Why a Great Manager is the Key to Your Business’s Success”
Why a Great Manager is key to the success of Bars and Pubs/ Restaurants are seeing business levels return to pre-pandemic norms, bringing a renewed sense of optimism. But, is everything as rosy as it seems?
A recent BDO seasonal consumer study shows a positive shift in the public's attitude towards dining and drinking out between Autumn 2022 and 2023.
This shift is particularly evident in projected spending for the next six months. This trend is encouraging for industry operators, especially as they look deep into 2024. It aligns well with key economic indicators like consumer confidence and household disposable income.
Growth potential is still strong across all age groups. However, the 35-64 demographic stands out as an area ripe for increased engagement. This presents a critical opportunity for businesses to develop strategies that resonate with this key segment of the UK market.
The UK Bars, Pub/ Restaurant industry has been battered in recent years by factors beyond its control. Unfortunately, 2023 was no exception. The sector faced stubbornly high inflation, rising interest rates, a cost-of-living crisis, and geopolitical tensions. These challenges continue to exert pressure on both businesses and customers.
The high inflationary environment has created behaviours akin to an hourglass economy where the premium and value end of the market receives the most traction, squeezing out the middle-income spending patterns.
Successful brands have used the current economic climate to re-engage with their core customer base and reaffirm their value proposition that initially propelled them to success.
Alternatively, new entrants into the market are strategically targeting distinct pockets of consumers (by generation, income or by a combination of the two) to cultivate a dedicated following.
This segues into the main subject matter and the importance of having an exceptional manager or figure head for your establishment.
The Importance of Exceptional Management
In these challenging times, having an exceptional manager at the helm of your bar or restaurant is more crucial than ever. But what exactly makes a great bar or restaurant manager?
A successful manager must possess a blend of essential skills and experience. They need to work seamlessly with staff to create a superior customer experience that keeps patrons coming back.
Moreover, strong leadership and a deep understanding of the industry are vital for any manager aiming to steer their bar to success.
Let's delve into the responsibilities and skills that define a top-tier bar/ restaurant manager.
Key Responsibilities of a Bar/ Restaurant Manager
Hiring and Staff Management
In most bars and restaurants, the manager is responsible for hiring and managing staff. While larger establishments might have dedicated HR personnel, this is uncommon in the industry. The manager typically handles advertising for new hires, firing when necessary, and overseeing the team's daily operations.
Inventory Management and Supplier Coordination
The manager also oversees inventory and supplier communication. While they may delegate tasks to bartenders or stockroom staff, the ultimate responsibility lies with them. Solid agreements and clear communication with suppliers are essential to avoid stock shortages and lost revenue.
Essential Skills of a Bar/ Restaurant Manager
Leadership
Great leadership is non-negotiable for a successful manager. They must inspire their team with a clear vision and lead by example. Experience in the bar industry is invaluable, allowing managers to relate to staff and customers alike. Setting goals, motivating staff, and exercising sound judgement are all part of the job.
Communication
Communication skills are crucial in a social environment like a bar. A manager must maintain open communication with staff, suppliers, and patrons. Effective communication ensures smooth operations and enhances the customer experience.
Organisation
An organised manager keeps everything on track, from staff schedules to supply deliveries. They oversee opening and closing routines, maintenance, and financial obligations. Organisation is key to ensuring that the bar runs smoothly.
Problem-Solving
Problems are inevitable in the bar industry. A great manager is resourceful and proactive, solving issues efficiently and implementing changes to prevent future problems. They don’t just react to challenges—they anticipate and address them before they escalate.
Industry Knowledge
Experience in the bar industry is essential. Even experienced managers from other sectors may struggle without it. Ideally, a bar manager has spent years as a server or bartender, gaining the insight needed to run a successful bar and connect with their team.
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Financial Management
Managing a bar's / restaurant finances extends beyond billing customers. The manager must balance the books, coordinate payments to suppliers, and cover all operational costs. Keeping a close eye on financial statements is crucial. It helps link daily operations with financial performance, highlighting areas for improvement.
Marketing
Attracting customers in a competitive market is one of the biggest challenges a manager faces. They’re typically responsible for creating and implementing marketing strategies, often handling social media and promotions themselves in smaller establishments.
Understanding the target audience and crafting appealing marketing campaigns are essential for hitting sales targets.
Customer Service
When issues arise, the manager steps in to resolve them. But great customer service goes beyond problem-solving.
While restaurants can sometimes make up for poor service with exceptional food, bars rely heavily on staff's ability to deliver what customers want.
Managers set service standards, ensure staff adherence, and use customer feedback to refine policies.
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Tips for Bar/ Restaurant Manager Success
Build a Strong Company Culture
A positive work environment is key to attracting and retaining talented staff. Encourage team members to have a voice in how the bar operates. When staff feel valued and challenged, they’re more likely to find their work rewarding.
Focus on Guest Experience
Keeping patrons satisfied is crucial. Address customer concerns swiftly and effectively. Remember, a bad experience can spread quickly, so it’s vital to turn any potential negatives into positives.
Invest in Staff Training
Ensure your team is well-trained and capable of handling multiple roles. Cross-training not only fills gaps in staffing but also helps staff appreciate each other's contributions, fostering teamwork.
Commit to Continuous Learning
The bar industry is ever-evolving. Ongoing education and professional development are essential for staying ahead. Encourage managers to pursue industry courses, certifications, and workshops to refine their skills and knowledge.
The Road to Success
Being a bar manager is demanding, but for the right person, it’s a rewarding career. It requires a unique mix of skills, experience, and dedication. Great managers push themselves to continually develop and meet the challenges of the job head-on. In doing so, they create thriving businesses that stand the test of time.
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