7 Tips for New Restauranteurs to Succeed in 2022
Around a third of people in the UK eat out regularly, but with over 150,000 restaurants, cafes, pubs or eating establishments vying for business in the UK, breaking into this sector and making a success of running a restaurant can be challenging. But in a world where food service is booming thanks to delivery apps and a shift in consumer habits, what do you need to know about running a restaurant in 2022?
Hygiene Standards Count
The food and hygiene standards on-premises will be of utmost importance in 2022. In the UK, the Environmental Health Department ensures that food businesses do not pose a risk to public health. They will visit your premises to inspect it and ensure that you meet the current standards required by law. If they deem them not meeting these standards, they will issue you with an improvement notice. Pay attention to how your kitchen is fitted out making sure you use only the best materials for a professional clean finish such as hygienic cladding.
Plant-Based Alternatives Are Vital
One of the most significant trends in the foodservice industry is a move towards plant-based alternatives and dishes. Thanks to the rise in veganism and the popularity of celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, meatless dishes are becoming more prevalent on menus across the UK.
Various Order Options Are Key
Allowing customers to order in various ways, whether dining in or ordering takeaway, will be very attractive. Using apps for ordering for collection, delivery or in-house can speed up table service and reduce ordering mistakes. Having screens at tables to allow for easier ordering is becoming more popular, as well as offering order options via social media, Whatsapp, and traditional methods.
Home Delivery Needs To Be Available
The number of people opting for home delivery is on the rise. In 2017, about 18% of all foodservice sales took place through home delivery, and it’s estimated by 2022, that figure will have risen to 25%.
Customers want to enjoy their dinner with their family or on a night out without the worry of getting takeaway boxes or packing up after themselves. They’ll also be more likely to order from a restaurant if they can get it delivered to their door, especially if they’re in a hurry.
Employees Can Make All The Difference
It’s often said that good people are an essential ingredient in a successful restaurant. Unlike many industries, where companies can thrive with a skeleton staff, a restaurant needs to be passionate about food and willing to work hard. To attract great employees, you should create an environment that’s enjoyable to work in for all of your staff, not just the management team.
Know Your Competition
With more than 150,000 restaurants in the UK, it is clear that this industry is a competitive one. With so many well-established restaurants already running in the UK, knowing your competition well before launching your own business is worthwhile.
While you may be tempted to go head-to-head with a restaurant near you or with a chain of similar restaurants across the country, you should consider how much capital and resource you are willing to spend on marketing alone. Establishing yourself as a competitor takes time and money – if you’re not able to invest in these things, it might be best to start elsewhere.
Social Media Is Key
Social media is a must for any restaurateur in the modern world. You can post on your profile or set up a company account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. You can even launch your own YouTube channel and broadcast live to a broader audience.
You can use all these platforms to share updates with customers about what’s going on at your restaurant, as well as exclusive offers and menu items. Social media is also a way to interact with your customers – it gives them the chance to ask questions and get in touch quickly.
