How can you build lasting relationships in Food & Beverage Operations?

- Customer-Centric Approach - Staff Training and Development - Consistent Quality - Community Engagement - Feedback Mechanism - Loyalty Programs - Collaborations and Partnership - Social Media Presence - Adaptability - Employee Empowerment

It can be tricky to know your client's needs and wants and predict what they don't know they want. You will never surprise anyone without taking a particular amount of risk, this makes learning to express your ideas through food can be exciting and terrifying. When it comes to food, people know what they want, but they also want to be surprised. It can be difficult to thread this particular needle, but any good brand will hold a combination of well-executed standard fare and present new and surprising dishes/drinks. I have always talked to regulars and new customers during and after my shifts. If they are missing something, they will often tell you, that serving items they don't know they want is the magic of your creative process.

Building lasting relationships in food and beverage operations involves consistent communication, quality service, and understanding customer preferences. Establishing a loyal customer base requires creating a welcoming environment, addressing feedback constructively, and adapting to changing tastes. Maintaining transparency, delivering reliable experiences, and offering personalized interactions can contribute to fostering enduring relationships with both customers and suppliers in the industry.

One thing I have found to be effective is to know their likes and dislike of particular alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Such Tea Sweet or Unsweetened. Also their favorite alcoholic beverage. Being able to anticipate what they want really makes an extraordinary difference, as well it allows the customer/guest know that you are aware of what they want or would desire.

Always go above and beyond for your audience- things get noticed if you brand yourself to be willing to go that extra mile for the people you are servicing. In any title you or they might have. Stay humble. Do not be afraid to step outside the box if it sticks to your morals. Knowing your audience is key but also keeping your personal brand consistent to whoever you come in contact with. People notice you, when you notice them.

Respect is a must in this industry. It will build your reputation with vendors, clients, and the community. People will sense a person that is not genuine and see that as disrespectful.

As a 30-year veteran of kitchen service, the biggest issue I have encountered from managers is that they don't slow down enough to talk to employees, vendors, and often customers with dignity, respect, and clarity. Start by saying hello, and not just "Hi". Connect, each day we have an opportunity to re-establish our relationships, it's up to us how and why we do that with that first interaction. Be thoughtful in your instructions, questions, and interactions. This often means putting the 10k things running through your head on hold. Be present. A small amount of kindness goes a long way. People will not remember what you said, but how you made them feel. This feeling follows them to the FOH floor.

Show up every day, ready for service. Be there first, and leave when your responsibilities are seen to. Our industry is rough, people find vices that are detrimental to their ability to complete their jobs. This behavior compromises safety, efficiency, and trust in colleagues and the brand, and ultimately damages your credibility. Our ability to provide a good example as managers of people is based on our integrity and we demonstrate that in how we show up everyday on and off the clock.

Reputation is everything. One bad review can really hurt operations and the ability to scale. Make great relationships with vendors and the community.

Our customers are not experts in food & beverage, so they look to us to be rock-solid on ingredient and allergen info, as well as our standard menu. If a food & beverage operation focuses on their core strengths, minimizing the need for special orders, this can simplify communication and reduce risk. When communicating with any implementation teams, I love to use multiple modes whenever possible: written, verbal, pictures/video, diagrams/ sketch. No one mode will work best for all teams/ all learners so the more we can do to document process (and deviation from process, i.e., special instruction), the more we will all benefit.

I have always believed in honesty. They can see it in you. You have to research the product to understand it and believe in it. Then you can sell it. And you will sell it well.

The biggest myth about communication is that it has occurred! Often, I have found that my directions are misunderstood or taken out of context because of vague or imprecise language. In most of the kitchens I have worked in, Spanish is the predominant language, and not Castillian Spanish. When I write manuals or give directions in Spanish, I try to have an interpreter there to help make my point more clear. Even if what I am saying is relayed correctly, I am often missing a cultural element or specific word that galvanized the communication. Being careful about how you communicate is important. Look at people in the eyes, speak slowly and clearly, and smile when appropriate. If you are having a hard conversation, do it in private.

Be available and responsive. Even if you are busy, take the time to acknowledge the person and give them an eta on when you can contact them.

Giving opportunities for training, and encouraging people to apply for more advanced positions in and out of your organization are great ways to show your team you care about them and their career. If you are building a team, you are selecting them to move up in your organization based on their performance and potential. Sometimes there is not room for everyone to move up, and it is not respectful of a team member's skills and time to keep them in the wings for nothing. If they are good, help them move on with a glowing referral. Selfishly holding talented people in menial kitchen positions so you don't have to replace them is lazy and toxic management.

The sixth step to building lasting relationships is to seek learning and growth in your food and beverage operations. You need to show that you are curious, adaptable, and ambitious in your role. You can do this by pursuing new skills, knowledge, and experiences, embracing changes and challenges, seeking feedback and mentorship, and sharing your insights and best practices. By seeking learning and growth, you can enhance your competence, confidence, and career prospects in your food and beverage operations.

Always surround yourself with people that have more skills and a better mindset. You will learn from them and absorb their wisdom.

And never compromise on your food and service standards, Noted that quality is always remembered long after the price is forgotten.

Building lasting relationships in Food & Beverage Operations requires a focus on quality, communication, and customer satisfaction. Prioritize consistency in food and service, actively seek and respond to feedback, and foster a positive work culture. Regularly engage with customers through promotions or loyalty programs to create a sense of belonging. Strong vendor relationships are crucial for a reliable supply chain, ensuring consistent quality. Lastly, invest in staff training for excellent customer service, creating an environment where both employees and customers feel valued.

Here’s a breakdown of how to foster lasting relationships in food and beverage operations: ?? Consistency & Quality: Deliver top-notch products & services consistently. ?? Customer Engagement: Engage actively, listen, and appreciate feedback. ?? Personalized Experiences: Tailor experiences to individual preferences. ?? Community Involvement: Participate in community events & support local causes. ???? Staff Training & Empowerment: Train & empower staff for exceptional service. ?? Consistent Communication: Maintain open communication with partners. ?? Adaptability & Innovation: Stay updated with trends & introduce innovations while staying true to your brand. ????? Building relationships in F&B involves these key ingredients!

Invest in your people , people come first , they are the first and last point of contact with your clients , don’t cut costs here thinking you will save money

Building lasting relationships in food and beverage operations requires consistent quality, exceptional customer service, and personalization. Engage with the community, gather feedback, and be transparent about your practices. Maintain consistent communication, promptly resolve issues, and strive for continuous improvement. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate loyalty and trust among customers, fostering enduring connections that drive success in your business.

Here’s a breakdown of how to foster lasting relationships in food and beverage operations: ?? Consistency & Quality: Deliver top-notch products & services consistently. ?? Customer Engagement: Engage actively, listen, and appreciate feedback. ?? Personalized Experiences: Tailor experiences to individual preferences. ?? Community Involvement: Participate in community events & support local causes. ???? Staff Training & Empowerment: Train & empower staff for exceptional service. ?? Consistent Communication: Maintain open communication with partners. ?? Adaptability & Innovation: Stay updated with trends & introduce innovations while staying true to your brand. ????? Building relationships in F&B involves these key ingredients!