Operations | KRG Hospitality

Handshake emoji neon sign signifying partnership

September 14, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

SevenRooms Announces New Partnership

SevenRooms Announces Huge New Partnership

by David Klemt

SevenRooms announces today a major partnership that will change the game for operators in the UK, Australia, and across Europe.

The online reservation platform is entering a multi-year partnership with TheFork.

Fortunately, the hospitality industry, once slow to embrace new technology, is now adopting tech at a rapid pace.

This collaboration between SevenRooms and TheFork represents both a giant leap in tech innovation and support for our industry.

SevenRooms

By now, there should be no question that SevenRooms is among the most powerful tools an operator can wield.

On the surface, SevenRooms is “just” a reservation platform. In reality, the platform offers a full suite of guest engagement and retention tools; automated marketing tools; front- and back-of-house management; direct and third-party delivery management; and much more.

Additionally, the company has long been supportive of the hospitality industry. The founders didn’t just assume their reservation and engagement solutions were effective.

Rather, they spent time in the trenches. They took reservations, checked coats, and hung out with hospitality teams when their shifts were over.

During the pandemic, the platform studied the impact of third-party delivery on operators. To that end, they developed a launched a direct delivery module to help operators protect their bottom lines.

TheFork

Operating in more than 20 countries, TheFork is a TripAdvisor company.

Per TheFork, the company boasts more than 80,000 partner restaurants across the globe. Additionally, TheFork’s app has 28 million downloads and counting, and their site features over 22 million restaurant reviews.

In other words, TheFork enjoys a unique position in terms of connecting guests with restaurants.

The platform features a loyalty program; exclusive deals for guests who make reservations via TheFork; an “insider” feature that connects with guests with trendy and gourmet restaurants and entices them with a special offer; and more.

The Partnership

When one reviews how both platforms work, this partnership is a no-brainer. Going deeper, it appears the companies share similar values and commitment to the industry.

For example, SevenRooms subsidized more than $10 million in licensing fees to help operators during the pandemic. TheFork dedicated nearly $30 million to the industry within the 22 countries in which they operate.

This partnership is culminating in a two-way integration. Customers of SevenRooms will gain access to millions of diners who use TheFork to make reservations. In turn, TheFork now has access to SevenRooms’ marketing and venue management tools.

The result? Operators will be able to more easily and consistently fill their seats and attract new guests. The powerful tools that are at the disposal of SevenRooms customers will help to engage and retain those new guests, converting them to loyal regulars.

Hospitality seems to be steadily entering its Collaboration Era. Operators and platforms are seeking beneficial partnerships, all the while embracing more and more tech that enhances the guest experience and boosts the bottom line.

It will be exciting to see where we go from here.

Image: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

August 24, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Why Operators Need to Set Goals

Why Operators Need to Set Goals

by David Klemt

Something restauranteur Mike Bausch said during the 2021 International Pizza Expo caught my attention.

It stuck with me for a few days. Eventually, I had no choice but to write it down and share it with others.

“If you don’t have a goal,” Bausch said, “you just have a dream. And dreams are just fluff.”

Goals are Measurable

An operator’s goals don’t stop with realizing the vision of opening their business. Rather, that’s when setting goals starts.

Starting up a restaurant, bar, brewery, entertainment venue, hotel… Just getting to the point of opening the doors for the first time requires accomplishing multiple goals.

In fact, our Roadmap to Success identifies several steps—or goals—to achieve to open a startup.

But, hey, let’s say a person’s goal is to open a business. What’s next? Just running that business? That’s not much of a goal. It isn’t defined, it isn’t really measurable, and it won’t accomplish much.

There’s a reason KRG Hospitality offers coaching for operators after they’ve opened for business. Our work doesn’t end with the grand opening.

Similarly, “I want to make a bunch of money” also isn’t really a goal. That’s a result; goals are what help you achieve desired outcomes.

So, instead of writing down making money as a goal, come up with goals that will:

build social media followings;
recruit and retain top talent;
boost traffic on a slow night;
increase weekly revenue; and
decrease F&B costs.

Of course, those represent just a tiny handful of possible goals.

Goals Drive Forward Progress

Because goals are measurable, they help an operator and their business continue growing. So, when operators make goals, they’re working to ensure long-term viability.

Yes, building a bank account and setting one’s self up for retirement can be goals. But how does an operator achieve either of those goals?

They set and achieve the goals that will drive them toward those two personal accomplishments.

Also, in achieving a number of other, equally important goals, the business moves forward constantly. In essence, a restaurant or bar without goals is a listless ship floating in the doldrums.

An effective captain keeps wind in the sails.

Goals Strengthen Teams

Sticking with the ship metaphor because it’s incredibly original and has never before been done, it needs a crew.

So, too, does a restaurant, bar, entertainment venue, or hotel.

Sure, the basic goal of an employee is making money. Generally speaking, that’s not enough of a goal to keep a team member engaged and loyal.

However, an operator being transparent about financial goals (for a particular shift, the week, the month, etc.) engages the team.

Likewise, an operator can (and should) inquire about employees’ individual goals. Then, they should come up with mutually beneficial ways to help accomplish those goals.

Clearly, those are just two examples of how operators can include their teams in the goal-setting process.

The keys to setting goals are:

make sure they’re clear;
ensure they’re achievable;
be certain they’re measurable;
when relevant, be transparent about the results with the team;
learn from failures or sub-optimum results; and
celebrate wins.

And then, of course, set new goals.

So, are you a dreamer or are you a visionary: a dreamer and a doer?

Image: Afif Kusuma on Unsplash

August 23, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Establishing a Gratitude Culture

Establishing a Gratitude Culture

by Jennifer Radkey

In a busy world, and what sometimes seems to be an even busier industry, when do we stop to allow time for gratitude? And why should we?

The hospitality industry is built on the premise of providing a welcoming, friendly environment to guests. There have been countless articles written upon how to provide our guests with a positive and memorable experience.

Most of us are very aware of the need to thank our guests for their loyalty through customer appreciation programs, etc. We train our staff on the importance of thanking guests, ensuring that they will choose to visit our establishment again in the future.

To have a successful hospitality establishment our gratitude needs to go deeper than that. We don’t need to just thank our guests, we need to establish a culture of gratitude within our team; and it starts at the top.

Why Gratitude

Gratitude has been found to build stronger relationships, increase helping behaviours, improve quality of sleep, and just improve our overall well-being.

Martin P. Seligman, a psychologist at Penn State University, is one of the leading and founding psychologists in the field of Positive Psychology. His PERMA model dictates what well-being consists of: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Good Relationships, Meaning and Purpose, and Achievement/Accomplishment.

There are obviously many ways in which to achieve the five different components of PERMA, but one of the key character strengths that contributes to all of them is gratitude.

Why should we take on the responsibility of establishing gratitude within our team culture? Well, when you feel good about yourself you are more likely to share skills with others. You can be motivated to work harder and in turn inspire those around you to do so as well.

A team that feels appreciated and learns to be grateful for each other and for the opportunities and experiences the job affords them, is a team that will more likely stick together; support each other; work through problems more effectively; show compassion; embrace differences and creativity; and generally be stronger.

It Starts with You

So, how do we go about establishing a gratitude practice in our workplace? To do that you need to start with yourself.

People are smart—they can sense “fake” gratitude. It needs to be genuine. For some people, gratitude comes naturally; it is one of their character strengths. For others, expressing thanks may feel awkward, so gratitude needs to be practiced daily to build this skill.

Start by taking five minutes at the end of the day before you fall asleep and write down three good things that happened to you that day, and why they happened. Seligman calls this the Three Blessings activity.

Try this for a few weeks. Once you start taking just a few minutes each day to think about what went well, you will naturally find yourself seeking out and recognizing the good things in the moment.

The How

Once you feel comfortable expressing gratitude, it’s time to share with your team and watch the magic happen!

There are countless ways of establishing a gratitude practice in your team culture. One simple way to start is to call team members out on the great stuff they do and genuinely thank them for it.

Example: There is a particularly challenging guest who is upset and taking out their frustrations on one of your servers. Your server remains poised and offers various solutions to ease the guest’s frustration, in turn diminishing what could have been an ugly scene. You then approach your server afterwards and express thanks for the way the situation was handled.

Be specific in your praise and be genuine in your gratitude. Your server will go from feeling potentially upset or stressed about the situation to feeling good about themselves for how they handled it. And you will feel grateful for having such a responsible and stellar employee. Win-win situation.

A Grateful Team

Besides taking the time to notice and be outwardly grateful for the small things your team members do daily to contribute to the success of your vision and business, there are team-building gratitude activities you can initiate.

Try setting up a “Thanks for Being Awesome” board, either a physical one in a back room/staff room or an online one where team members can write quick thank-you notes to each other and post them.

“Thanks for taking my shift so I could take care of my sick mom.”

“Thank you for making me laugh with that ridiculous joke the other night!”

“Thanks for teaching me that new bartending flair trick!”

A team who is thankful for each other is a team who will build each other up, and in turn build up your business and revenue.

Silver Linings

Team meetings are an easy place to insert a gratitude practice. During the team meeting insert a “silver linings” activity.

Have team members discuss things that did not go well that week and then brainstorm together the “silver lining” from the situation. Maybe a new menu item was introduced and did not receive positive feedback. Perhaps there was a blow out between two team members when they didn’t agree on something, Maybe the new hire came for the first few scheduled shifts and then quit.

Whatever the bad situation was, what good thing came from it and what was learned from it that could make the team and business stronger? By looking for the good things in bad situations it enables us to be grateful for growth opportunities.

Building a culture of gratitude within your team can be as creative as you like, and there is no “one size fits all.” If one practice doesn’t work, try another. From team events and outings, to weekly gratitude emails, to shout-outs on your social media page, the possibilities are endless.

It is a small and simple change with little to no cost, and when it comes down to it…it just feels good. Here’s to personal and professional well-being! Cheers!

Image: Gratisography on Pexels

August 20, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Leadership: The Other 10-second Rule

Leadership: The Other 10-second Rule

by David Klemt

Those who remember last week’s Friday post will recall that there’s more than one 10-second rule.

Interestingly, this “other” rule also relates to communication.

As we all know, communication is paramount to leading teams and building relationships with others.

Last Week’s Rule

Deceptively simple, last week’s 10-second rule focuses on easing tensions.

If a situation is about to boil over or is already out of control, going silent for 10 seconds can cool things off.

First, shutting up for ten seconds stops the argument cold. Second, it provides time for the person leveraging this tactic to respond rationally.

Third, it humanizes the other person. Rather than seeing an opponent, the person going quiet for ten seconds remembers that this is a team member they’re engaging.

Finally, people who use this rule say going silent tends to snap the other party out of their hostility.

Treating others with respect and dignity, along with encouraging open communication and a free flow of ideas, are hallmarks of a healthy workplace culture.

This Week’s Rule

There are, of course, similarities between this week’s rule and last week’s. Obviously, they both call for a ten-second “timeout” to talking.

Also, they both focus on humanizing the other person in the conversation.

I came across the other 10-second rule on the Accounting Today website. Accountant and author Kyle Walters writes that his rule is also simple: If Walters talks for ten consecutive seconds during a client meeting, he stops to ask an open-ended question. Crucial to the process is that Walters then gives the person answering time to talk.

Now, while Walters applies this to client meetings, it’s useful for conversation in general. As he points out, it breaks the bad habits of dominating conversations; giving off the impression that you’re selfish and don’t care about the others in conversations; and not listening to others.

Anyone who leads a team; needs to develop relationships with suppliers, distributors, contractors, investors, banks, inspectors, etc.; and wants to build relationships with guests knows that listening is crucial.

Sure, ten seconds doesn’t seem like a lot of time. However, take the time to actually see how many thoughts you can fire off in ten seconds. You’ll see how much talking for that “small” amount of time can quickly seem domineering if you don’t stop to include others in the conversation.

There’s also the “small” detail that you’re not having a conversation if you’re not listening—you’re just delivering a speech…and it’s probably not a good one.

It takes work to break bad habits. However, the benefit to your personal growth, leadership abilities, and business are worth the effort.

Image: Agê Barros on Unsplash

Wendy's fast food restaurant exterior and sign

August 18, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Wendy’s Looks to Ghosts for Growth

Wendy’s Looks to Ghosts for Growth

by David Klemt

Wendy’s is the latest foodservice company to announce plans to open ghost kitchens in Canada, the US and the UK.

The fast-food giant’s scheme is large-scale and part of an expansive growth strategy.

Per the company, Wendy’s plans to open 700 ghost kitchens.

Embracing the Trend

Here’s a question for you: Do you hear and read the word “pivot” or the phrase “ghost kitchen” more often these days?

Ghost kitchens seem to be the pivot of choice for restaurant groups and enterprising tech companies looking to leverage the next big thing. (There, a sentence with both “pivot” and “ghost kitchen” in it,)

The trend also appears more often than not to be the domain of Big Business.

Former Uber executive Travis Kalanick is the founder of CloudKitchens. DoorDash is also entering the ghost kitchen space, running a trial in California to see if pursuing the idea is viable.

Now, enter Wendy’s, not exactly a mom-and-pop shop in the restaurant space.

Ghost vs. Virtual Kitchen

We don’t revel in the semantics game, necessarily. But we know people are going to refer to Wendy’s ghost locations as “virtual” kitchens as well.

However, ghost kitchens and virtual kitchens have unique definitions and characteristics.

Wendy’s isn’t creating a new brand with new items they’re preparing in their existing brick-and-mortar locations. Nor do they plan to do so with their new locations under constructions currently.

Were that the case, their strategy would be a virtual kitchen plan.

Instead, the 700 locations will be separate facilities without storefronts. Also, the units will focus solely on delivery, leveraging on-demand consumer behavior.

So, the lack of storefront is arguably the greatest defining characteristic of a ghost kitchen.

Conversely, a virtual kitchen operates in a location with a storefront. However, the brand on offer exists online and not in the brick-and-mortar world of an established brand. In essence, an existing brand is offering a brand that they don’t want to dilute what they’ve already built.

That’s a Lot of Ghosts

Per reporting, Wendy’s is joining forces with Reef Technology to open and operate their ghost kitchens.

At least 50 such locations are in the works to open this year. The other several hundred locations will open between 2022 and 2025.

That means we should see more than 150 Wendy’s ghost kitchens going live per year across Canada, the US and the UK.

Partnering with Reef Technology is an interesting and telling maneuver. Reef, per their website, focuses on “urbanization” and reshaping “our urban infrastructure.”

And as CEO Todd Penelow stated last week, Wendy’s doesn’t isn’t strong in urban areas. The vision for Wendy’s new strategy is to penetrate urban markets, adding new stores and new franchisees as the brand moves forward.

Should things go according to plan, Wendy’s expects to expand from 6,500 units worldwide to somewhere between 8,500 and 9,000 in 2025.

Image: Michael Form from Pixabay

United States of America atlas roadmap with push pins

July 28, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

More States Issue Mask Mandates

More States Issue Mask Mandates

by David Klemt

Unsurprisingly, more states, counties and cities across the US and the country’s territories are issuing mask mandates.

In some cases, the mandates and guidance are coming down regardless of vaccination status.

Unfortunately, these actions are a response to reports of Covid-19 infection and hospitalization increases. The rise in cases and hospitalizations is due in large part to the highly transmissible Delta variant.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is once again changing course. Now, the CDC recommends that people in areas where Covid-19 infection rates are “substantial” or “high” wear masks inside indoor public places.

A map of these areas can be found on the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker page.

Local Defiance

Illustrating the divisive times in which Americans find themselves, some mandates are pitting local officials against their state counterparts.

For example, Florida. Per several outlets, Palm Beach County officials are ordering masks to be worn indoors by everyone irrespective of vaccination status. Of course, the mandate stands in direct defiance of Governor Ron DeSantis’ statewide ban of such an order.

No word yet on Gov. DeSantis suing the county over the order.

However, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is suing St. Louis County and city officials to stop their mask mandate. Currently, St. Louis requires masks be worn indoors and on public transportation.

Also, no word on whether these mandates will impact Canada’s plan to reopen the border for non-essential travel to vaccinated Americans.

Mandates: Vaccinated, Unvaccinated

Below, a list of the states and territories with mask mandates in some form (public transit, public places, state buildings, for example) in place.

The following orders pertain to everyone, vaccination or no vaccination.

California
New Hampshire
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
New Jersey
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Mexico
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Puerto Rico
Virginia
New York

As always, check with your local, county and state authorities for full details.

Mandates: Unvaccinated

Here, a list of the states and territories with requirements in place only for those who are unvaccinated.

Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Kentucky
Michigan
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington
Washington, DC

Again, residents should check with state, county and local authorities for requirements and guidance.

Operator Concerns

Once more, owners and operators find themselves having to police guest behavior and compliance regarding Covid-19 mandates and recommendations.

And once again, it’s the guest-facing team members who will be thrust into any confrontations with hostile customers.

While not a silver bullet by any means, operators should communicate their intent to comply with mandates. Social media posts, emails and phone conversations should make requirements and expectations clear.

Additionally, operators and managers need to stay on top of employee concerns and comfort levels. Leadership must also make it clear, with actions and not just words, that their teams will be supported when engaging with guests.

The industry is in a very tenuous place and has been for many months. Workers are leaving and not coming back. Perhaps it’s time—respectfully and professionally—to set aside the maxim that “the customer is always right” and err on the side of employees.

Image: Morgan Lane on Unsplash

July 19, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Mask Mandates, Recommendations Return

Mask Mandates, Recommendations Return

by David Klemt

Pointing to vaccination hesitation, vaccination refusal, and rises in Covid-19 cases, some cities are mandating masks indoors.

Importantly, mandates and recommendations are coming down irrespective of vaccination status.

Of course, many people are unhappy about this news. Much of the backlash includes the claim that a return to masks proves vaccines don’t work.

However, others point to variants—in particular, Delta—spreading via the unvaccinated and unmasked.

Unfortunately, continuing divisiveness means hospitality and other frontline workers are again at risk for hostile confrontations.

Los Angeles County, California

If you’re an operator in Los Angeles County, masks indoors aren’t just a recommendation. An indoor mask mandate went into effect on Saturday, July 17.

Just a month prior, embattled Governor Gavin Newsom proudly announced California’s unrestricted reopening.

Now, the more cynical among us see Gov. Newsom’s June reopening as a bid to stave off recall efforts. However, recall ballots will go out to Californians next month.

Per reporting, California’s Covid-19 infection rate is close to tripling. Los Angeles County health officials say the indoor mask mandate comes out of an overabundance of caution.

On a different note, health officials expect the state’s vaccination rate to effectively combat a spike in infection rates. The current rate isn’t expected to match or surpass those of prior peaks in the state.

As far as mandate details, it’s quite simple: Masks are required for everyone indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

According to reports, an additional ten California counties are recommending masks indoors. No word yet on if other counties—or the state as a whole—will announce mask mandates. Nor is there an end date for LA County’s current mandate.

Southern Nevada

While not a mandate, the Southern Nevada Health District is recommending people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors.

Unsurprisingly, Las Vegas is experiencing an influx of visitors. With vaccination rates on the decline and infection rates on the rise, health officials are concerned.

More than 2.9 million visitors flocked to Las Vegas in May. Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, has a population of over two million.

Of course, it’s important to remember that, for now, wearing masks indoors is a recommendation. However, some resorts and casinos—Westgate and the Venetian among them—now require their employees to wear face masks.

So far, neither Las Vegas, Clark County or Nevada have implemented a mandate. Of course, that could change and a mandate may be in the wings.

Orange County, Florida

Much of the news of returning mask mandates and recommendations focuses on Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

In fact, some critics are attacking Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, accusing him of blindly following Gov. Newsom.

Interestingly, though, is that a mayor in Florida is also recommending face masks.

Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County recommends wearing masks indoors, vaccination status notwithstanding. The phrasing of the mayor’s announcement refers to the suggestion as an “official recommendation.” However, no mandate is in place currently.

Frontline Risks

Clearly, mask mandates and even recommendations are going to anger some of the population.

Unfortunately, hospitality workers (and those in other public-facing industries) are once again at risk of confrontations. Even without mandates, some businesses that choose to require masks experience hostility.

The last thing America needs is more divisiveness, anger, and potential for confrontations.

Millions of hospitality professionals have left the industry for good. One factor leading to those losses has been concern for safety due to people angry over mask and vaccine requirements.

Obviously, operators must do whatever’s in their power to ensure the safety of their team members and guests. Leadership must not only convey their support for their employees, they must stand behind that messaging with their actions.

In cities where masks mandates and recommendations return, operators need to focus on safety as much as employee retention. Indeed, the former aids the latter, which aids recruiting and hiring.

Image: Daniel Lee on Unsplash

Pepper hotel concierge robot by SoftBank Robotics

July 2, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Restaurant Tech Map Illustrates Innovation

Restaurant Tech Map Illustrates Innovation

by David Klemt

The hospitality industry’s embracing of new technologies is experiencing rapid and welcome acceleration in less than two years.

In comparison to the restaurant technology map by TechTable and Better Food Ventures from 2019, there are two entirely new categories: Shared / Ghost Kitchens, and Food Safety / Quality.

More than a dozen platforms on the 2021 map from TechTable and Culterra Capital (sponsored by Back-of-House) now fall into those two categories.

Changing Landscape

It’s a sign of current industry trends and what will matter to guests moving forward that ghost kitchens and food safety are emerging as separate tech segments.

Obviously, the pandemic didn’t create the ghost kitchen category. However, it did fuel a meteoric rise in delivery and takeout. In turn, ghost kitchens are more prevalent than ever.

After all, a former Uber executive Travis Kalanick owns CloudKitchens and Applebee’s is testing a ghost kitchen pilot program.

What was once the domain of murky, unpermitted virtual brands is now its own successful business model.

However, today’s guest isn’t concerned solely with convenience. In general, guests now take their health and safety more seriously since the pandemic

Tech platforms that can ensure the food guests are consuming is safe will ease some concerns.

Increase in Platforms

Again, in comparison to just two years ago, the acceleration in new tech for the industry is astounding. It’s also long overdue.

As a whole, the hospitality industry has been surprisingly slow to take on new tech. Although, it’s fair to say that there wasn’t much new to adopt until somewhat recently.

Now that there’s more to try out, operators seem keen to embrace tech that can help them streamline operations; improve inventory monitoring and ordering; hire employees and manage teams; engage with and market to customers intelligently; and much more.

Even better, the above map doesn’t include all of the available platforms. That’s excellent news as it means operators have an increasing number of choices to help improve their business in every category of operation.

For example, Barventory isn’t listed within the Purchasing / Inventory / Ordering segment. The platform makes taking inventory, gaining a real-time inventory snapshot, and efficient ordering a breeze. Barventory also features the world’s first live keg scale.

It’s challenging to find positives from the past 14 to 15 months. However, one good thing may be the leaps in technology our industry is experiencing.

If they continue, these innovations may make it easier for operators and their employees to recover.

A concept’s tech stack is crucial to operations and will only grow more important moving forward. Whether opting for a full KRG Hospitality package or the Mindset program, we can help operators make informed tech selections.

Map by TechTable and Culterra Capital, sponsored by Back-of-House

Featured image: Pepper by SoftBank Robotics (photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash)

Vera Wang launches Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco

June 25, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

New Sparklers for Summer Celebrations

New Sparklers for Summer Celebrations

by David Klemt

Operators can expect a massive amount of weddings to take place this summer and should angle to land rehearsal dinners and receptions.

After all, one driving element of pent-up consumer demand in Summer 2021 comes from 2020 weddings.

For many, weddings and other big celebrations call for bubbles. Well, just in time for summer celebrations come the releases of three challengers to Champagne’s throne.

Time for a PARTY

There is, perhaps, no designer or brand name more closely associated with weddings than Vera Wang.

The designer behind the eponymous label is largely credited with revolutionizing the bridal industry in the ’90s. Her bespoke wedding dresses remain the top choice for brides around the world. Of course, she also makes couture bridesmaid dresses.

Expanding ever since first dominating the bridal space, a bride can rock a Vera Wang ring and fragrance while wearing her Vera Wang wedding dress, standing across from a groom in a Vera Wang tuxedo and next to her bridal party in Vera Wang bridesmaid dresses.

And now, they can sip a Vera Wang sparkler at their rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VERA WANG (@verawanggang)

Earlier this year, the designer announced a limited release collaboration with Chopin Vodka. Now, she’s launching Vera Wang PARTY, a premium Prosecco.

So, you may be done with this phrase at this point, but we tend to drink with our eyes first. PARTY’s matte silver bottle and bright neon yellow lettering are a chic and modern take on sparkling wine presentation. I can already imagine plenty of fashionable brides wanting PARTY bottles on their rehearsal dinner and reception tables.

And while the designer could likely justify pricing her Prosecco in the same range as the best-known Champagne houses, she has instead chosen restraint: the SRP for a 750ml of PARTY is just $25.

The label’s press release sums PARTY up thusly: “It’s what we could all use right now—a little bit of fun, a little bit of joy, and a new way to commemorate life’s meaningful moments.”

Half-size Heavy Hitter

To some, the only thing better than drinking bubbles is drinking rosé bubbles. For them, the pink hue screams, “We’re celebrating!”

Whether that means celebrating nuptials or a return to gathering and socializing this summer, Avaline is ready.

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A post shared by AVALINE (@avaline)

The clean, vegan-friendly wine brand is offering Avaline Sparkling Rosé, sold in 375ml bottles. This brand-new, small-run sparkler is just $25 per bottle.

Sparkling Rosé joins original Avaline labelmates Red and White, along with more recent releases Rosé and Sparkling.

Interestingly, it isn’t just Avaline’s focus on transparency building their deeply loyal fanbase. The Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power brand listens to their consumers to learn what to release next. After the release of Avaline Sparkling, the label’s community requested a sparkling rosé expression.

Avaline says people can expect rose petals, stone fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose and berry lemonade, tart peaches, and floral flavors.

Along with the rest of the Avaline lineup, Sparkling Rosé is sure to be popular during Summer 2021 weddings and other celebrations.

Vintage Vino

For vintage-loving sparkler fans, the latest Sonoma-Cutrer special release is the sip of this summer.

Sonoma Cutrer Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge 2014 Sparkling Chardonnay is a 60-40 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Per Sonoma-Cutrer, drinkers Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge features red apple and pear most prominently on the nose. However, that aroma is complimented by notes of hazelnut, brioche bread, mineral, and Meyer lemon.

On the palate, expect apple fruit, nut, and light strawberry flavors balanced by Sonoma-Cutrer’s hallmark high acidity. Rich and complex without overwhelming the palate, Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge pairs well with light summer fare such as oysters, salmon caviar, and fruit tarts.

This stunning bottle of California sparkling carries an SRP of $43 per bottle ($34.40 for Club Cutrer members).

Big Event Business

In America, the wedding industry generates around $60 billion annually. That number doesn’t even include honeymoons, an industry in and of itself that can be worth up to $8 billion per year.

Obviously, restaurant, bar, hotel and event space operators should find those values compelling.

Operators capable of delivering on special events should be angling to land rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and even engagement celebrations, bachelor, and bachelorette parties.

However, doing so means running a tight ship that pays attention to the details and delivers top-level service; developing relationships with wedding and event planners, and concierges; and keeping on top of current wedding and wedding-related trends.

Generating revenue after the horror show of 2020 and the first half of 2021 requires adapting operations. Moving into the event space—weddings, for example—can prove very lucrative.

Image: Vera Wang

Hand holding United States of America passport

June 22, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Third-party Vaccine Passports on the Way

Third-party Vaccine Passports on the Way

by David Klemt

Operators will likely have to further wade into politics if so-called “vaccine passports” become standard.

If recent reporting is accurate, several platforms will bring vaccine passports to market.

The hospitality, lodging and travel industries have been thrust into politics since for several years now. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only made the situation more precarious.

Dangerous Waters

For many operators, navigating today’s politically-charged atmosphere is an unwelcome development.

It’s bad enough that hospitality, lodging and travel have been thrown into utter chaos for well over a year. America and Canada have lost tens of thousands of restaurants and bars. Operators able to survive have lost millions of workers.

Too many people have lost jobs, savings, homes, and any sense of stability in their lives. Mental health, as a result, is on the decline for many people.

Unfortunately, all of those awful things are being exacerbated by politics. In America in particular (if reports are accurate), politics have severely divided the country.

Covid-19 safety protocols were politicized immediately. Restaurant, bar, hotel and travel workers found themselves playing pandemic police, putting them in dangerous situations.

If vaccine passports become standard, operators will find themselves deeper in the political quagmire. Workers will likely face a greater risk for confrontations with hostile guests.

What’s a Vaccine Passport?

In short, a vaccine passport is a way for someone to prove they’ve received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Per recent reports, the Biden administration has said they have no plan to implement federal vaccine passports.

However, several states have already banned this form of proof of vaccination. These include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah (but private companies can require workers to get vaccinated), and Wyoming.

So far, two states—Hawaii and New York—have implemented vaccine passports. As far as the other states, vaccine passports are not a requirement or haven’t been banned yet.

New York’s vaccine passport, Excelsior Pass, was developed by IBM. A vaccinated New York resident downloads the app, a business owner downloads the scanner app, and vaccination status can be confirmed. Similar apps are believed to be in the works.

Again, however, many states have banned these apps.

What Does this Mean for Businesses?

If vaccine passports are banned fully where an operator does business, the decision has been made for them.

However, some bans relate only to government entities—businesses can require proof of vaccination.

And if a state doesn’t prohibit vaccine passports at all? The situation can be even more challenging for operators.

Operators eager to protect their workers and guests from infection may welcome vaccine passports. Some operators may feel these passports are an invasion of privacy and reject them. Still others may view them as a potential source for harassment and discrimination.

Should an operator require vaccine passports, they should expect backlash that could directly impact business. Operators who prohibit the use the vaccine passports may be viewed as “irresponsible” and also face backlash

Once again, the pandemic has put operators in several industries in no-win situations. Operators should consider their vaccine passport plan and the messaging around it now.

Image: Levi Ventura on Unsplash