In the latest episode of Lead the Way by Landscapes Golf Management, Calli Hough, Food and Beverage Manager at Pacific Springs Golf Club, shares her top five strategies for increasing profitability in the food and beverage department.
1. Encourage Call-Ahead Orders: Calli suggests placing signs to remind customers to call ahead and order food while making the turn. Promoting higher-margin items like cheeseburgers over hot dogs is a simple way to increase profits.
2. Upsell on Beverage Carts: Train beverage cart staff to ask customers if they’d like to upgrade their drink to a double, which can significantly boost revenue per transaction.
3. Stay on Top of Inventory: Conducting weekly inventory checks and managing par levels ensures you always know what’s on hand, preventing over-ordering or shortages.
4. Hold Weekly Staff Meetings: Regular meetings with staff can provide valuable insights into customer preferences. For example, Calli noticed the rising popularity of transfusion cocktails and adjusted the offerings accordingly.
5. Build Strong Vendor Relationships: Maintaining a good rapport with food and liquor vendors allows you to negotiate discounts, special pricing, and even free products—further improving your bottom line.
With these practical tips, golf clubs can enhance their food and beverage operations and increase profitability.
