By: Vic Pichette Owner of U.S.B.S. “The Hospitality Consultants” of Rhode Island
It doesn’t matter what type of restaurant or nightclub you own, you may be in some serious trouble in the upcoming years. In a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics titled how the economic slowdown has changed consumer spending in America dated Oct 25th 2011. It states that Americans are spending less on clothes and eating out, and more on household fuel bills and healthcare. This is not the only problem. We are heading towards $5.00 for a gallon of gas which brings up the costs for liquor, food, goods, etc. Add to the fact that unemployment is over 10%, and most people are making less and needing more, and the hospitality industry is poised to take a big hit in the next few years.
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Now comes the really bad part. On top of all that, consumers have a large variety of entertainment venues to go to, and in most cases within a fifteen mile radius. And the big corporate restaurants chains have entered the scene and are taking a huge bite out of the profits of the regular restaurants. Why, because they understand how to cut costs, add value and outstanding service for an affordable price.
So what can you do to save your business and thrive in this down economy?
Take a lesson from the chain restaurants, and start looking at how you can make changes to your business from what it is, to what it must be to survive.
“The days of the consumer going to high priced restaurants or nightclubs because it’s the hip place to go are long over. And if you’re not providing outstanding customer service, you can kiss your business goodbye. We now live in a whole new reality when it comes to the attracting new business” says Vic Pichette, Hospitality Consultant and owner of U.S.B.S. a Hospitality Consulting firm located in Rhode Island. Consumers want lower prices, outstanding service, and a great customer experience. The trick for the restaurant or nightclub owner is to be flexible, smart and aggressive when it comes to attracting new customers and staying profitable. They must also watch and understand the economy and new trends, or they will be run over by the competition who understands this. And if your business is not internet savvy, you’re in trouble. The problem is most cases, is that the owners of restaurants and nightclubs do not fully understand what to do to stay profitable in this very difficult economy.”
Pichette adds, “Change can be a very difficult thing for many owners. Sometimes it’s ego’s that are getting in the way, but in many cases they simply don’t know what to do, or where to turn, to learn what is needed to survive in a bad economy. Getting your business to be profitable in the future is not difficult; you just need to know what to do and be willing to make some serious changes.”
Pichette says, “To get a better understanding of where you currently are and where you need to be to survive in the future, you must first have your business assessed by a team of professionals who fully understand what to look for and have the knowhow to take your business from where it is, to where it must be to survive in the future.”
Pichettes’ Company U.S.B.S. (U.S. Bar Spotters) offers unique services for the hospitality industry. “One of the most important things that a restaurant or nightclub owner can do, is have their business covertly assesses over a period of several days. With over 25-years’ experience, we instinctively know what to look for. We report our findings and offer suggestions on ways to make improvements. This is where it all starts, and is an inexpensive way to get a true understanding of where your business is today, and where you need to be to stay successful. From that point on, we can be hires to assist in making the necessary changes.”
Pichettes company also offers Bar Spotting Services, Secret Dining Services, and Restaurant and Nightclub Consulting. In addition they teach training classes, and have a full design service.
You can reach U.S.B.S. by calling Vic Pichette at 401-225-4104 or visit WWW.USBARSPOTTRS.COM for more information. All consultations are free.
U.S.B.S. is a proud member of The Rhode Island Hospitality Association
