Do you need an f&b consultant?
This is the first instalment of a three-part series designed to help you understand if you need an F&B (Food & Beverage) consultant, what that consultant can do for you, and how to choose the right consultant for your business.
'Perfection is lots of little things done well' - Marco Pierre White
Moreover, it takes much more than being able to cook a great meal for your friends and family to run an F&B venture. It's a business, and like with any industry, knowledge is power.
Because running a successful F&B business today means mastering both the kitchen and the chaos.
The more data, experience and network you have access to, the greater your ability to influence positive outcomes for you and your business.
This is where the expertise, guidance & connections of an F&B consultant can be a game changer.
What is an F&B consultant?
An F&B consultant is a seasoned industry expert with a wide network and deep expertise on F&B businesses, trends & best practices. You want to know what the correct answer to questions that are vital to the success of your venture or vision? They have it.
What does an F&B consultant do?
They help you see what you can't. A great F&B consultant brings insider knowledge, creative strategy, and operational expertise to the table - helping restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, QSRs, and even real estate developers turn vision into viable business.
Whether you're launching a brand, fixing a menu, training a team, boosting footfall, or expanding locations, a consultant offers the clarity, connections, and critical thinking you need to move forward - faster and smarter.
In the most simple terms, they help your F&B business run smoothly and profitably. Their services can include:
Research & Concept Development
Location & Space Management
Menu Engineering
Training & Operations
Branding & Marketing
Brand Audit
When do you need an F&B consultant?
You are an existing owner looking to improve your business: If you think only industry newcomers need a consultant's help, think again! F&B consultants aren't just there to get you up and running-they give you that competitive edge that sets you apart.
In a world where diners have endless options, their expertise can help you attract more customers and keep them coming back. No matter how seasoned you are in the industry, a consultant brings a fresh perspective, helping you sidestep the common pitfalls that can sink even the best restaurants.
You are looking to start a fresh new F&B venture: There are many elements that have to come together perfectly in order to deliver a great dining experience to the customer. Today, F&B ventures need to have an original concept, 'Instagramable' ambience & elements, innovative menu, warm service, optimized costs, smooth operations, great crockery and cutlery and much more, in order to attract customers.
With so many moving parts, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you are new to the format/industry and your investment & goals are on the line.
So, why go in alone when you can have an expert by your side from the very beginning? Having them involved from the start helps you leverage their expertise and make informed decisions. You can drastically improve your success rate, fine-tune your budget, and ensure a smooth launch.
You don't have the right team in place to solve a problem: For example, you want to add desserts to your menu, but your chef doesn't specialize in pastries. Instead of a patchwork solution, you can bring in a consultant to create the menu and upgrade your staff. The best part? Consultants are not permanent hires, so you get access to the best expertise without the time, investment and effort of hiring and training a new team.
We know it can be daunting, trusting someone to help you achieve your vision that you may have had for a while. But that's what we do best! We look at the food and beverage industry through your lens, keeping your vision, ideas and end goal in mind. We as consultants, want to make sure that every one of our clients has a strong presence in the market, and most importantly - security of longevity in this ever-evolving market.
Conclusion
In a fiercely competitive market, the right F&B consultant isn't just an added expense - they're a strategic investment with outsized returns. Whether you're starting up, scaling up, or simply stuck, having expert guidance can mean the difference between a venture that fizzles out and one that thrives.
Curious about what a consultant can actually do for you? Read this article for a deeper dive - or explore our services page to see how we work with brands like yours. If you're ready to take the next step, just get in touch - we're happy to help.
