There is certainly a journey to go from being the visionary behind a restaurant, bar, or cafe to becoming the actual owner or, more fittingly, with all due respect, a restaurateur.
So, what is needed for this journey?
In everything I can think of, or at least when it comes to business, three components are essential: People, tools, and processes. Perhaps this perspective explains why I am drawn to technology and business consultancy. I just can't resist!
Alright, the time to embark on this journey or set yourself on the right path for it is now.
As Andrew Carnegie famously said, "The first one gets the oyster, the second gets the shell".
So don't hesitate, take action now. Or as the saying goes, time is of the essence, and there's no better time than the present. In this article, we will focus on tools (or systems) and processes. The people are already known. That's you - and perhaps a trusted team!
Tools for Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
So, once your vision and team are assembled, you will have processes to get work done and will therefore need tools to manage said processes and produce the intended results - happy customers and a happy staff.
But it's challenging to determine which tools to select for your trade. And how do these tools form a complete and cohesive system when they're disjointed?
The short and incomplete answer is to opt for cloud-based tools. Now, you might ask, what is the complete answer? Yes, employ cloud-based tools, but ensure they are seamlessly integrated so that you have what is referred to as a system. A system that functions for and supports your business, whether it's a restaurant, bar, or cafe.
Most systems will primarily focus on a single function, such as POS or table reservations, or perhaps both. But what about excelling in these areas and integrating with the back office of your business, such as inventory, purchasing and accounting, where management oversees and implements profitable and experiential adjustments?
Here are the tools or systems you'll need, organized into a coherent, what we'll call, Restaurateur's Drawer, or complete system. Yes, it's a comprehensive list, but it's achievable. Later on, we'll delve into the Restaurateur's Drawer to demonstrate how everything is brought together (although, of course, there's always more to the magic).
1. Point of Sale (POS) System
An interface for seamless service, enabling order entry, pausing/launching orders, splitting payments, and more. Compatible with various devices such as tablets, desktops, laptops, smartphones, and kiosks. Offers automatic synchronization of offline payments upon reconnection.
2. Self Ordering System (optional but nice)
Empowers customers to place orders and handle payments independently, either through kiosks or their smartphones, reducing the workload on waitstaff.
3. Seamless Order Preparation Display
Displays orders for preparation, ensuring staff know exactly what to prepare and when. Multiple displays can be set up for the kitchen and bar, facilitating smooth service.
4. Reservations and Floor Management Software
Provides real-time floor plan management, allowing staff to promptly attend to tables needing assistance, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and table turnover rate.
Now for the back office...
5. Inventory Management Software
Enables real-time tracking and management of food and beverage inventories, eliminating the need for manual paper-based processes. Supports simultaneous inventory updates from multiple locations and provides access to authorized users.
6. Staff Scheduling Application
Utilizes cloud-based scheduling tools to streamline weekly staff scheduling tasks, integrating with POS systems and offering features like budgeting, forecasting, and accommodating employee requests.
7. Purchasing Software
Offers comprehensive procurement solutions, from RFQs to receipts, integrated with accounting systems. Facilitates customizable procurement rules, automated purchase agreements, and comparison of product lines to secure the best prices.
8. Accounting Software
Accountant productivity is at the core. With groundbreaking technology to help simplify business operations, including real-time accounting that is available anytime, anywhere. Make sure you are getting features such as AI-powered invoice recognition, synchronization with your bank accounts, and smart matching suggestions to minimize manual data entry tasks.
Finally, The Restaurateur's Drawer
Finally, let's explore The Restaurateur's Drawer. The restaurateur juggles various roles (from chef to manager to aficionado of stylish headgear), but why wear multiple hats when you can stick to your favorite one? Why juggle with disconnected tools (as mentioned, there are 8 listed above) that don't form a complete and seamless system?
Great, but how to bring all these tools together?
In the upcoming video, you'll witness the magic of an integrated system, all hosted on the cloud. With this setup, owners, managers, staff, and customers can all focus on what they do best. So, without further ado, let's peek inside the renowned Restaurateur's Drawer.
Start Today, Get a Restaurateur's Drawer
From the front desk to every station in the kitchen, each aspect of a restaurant, bar, or cafe has its unique requirements that should seamlessly integrate with the rest. After all, it's one establishment, and it should operate as such. With SPRUCE Solutions powered by Odoo, you can transform your operations into a seamlessly orchestrated experience.
See how Odoo can work wonders for your business. Schedule a free consultation with our experts today and discover the power of an all-in-one solution.