As a business owner or manager, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, sometimes overlooking opportunities for improvement that are right in front of us. This is where bringing in an outside consultant can make all the difference. With a fresh perspective, I can identify areas for enhancement, suggest "out of the box" ideas, and help ensure your business is not just meeting standards but exceeding them.

A Case Study

During my recent visit to a hotel chain’s on-site restaurant, I was tasked with observing, monitoring, and reporting back to corporate on whether the business was adhering to their specifications and standards. My role as a consultant is not just to identify areas for improvement but to validate what’s working well and provide constructive feedback on areas that need attention.

Key Insights

1. Perception vs. reality:

Let’s talk ticket times. It’s one thing to think your kitchen is running smoothly, but what do the actual numbers say? By comparing perceived ticket times with the actual data, I was able to identify significant discrepancies and suggest actionable steps to align expectations with reality.

Future Impact: Guest Satisfaction scores.

2. tools for growth:

Staying informed about industry trends and resources is crucial, not just for operational efficiency but also for training and leadership development. During this visit, we talked about how the books Unreasonable Hospitality and Renegade Server can be used to provide fresh insights and strategies to elevate service standards, enhance team training, and develop leadership skills within the organization. By integrating these tools into daily operations, businesses can foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, empowering their teams.

Future Impact: Improve retention, drive engagement, increase sales (and tips!).

3. Validate vs. Change:

Sometimes, it's reassuring to know that you’re on the right track. Not all feedback is about change—often, it’s about affirming that good work takes time to show significant, positive results. My assessment validated many of the practices already in place, reinforcing that the business was moving in the right direction. This external validation can be the catalyst needed to drive meaningful improvements.

Future Impact: Improved banquet sales and increased community involvement.

Through detailed documentation and photography, I provided a comprehensive site visit report, complete with recommendations for improvements and validation of existing practices. This holistic approach ensures that the business continues to grow and evolve while maintaining the high standards expected by corporate and customers.