Answers to common questions about running, modernising, and growing food businesses. Get clarity on operational challenges, finance, marketing, and legal essentials.
- What is the best way to modernise my restaurant kitchen?
Modernisation involves streamlining workflows, upgrading equipment, and implementing operational audits to improve efficiency and reduce costs. - How can I improve my menu profitability?
Menu engineering and development focused on high-margin items and customer preferences will boost profit while maintaining quality. - What licenses do I need to open a bar or restaurant in the UK or Spain?
Licensing requirements vary by location but typically include food hygiene, alcohol licenses, and health & safety certifications. - How can a hospitality consultant help my business grow?
Consultants provide expertise in business development, finance & strategy, market research, and operational efficiency to optimise your business. - What are the key factors to consider before selling my food business?
Valuation, exit strategy, operational audits, and ensuring the business is financially attractive to buyers are essential. - How do I create a successful social media marketing strategy?
Identify your target audience, create engaging content, and use analytics to refine campaigns for maximum impact. - What is involved in a restaurant operational audit?
An in-depth review of kitchen processes, staff performance, supply chain management, and financial controls to identify improvement areas. - How can I scale my fast casual restaurant effectively?
Focus on concept creation, brand consistency, operational systems, and market research to support expansion. - What are the costs involved in opening a new café or takeaway?
Costs include property rental, equipment, licenses, staff wages, marketing, and initial inventory, varying by location and size. - How do I attract investment for my hospitality business?
Prepare a comprehensive investor pack showcasing market research, financial forecasts, concept uniqueness, and growth potential. - What is the role of brand design in a food business?
Strong brand design creates identity, builds customer loyalty, and differentiates you in a competitive market. - How can I reduce food waste and control costs?
Menu engineering, portion control, supplier negotiation, and staff training are key strategies to minimise waste. - What digital tools can help run my restaurant more efficiently?
POS systems, inventory management software, social media marketing platforms, and scheduling tools improve operational control. - How important is market research in hospitality?
Critical for understanding customer demographics, competitor analysis, and identifying new opportunities for growth. - What is menu engineering and why does it matter?
Menu engineering analyses item popularity and profitability to optimise offerings and maximise revenue. - How can I use finance & strategy to improve my food business?
Budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning enable sustainable growth and informed decision-making. - What should I consider when developing a new food concept?
Customer needs, brand identity, location, menu development, and operational feasibility are vital. - How can contract chef services benefit my kitchen operations?
They provide flexible, skilled culinary support, helping maintain quality and consistency during peak periods or transitions. - What social media platforms are best for restaurant marketing?
Instagram and Facebook are essential, with LinkedIn and TikTok offering niche marketing opportunities. - How do I prepare my food business for sale?
Ensure clean financials, documented systems, operational audits, and strong branding to maximise business value.