☀🌴Sizzling Summer Hospitality - Opportunity or Meltdown?

Welcome back to another thrilling edition of "On The House" - the newsletter that serves up topics hot as a pizza oven.

Now, let's dive right in and stir up some hospitality commotion, shall we?
This week on our 3-minute menu :

 The Freelancer Fiasco - Table Hogging Dilemma

Ah, freelancers, those elusive creatures who drift in and out of our establishments like nomads in search of a paycheck. But here's the burning question: How do we handle these talented yet sometimes table-hogging individuals without turning our hospitality haven into a Wild West showdown?

On one hand, freelancers provide much-needed flexibility and expertise, swooping in to save the day during busy shifts. On the other hand, they can occasionally take it upon themselves to hog tables, leaving regular staff in a state of frustrated disbelief, cause let’s be honest, nobody is waiting on those tables(pun intended) It's like a battle of the waitstaff titans!

Finding balance is key. Establish clear communication and expectations from the get-go. Set boundaries early and make sure everyone understands the importance of teamwork. After all, we're all in this together, fighting the good fight against hungry customers and unexpected beer spills.

Preparing for Summer Slumber - Not-So-Busy Days

Ah, summer—the season of sun, sand, and... sluggish business? As the temperature rises, so does the challenge of keeping the cash flow going during those not-so-busy days. But fear not, my fellow hospitality aficionados, for I have some insights to help you beat the summer slump.

First and foremost, embrace creativity. Think outside the box and come up with enticing promotions and events to attract both locals and tourists. From themed nights to exclusive offers, give people a reason to leave their beach towels and seek refuge in your establishment.

Secondly, leverage technology. Embrace online marketing, social media,viral videos and targeted advertising to reach potential customers. Let them know that your place is the ultimate oasis from the scorching heat, complete with refreshing drinks (hint: people crave more vitamins during summer e.g. special mocktails, cocktails, sangria) and a delightful ambiance that has the best AC in town.

And finally, don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Encourage your satisfied customers to spread love and share their experiences. A positive review or recommendation can work wonders, even during the sleepier summer days.

 Homegrown concept offering new world cuisine opens its doors at City Walk

Obeli, a new all-day dining destination recently opened its doors at City Walk. It is the brainchild of Emirati businesswoman, Aisha Al Tamimi, whose design and project management company, Studio Untitled, was responsible for bringing the vision to reality.

“Obeli has been a passion project for me for the last few years. I can’t wait to see guests enjoying our delicious food and warm hospitality in our beautiful new space,” said Al Tamimi.

Plus for a homegrown expansion, minus for a casual dining scene. Is it getting oversaturated by this point?
Let’s see, usually, it crystalizes after a year or two, we wish them the best of luck in a highly competitive environment such as City Walk

Pro Tip of the Week: Unleash the Power of Personalized Service

In a world of automation and digitalization, it's easy to forget the power of personalized service. Take a step back from the screens and focus on creating genuine connections with your guests. Remember their preferences, surprise them with thoughtful gestures, and make them feel like they're the VIPs of your establishment. Coming back to summer and not-so-busy days, you have a chance to create more meaningful connections with your guest and do be creative and don’t talk about the weather, it’s a restaurant, not a news channel. After all, a little extra effort can go a long way in creating unforgettable experiences and you never know who has that deep tipping pocket 🙃.

That's a wrap for this week's edition of "On The House." We hope you enjoyed the thought-provoking discussions, the latest hospitality trends, and the dose of humor we sprinkled in. Stay sharp and keep making waves in the industry with your hospitality prowess. Until next time, keep hustling and stay awesome! Cheers!

The cherry on top….

Weekly Angry Chef Meme