Star Pubs & Bars is introducing a programme of professional menu development tools and initiatives to help grow food sales and profits for its licensees.
The company says that the complexities of menu development are underestimated by the vast majority of the leased trade and that many pubs could benefit from focusing on this area and adopting more sophisticated techniques.
At the centre of the new programme is a menu development workbook and training guide, tailored to the unique challenges of pubs – the first of its kind in the industry. There is also additional training for new licensees, one-day master classes for existing Star operators and an investment of £20k in free menu production for 100 pubs. Star is also upskilling its BDMs in this area with a two-day practical course.
The materials have been created by a group of experts in pub menu development including chefs and licensees who are leaders in the field. The master classes are delivered by similar specialists.
The programme brings a scientific approach to menu development to help licensees uncover the right food strategy and menu for their business. Content includes: understanding demographic reports and competitor analysis; selecting suppliers and products; costing, writing and producing menus and new menu training and marketing.
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director for Star Pubs & Bars said: “Customers expect great quality food as well as value for money when they step inside a pub. They are also spoilt for choice when eating out so menus have to be brilliantly designed and delivered. With 30% of sales on average coming from food in Star pubs, professional menu development can generate significant extra footfall, sales and profits and boost sales of beer, cider and wine too.”