by David Klemt

Black-and-gray, AI-generated image of a ram's skull covered partially by a shroud, with the word "death" underneath it

Don’t freak out! This is subtext, and a nod to the Death & Co. brand and their Big Horn Sheep cocktail mug.

Not every operator can transform their vision for owning a bar into building a hotel, so when someone who does just that wants to talk, it’s wise to listen.

I can’t be sure if the Death & Co. team knew they were building an empire when they opened their first cocktail bar. After listening to David Kaplan’s keynote at the 2024 Flyover Conference, I do believe the team laid the foundation to ensure their success before ever greeting their first guests.

Further, I like to think that opening in NYC on NYE and ushering in 2007 with a brand-new concept embodies the Death & Co. ethos. Literally, the bar and its first patrons marked the passage of time from one year to the next. Figuratively, death symbolizes change, and Death & Co. as a brand is certainly a metaphor for revolution and metamorphosis.

As a bar, Death & Co. is noteworthy for the significant contributions it made to the modern Cocktail Revival. Among the craft cocktail bar’s New York scene peers were Pegu Club, Milk & Honey, and Employees Only.

According to Kaplan, six years went by before the team even considered taking on a new location. In 2018, Death & Co. Denver opened inside The Ramble Hotel. A year later came Death & Co. Los Angeles. Four years after opening in LA, in 2023, the craft cocktail brand entered the Washington, DC, market. Announced a couple of weeks ago, there will be a fifth outpost in Seattle.

And those are just the Death & Co. locations.

Why, How & What

The type of unrelenting success achieved by the Death & Co. team doesn’t happen overnight. It takes drive and clarity, and a ruthless dedication to understanding purpose, process, and outcome.

Expanding on the point of clarity, Death & Co. falls under the Gin & Luck umbrella, of which Kaplan is the CEO.

During his keynote, titled “Crafting Success: The Journey of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship,” he shared his personal and professional approaches to business. Along with being engaging and informative, Kaplan is also transparent.

For example, he shared his personal core values and those of the Death & Co. brand. Kaplan’s are the pursuit of excellence, meaningful work, relationships, challenges, and creativity. As a brand, Death & Co. core values are curiosity, pursuit of excellence, Always Be Knowing (ABK), contagious joy, and connection.

But, I get ahead of myself. To start his keynote, Kaplan explained a few key terms and how they relate to one another. A person’s why, personal or professional, is their purpose for doing something. On a grander scale, their why can be the purpose that drives their entire life.

How is process, the systems and procedures that will move one forward. What, in this context, is outcome, or the result that a person is working to achieve.

As Kaplan explained, when one comes to understand their purpose, that leads them down the path of understanding and developing their process. Ultimately, understanding the why and how leads to an understanding of their what.

Do the Work

Among the excellent points made by Kaplan was this: None of us are born with an understanding of entrepreneurship (including those who make being an entrepreneur look so easy).

Rather, in Kaplan’s opinion, we’re all faking it until we make it. This goes for business partners and investors, as well. Basically, people who are faking it until they make it are walking into rooms with people who are doing the same, or have done so to get into a particular room themselves.

That doesn’t mean that every new business owner is being disingenuous. Nor does it mean that every partner is being deceitful about what they bring to the table.

In my interpretation of what Kaplan shared during his keynote, every entrepreneur—until they’ve achieved their desired outcome—is an unknown quantity. They need to develop the confidence to share their vision clearly to their future leadership team, front- and back-of-house teams, partners, investors, and guests.

So, how does an entrepreneur develop an optimistic view of the challenges they’re about to face? And how do they gain the confidence to inspire others to buy into their ideas?

There are a number of exercises that will help a person understand their identity, path, and another “why.” Another way to state this is that one can find their true calling, take psychological ownership of their journey, and develop the entrepreneurial passion to make their dream a reality.

However, to gain this understanding, people need to put in the work.

Effective Exercises

If one works hard now, they can develop the psychological capital necessary to take on difficult challenges in the future.

In the context of Kaplan’s keynote, this means if a person works toward self-awareness today, they’ll put themselves in a better position to be a successful operator before they open their doors for the first time.

There are all manner of self-defining activities and questions that can help a person understand who they are. As importantly, they can give a person an idea of their true aspirations. A few examples are completing the University of Pennsylvania’s Values in Action Strength Test, practicing mindfulness (being present in the moment), journaling, and meditation.

As far as self-defining questions, here are a few examples:

  • What are my dreams and goals?
  • What’s my biggest strength?
  • What’s my biggest weakness?
  • Am I the type of person who makes decisions based on intuition or logic?

Again, that’s barely a handful of the questions one can ask themselves to gain self-awareness.

Another important exercise is to identify personal and professional core values. Kaplan recommends people do this in a setting outside of their normal routine. So, not at home, their current workplace, a cafe one frequents regularly, etc.

Core Values

When a client signs on with KRG Hospitality, part of the process includes identifying core values, as well as creating a mission statement. This important exercise is known as Napkinomics.

Questions and prompts include:

  • How important is growth to you, professionally and personally?
  • Where do you want to see the brand within the next five years?
  • Describe a similar brand, and why you’re drawn to it.

Helpfully, Kaplan shared his approach to identifying core values during his Flyover keynote.

First, he considers peak experiences. Then, crucially, he flips that on its head and recalls negative experiences. Another key step is considering important aspects to experiencing fulfillment. Ask yourself what feels essential, adding context to each answer. At the end of this exercise, one should have a list of personal core values. (As a reminder, Kaplan’s and Death & Co.’s core values are shared at the top of this article.)

There is, however, another step that Kaplan shared during his presentation: Revisiting core values.

As he said, a person can—and I’ll add absolutely should—revisit their personal core values. They’ll likely change throughout the years. So, a person should update them from time to time.

Also, Kaplan advises people to give themselves grace; one should realize that they may not live their core values every day of the week. That’s perfectly acceptable. However, if someone finds that they’re routinely not living their core values, it’s time to revisit and update them.

The Mission

During his keynote Kaplan explained that a mission statement should encompass several key components. These are one’s skills and abilities, personality traits (a.k.a. how they operate), values, dreams, and passions.

A mission statement is a declaration of purpose, which is why it’s such a powerful tool. Again, we walk KRG Hospitality clients through this process utilizing Napkinomics.

During his keynote, Kaplan shared the following fill-in-the blanks-style sentence. It should provide someone with an idea of how to identify a personal or brand mission statement.

“I will [action] for [audience] by [skills] to [desired result].”

From there, one can polish and restructure the sentence to craft a non-negotiable declaration of purpose that fits them or their brand. For example, Kaplan shared Death & Co.’s mission statement:

“Creating experiences and connecting people through cocktail-anchored hospitality.”

Providing context, Kaplan shared a long-form version of the above: “We create experiences to foster and allow for deeper human connection through cocktail anchored hospitality.”

With the mission statement in place, Kaplan, his partners, and the Death & Co. team have been able to identify and work toward a key goal:

“To become the most established cocktail-anchored hospitality company in the world by December 31, 2028.” For the eagle-eyed, that’s a deadline of 20 years after the NYC bar’s grand opening.

Now, “most established” can be seen as somewhat nebulous. So, the Death & Co. team has identified metrics to ensure their lofty goal is SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound):

  • A great place to work.
  • The thought leader in the space (being part of the overall hospitality conversation, and helping lead others).
  • A healthy, profitable business.
  • Regionally and globally recognized.

Tie it Together

Considering the symbolism of death as change, you and your team are undergoing a metamorphosis.

Taking the steps to pull your concept out of your imagination and bring it to life involves change. Changing your personal relationships, your position within the hospitality industry, your relationship with risk… Changing your life, and significantly so.

Further—no pressure—you’re also transforming the lives of everyone who buys into your dream and decides to work with you. You’re asking people to bet on you as a leader, and buy into your vision. Whoever accepts that challenge is risking a lot, and this cannot be overstated.

Keeping your business alive and moving forward also requires change. It will have to evolve with the times and guest expectations. And should you scale your business you’ll once again face significant changes.

Becoming an entrepreneur requires the “death” of your previous life. In the infancy of this process, you’re going to feel discomfort. You may feel fear, and you’ll feel uncertainty. A deep understanding of why, how, and what are crucial to navigate the process and work through those feelings.

After all, if you don’t know what you’re working toward, why would you endure this challenge? How will you achieve your “what” if you haven’t developed the process to get there? And without a “why,” no entrepreneur’s vision becomes reality.

There’s no reason to fear the death of your life prior to the beginning of your journey as an entrepreneur and operator. The only things to fear are never taking the first step, and not starting off in the strongest position possible.

Sit down today to identify your why, your how, and your what. If you need help, we’re here for you.

Image: Shutterstock. Disclaimer: This image was generated by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system.

Interested in checking out the Death & Co. Big Horn Sheep cocktail mug? Click here.

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by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The Future of Commercial Kitchens, Part 2

The Future of Commercial Kitchens: Equipment Evolution

by Nathen Dubé

In the realm of commercial kitchens, equipment plays a crucial role in shaping culinary practices and ensuring operational efficiency.

The evolution of kitchen equipment has significantly impacted how food is prepared, cooked, and served, transforming the culinary landscape.

This article, part two to yesterday’s post, delves into the essential role of equipment in modern commercial kitchens. I’ll explore the evolution of kitchens and equipment, impact on culinary practices, and real-world examples from my KRG Hospitality projects.

Evolution of Kitchen Equipment

The journey of kitchen equipment from rudimentary tools to sophisticated technology reflects the advancements in culinary arts, and the increasing demands of the hospitality industry.

Early Tools and Techniques

In the early days, commercial kitchens relied on basic tools such as open flames, cast iron pots, and hand-forged knives. These tools required significant manual labor and skill, with chefs relying heavily on their expertise to produce consistent results.

The focus was primarily on the chef’s craftsmanship, as equipment offered limited assistance.

Industrial Revolution

The industrial revolution marked a significant turning point, introducing mechanization and standardization to kitchen equipment. Innovations such as gas stoves, steam ovens, and mechanical mixers began to appear, increasing efficiency and consistency.

These advancements allowed for larger-scale operations, and laid the foundation for modern commercial kitchens.

Technological Advancements

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw rapid technological advancements in kitchen equipment.

The introduction of electric and induction cooktops, convection ovens, and computerized appliances revolutionized culinary practices. Equipment became more reliable, versatile, and capable of performing complex tasks with precision.

Modern Innovations

Today, the integration of smart technology and sustainability features has further transformed commercial kitchens.

From energy-efficient appliances to automated inventory systems and advanced cooking devices like sous vide machines, modern kitchen equipment is designed to enhance efficiency, consistency, and environmental responsibility.

Impact on Culinary Practices

The evolution of kitchen equipment has profoundly impacted culinary practices, influencing everything from food preparation to presentation.

Increased Efficiency and Consistency

Modern kitchen equipment is designed to streamline operations and ensure consistent results.

Appliances such as combi ovens, which combine steam and convection cooking, allow chefs to achieve precise control over cooking processes, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes every time. This consistency is crucial in maintaining high standards and meeting customer expectations in the hospitality industry.

Enhanced Food Safety

Advancements in kitchen equipment have also improved food safety standards. Equipment like blast chillers rapidly cool food, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

Additionally, touchless technology like automated faucets and soap dispensers minimize the risk of cross-contamination, creating a safer kitchen environment.

Sustainability and Cost Savings

Energy-efficient appliances and waste-reduction systems have become essential components of modern commercial kitchens.

Induction cooktops, for example, are not only faster and safer but also more energy-efficient than traditional gas or electric stoves.

Implementing waste management systems, such as composting and recycling, helps reduce environmental impact and can lead to significant cost savings.

Versatility and Creativity

Modern equipment has expanded the possibilities for culinary creativity. Tools like sous vide machines and smoking guns allow chefs to experiment with new techniques and flavors, pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking methods.

This versatility enables chefs to innovate and offer unique dining experiences that set their establishments apart.

Essential Kitchen Equipment in Modern Commercial Kitchens

Combi Ovens

Combi ovens are a staple in modern commercial kitchens due to their versatility and precision. By combining steam and convection cooking, they offer unparalleled control over temperature and humidity, ensuring consistent and high-quality results.

These ovens are ideal for baking, roasting, steaming, and more, making them indispensable in a busy kitchen environment.

Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops provide rapid and precise heating, enhancing both safety and energy efficiency.

Unlike traditional gas or electric stoves, induction cooktops heat only the cookware, reducing the risk of burns and saving energy. Their precise temperature control allows for more accurate cooking, which is essential for achieving desired culinary outcomes.

Sous Vide Machines

Sous vide cooking involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it at a precise, low temperature in a water bath. This method ensures even cooking and preserves the food’s flavor and texture.

These indispensable machines have become increasingly popular in commercial kitchens for their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results with minimal effort.

Blast Chillers

Blast chillers are crucial for maintaining food safety standards in commercial kitchens. By rapidly cooling cooked food, blast chillers minimize the risk of bacterial growth and ensure compliance with health regulations.

This equipment is particularly important for operations that prepare food in advance or handle large volumes of perishable items.

Automated Inventory Systems

Automated inventory systems track stock levels in real-time, helping to reduce waste and ensure timely reordering. These systems provide valuable data on inventory usage, enabling more accurate forecasting and efficient supply chain management.

Implementing automated inventory systems can significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Smart Appliances

Smart appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers that can be controlled remotely are transforming commercial kitchen operations. These devices offer greater flexibility and efficiency by allowing chefs to monitor and adjust settings via smartphones or tablets.

Smart technology integration also facilitates better coordination and management of kitchen activities.

Hypothetical Concepts for Kitchen Equipment Integration

Concept 1: High-volume Catering Company

Imagine a high-volume catering company that needs to maintain consistency across large batches of food while also managing a complex supply chain. By integrating a comprehensive smart kitchen system, including smart ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, the company can monitor and control these appliances remotely.

Chefs would have the ability to adjust settings and monitor cooking processes from their smartphones, ensuring precision and efficiency. An automated inventory system would track stock levels in real-time, ensuring timely reordering and reducing waste.

This technological integration could significantly improve operational efficiency and product consistency.

Concept 2: Boutique Hotel Restaurant

Consider a boutique hotel restaurant aiming for a sleek, modern kitchen design that maximizes space and functionality.

A minimalist kitchen with handleless cabinets and integrated appliances could create a sleek, uncluttered look. Multi-functional workstations like prep stations that double as serving counters would maximize utility.

This design could provide the kitchen staff with a functional and efficient workspace that is easy to clean and maintain, enhancing both aesthetics and operational efficiency.

Concept 3: Eco-conscious Restaurant

Picture an eco-conscious restaurant committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint. The kitchen could incorporate reclaimed wood for cabinetry and recycled glass countertops. Energy-efficient appliances, including induction cooktops and high-efficiency refrigeration units, could be installed to minimize energy consumption. A comprehensive waste management system featuring composting and recycling facilities would further reduce the restaurant’s carbon footprint.

These changes could maintain high operational efficiency while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion

The evolution of kitchen equipment has had a profound impact on the culinary practices and operational efficiency of modern commercial kitchens. From early tools to advanced smart technology, the continuous innovation in kitchen equipment has enabled chefs to enhance efficiency, ensure food safety, reduce costs, and explore new culinary possibilities.

Embracing these advancements makes it possible for the hospitality industry to create kitchens that are not only cutting-edge but also sustainable and efficient, ensuring long-term success in a competitive and ever-evolving landscape.

Image: Elle Hughes via Pexels

KRG Hospitality. Restaurant Business Plan. Feasibility Study. Concept. Branding. Consultant. Start-Up.

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