Supply Chain Matters |
Welcome to 2015, the
year that moderate energy prices increased consumer spending; even as
the millennial generations' craving for junk food gives way to better
food choices. Keep in mind, they just learned via Twitter
that testosterone replacement therapy has been perfected and life
expectancy is now 87.45 years!
Depending on your
industry segment, your competitor’s changes in menu or service style to gain the profit or competitive advantage can be subtle; like fast food restaurants hiding the condiments, your favorite pub downsizing the personal size pizza or that national bar
and grill chain adding a take-out charge to your take-out order. Expect more of
the same in the New Year.
As industry
consultants we are lucky enough to work several "hot" emerging chains with unique menus and trend setting concepts. We work with them to source new items, develop contracts and manage the supply-chain process. Future restaurant chain leaders will find 3 basic ways to reach the teen to twenty something age group; social media, healthy offering and olfactory sensations. This kicker this year these basics have found there was into the QSR and Fast Casual segments.
Gone are the days where double size-it promotions, $2.00 off coupons, and 36 oz sugar cola's can draw new customers, especially for the "Homeland" generation.
Segment Movers for 2015
·
Fast Casual concepts with
continue to fight each other for market share. And, innovators like Anthony Pigliacampo at Modmarket Farm
Fresh Eateries (Denver )
and Ron Siegel of Chickpea
International (NYC) will continue to focus on fresh, healthy and
tasty fare, while offering real dining value.
·
Casual Dining giants that serve
up more of the same seafood and Italian dishes year after year will
continue to struggle, closing stores faster than they can remodel.
Real growth in this segment does not come easily, primarily because the
competition is keen and emerging chains can move faster
and offer more exciting menu dishes.
·
QSR restaurants may
outpace all segments in increased profits, partly because they are starting to
think "green and healthy" and mostly because the Affordable Healthcare Act in
2015 will force them to reduce non-management staff working sub-30 hour weeks.
This unfortunate (ha ha)
situation does offer many operators an opportunity to pocket this
political cash gift since they don't have to pay insurance.
Distributors Are No Longer Price Friendly
Not even the Wall
Street Journal knows why
Sysco’s purchase of U.S. Foods has been delayed. Let’s accept the
fact that it's hard to turn the Queen Mary even in calm waters, as Super-Cube downsizes sales and support staff.
What operators really need to watch out for is Machiavellian category management programs from some distributors that restrict open market purchases and distort the true cost of goods. If you are not
controlling 80% of what you spend through direct manufacturer contracting, you need to retain a professional purchasing support service. If you have a home-grown management mentality, then at least consider using an outside audit service to manage price-compliance within your supply chain.
Your Foodservice Career
2015 will be the best year since 2005 for you
to break into management, get promoted, change companies or retire from you day job and open your own foodservice business.
This year the “hot
chain” concepts will add culinary to develop or refine new taste experiences and there is always a need
for experienced restaurant operations managers willing to work long-hours and relocate
to new growth markets.
If you have the what it takes, make your move
between March and May, the best months in the year to land that new career opportunity!
Why not make your New Year's resolution to stay current with your industry by attending a trade show, taking a
professional improvement course, work smarter-not harder, then “pay it forward" by sharing your knowledge,
experience and passion for this great industry with the next generation of
foodservice professionals.
To Your Success in the New Year!
Fred
Fred Favole, is Founder & President of Strategic
Purchasing Services (SPS), America ’s most experienced
consulting firm specializing in foodservice purchasing management. Ask Fred
about a solution for your business; P: 912-634-0030, e-mail:
ffavole@hotmail.com