OUR HOSPITALITY CONSULTING PROCESS:
What can blueprint do for you? If you’re just getting started, we offer an 12-16 weeks new concept development process that will ensure you are armed with the tools to move forward with your new venture, boasting a documented strategy created just for you.
If you’re up and running, but not as profitable as expected, we offer a 3-day operations assessment that will pinpoint improvements to your business and ensure its ongoing success.
PROCESS MARKETS PERFECT
ESTABLISH GOALS
We meet with you at your operation to understand the needs, goals and challenges of your business.
IMMERSION
We review your standard operating materials, sales mix, recipes, profit and loss sheets, sales information and guest reviews (online and in-house) to understand the operating standards as they are defined.
SITE VISIT
We review your standard operating materials, sales mix, recipes, profit and loss sheets, sales information and guest reviews (online and in-house) to understand the operating standards as they are defined.
STRATEGY
Upon the conclusion of the visit, we provide a debrief of initial findings and conduct a discussion of ways to improve operations and overall performance of the restaurant through proven strategies. If desired, we can conduct a full planning session with stakeholders as an optional service.
DOCUMENTATION
We draft a report identifying both challenges and actionable steps for improvement and efficiency. Together, we review your report and determine how to implement the recommended improvements.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER USING A RESTAURANT CONSULTING FIRM?
These engagements typically begin when restaurateurs realize they have obstacles to overcome that they can’t tackle on their own or when they want to implement major changes to the business.
Here are some cases in which you might consider hiring a consultant for your restaurant:
YOU WANT TO OPEN A NEW RESTAURANT
While we started with a focus on restaurants looking to expand, it’s totally valid to seek professional assistance before you open your restaurant. If you have enough cash, you may want to hire industry experts from the outset to set your business up for success – rather than changes when you’re already established. Working with experienced restaurant consultants can help your restaurant get well past that first-year hurdle.
YOU WANT TO EXPAND THE RESTAURANT WITH NEW LOCATIONS
Growing your business by adding more locations is a major decision that requires a lot of money. A consulting firm can research where your concept would work best so that you can optimize new locations.
Perhaps your restaurant is doing well on the east coast and you want to expand to the west. Consultants could test audiences and find that Midwest customers would be more receptive to the concept than west coasters. Think of how much money you could save by learning this before setting up shop!
YOU WANT TO COMPLETELY CHANGE CONCEPTS
Whether you’re rebranding your restaurant or taking over from previous management and want to give the company a facelift, it can be challenging to change concepts. In fact, we think it might be even more challenging to pivot an existing restaurant than
it is to open a brand new one. A restaurant consultant can test your current concept against new concept ideas to help you make a decision that will set you up for the most success.
YOU WANT TO EXTEND THE BRAND
Hiring a restaurant consulting firm is a smart decision when you want to expand your offerings beyond foodservice and begin offering products or services.
Let’s say that your XYZ restaurant is a big hit in Orlando and you want to expand the business by offering catering or a proper delivery system. Consultants can look at the competition for you, explore viability, and provide a strategy that will help your business grow carefully.
YOU WANT TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY AT YOUR RESTAURANT
Consulting firms can do a variety of projects to help your restaurant optimize efficiency and profits. Perhaps your profit margins aren’t as high as those of other restaurants in your area. You can hire a firm to audit your operations to see where you’re losing money. They can advise you on where to cut costs or what you should charge more for!
YOUR RESTAURANT IS EXPERIENCING HIGH STAFF TURNOVER
The restaurant industry has a big problem with retaining staff. A consultancy can help you figure out why the talent you hire isn’t staying for the long haul and even help you hire the right talent. Many restaurant consulting firms even offer hiring and training services.