5 Essential Skills for Food Service Franchisees

BRIX Holdings LLC (‘BRIX’), is a Dallas-based multi-brand franchising company encompassing renowned food-service chains including Friendly’s, Red Mango, Orange Leaf, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, and more. We understand through years of experience with food service brands that the industry is continuously growing and evolving.

?This year alone, the industry forecasts reach $1 trillion in sales. Despite the increase in goods and service experiences, consumers are still willing to enjoy meals outside the home. Around 90% of adults say they enjoy going to restaurants, as they provide an opportunity to experience flavors and food combinations that can’t easily be replicated at home. This period in the industry presents a unique opportunity for individuals interested in starting a food service business to respond to new consumer demands and capitalize on the growing business opportunities. Consumers are adopting more strategic approaches to spending, and with adept management, operators can influence these habits.

While the food service industry is ripe with opportunity, the ideal owner/operator needs to have the necessary skills to contribute to the growth of a business. Here are the skills that BRIX feels are critical in food service ownership and management that will reach current and aspiring entrepreneurs on their journey to restaurant ownership.?

?

5 Essential Skills for Food Service Franchisees

1. Effective Communication?

Communication is one of the most important skills needed to effectively manage people. Whether an owner is managing a full-service restaurant like Friendly’s or a fast-casual service brand like Orange Leaf or Red Mango, the team needs an effective leader to communicate the needs of the business. In a recent study, almost 50% of respondents reported that ineffective communication impacted overall job satisfaction, while 42% said it affected stress levels.? Effectively communicating among teams means a more harmonious workplace. An owner who possesses the ability to articulate clear instructions and business plans promotes the growth of all sectors of the business. Effective communication skills yield higher employee retention and job satisfaction and directly correlate to the customer experience.?

The profit potential of a business relies on sales from the customers who enjoy the service provided and continue to visit. The customer’s overall satisfaction with the experience, including the food, drink, establishment and interactions with the employees, directly impacts how the company performs. An owner who can communicate with the consumer and provide answers and resources to their needs should also be able to effectively hire employees who can execute in these ways as well. Providing excellent communication to customers encourages them to return to the restaurant as consistent and reliable consumers and share their positive experiences with others.?

?2. Time Management & Ability to Multitask

The restaurant industry is one of the most fast-paced and demanding environments, making time management and the ability to multi-task some of the most sought-after and necessary skills. For service restaurants, owners need to have the ability to deliver an experience that people want to pay for. In a service environment, owners must be able to determine the time needed to complete a job, anticipate unexpected delays, and minimize the time needed to complete tasks without compromising the quality of the food or experience. Developing and perfecting time management skills, coupled with a strong ability to stay organized and manage tasks within these environments, are paramount to optimizing productivity, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction.?

3. Strong Leadership?

A common misconception about running a food service business is that it’s easy, and anyone can do it. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s full-service, fast-casual, or a quick-service business, the job requires hard work and it takes a strong leader with exceptional people management skills. An owner should be capable of giving direction and being a role model for the team to follow. Without a leader who can take action, give orders and make decisions, the system will fall apart. Good leadership is essential for creating a positive work culture, delivering exceptional customer experiences, optimizing operations, and driving long-term sustainability in the competitive restaurant industry. Leaders who promote a positive work environment are often rewarded with a team that is productive, efficient, and overall more satisfied with their job. A strong leader creates a workplace for employees to want to retain their roles and continue providing a positive customer service experience for all.

4. Team Building

Effective leadership skills are not just about the ability to oversee the day-to-day operations but are essential in creating a work culture that is positive, safe and encouraging for the team to thrive. Effective leaders set the tone for the entire team, ensuring that each interaction with customers and with one another is positive and memorable. In the food service industry, there are a lot of moving parts, and all roles are integral to the growth of the business. A leader should be able to recognize the strengths within their teams and leverage those skills to create harmony among employees to work together, create clear workflows, complete tasks efficiently, and streamline operations. A work culture where teamwork is healthiest is an environment that is safe for members to express concern, introduce new ideas, and suggest change without fear, and/or judgment. “Teamwork makes the dream work” is a universal truth. The team should work to optimize organization, communication, and problem-solving, to result in smoother service, reduced errors, and growth for the business.?

5. Industry Knowledge and Business Savvy

To run a food service business, it’s not enough to love food or have a passion for owning a restaurant. There is much more that goes into business ownership to ensure it’s a lucrative investment, and a solid, well-thought-out business plan is at the center of it. A prospect should evaluate the investment of capital and time necessary before deciding to enter a business of any kind as an owner. The profit potential is essential for the sustainability of any full-service restaurant or fast-casual business. Strong leadership involves careful financial management, including budgeting, cost control, pricing strategies, and revenue optimization. A capable owner should be able to make informed decisions about the business to maximize profit potential while maintaining quality.

Prospects should ask themselves, “Do I have the passion for this business, as well as the business acumen, hard work, and support both personally and professionally to thrive?” The restaurant industry is a dynamic and constantly evolving space, with new businesses opening and closing every day. Not only should an owner have business knowledge, but they should also have industry experience and a good pulse over what’s happening within the society on a local, regional and national scale. Owners who have seen growth within their business are typically people who are adaptable and agile, capable of responding to changing customer preferences, market trends, and industry regulations. These people embrace innovation and continuously seek ways to improve processes and offerings.

The typical owner of a Friendly’s restaurant has years of experience, extensive industry knowledge, and is a multi-unit, multi-brand operator with the acumen to expand and grow a business portfolio. An Orange Leaf, Red Mango or Smoothie Factory + Kitchen owner has some knowledge and experience but may be going into business for the first time. Despite these differences, unifying requirements for business ownership are experience with management, capital to get through the first year, and a strong business plan.

The Recipe for Triumphant Food Service Business Ownership?

Many people are looking to leave the corporate world and go into business ownership to reclaim their time, and independence, and to make more money. Business ownership is a popular and potentially lucrative opportunity, given the right skills, tools, and resources. Often entrepreneurs wonder how to get started and need help deciding between owning or buying. BRIX Holdings is a portfolio company of various food service businesses, ranging from quick to full-service companies, offering traditional and non-traditional franchising opportunities for those ready to start a new journey.?

If you’re interested in learning more about franchising with the BRIX brands and the available franchise incentives, visit:

Orange Leaf - https://www.orangeleafyogurt.com/franchising

Smoothie Factory + Kitchen - https://www.smoothiefactorykitchen.com/franchising

Red Mango - https://redmangousa.com/red-mango-better-for-you-franchise/

Friendly’s - https://www.friendlysrestaurants.com/franchise/

?

For more information about BRIX Holdings, visit https://BRIXholdings.com/.