Human Capital Solutions for Restaurants in the Digital Age

Welcome to the digital age, where restaurants are not just competing on food and service, but also on their ability to attract, retain, and manage their workforce effectively. The restaurant industry, already known for its high turnover rates and operational complexities, is now facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of technological advancements and the recent global pandemic. In this blog post, we delve into the innovative human capital solutions being provided by companies like Blanket, which are helping restaurant operators navigate these turbulent times. We'll explore the strategies and tools available to help restaurants not only survive but thrive in this new digital landscape. And, of course, we'll tie everything back to our latest podcast episode, Human Capital Solutions in a Digital World | Season 2, Vol. 1: Blanket, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Jacober, the founder and CEO of Blanket, about these very issues.

Introduction: Restaurants in the Digital Age - A Human Capital Crisis?

The restaurant industry has always been a dynamic and demanding sector. However, the rise of digital technologies and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic have created a perfect storm, exacerbating existing challenges and introducing new ones. Restaurants are now grappling with issues like online ordering and delivery platforms, increased competition, changing customer expectations, and a severe labor shortage. These challenges are not just operational; they strike at the core of a restaurant's human capital – its people.

Traditionally, restaurants have relied on manual processes for hiring, training, scheduling, and managing their workforce. This approach is no longer sustainable in today's fast-paced digital environment. The reliance on outdated methods has led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and a decline in employee morale. Consequently, restaurants are struggling to attract and retain qualified staff, leading to a human capital crisis that threatens their long-term viability. Finding innovative ways to manage and optimize human capital is essential for restaurants looking to succeed in the digital age.

The Hospitality Hangout Podcast: Season 2, Vol. 1 - Blanket

Our podcast, The Hospitality Hangout, is dedicated to exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the restaurant industry. In Season 2, Vol. 1, we focused specifically on the human capital challenges facing restaurants and the innovative solutions being developed to address them. We were thrilled to have Michael Jacober, the founder and CEO of Blanket, as our guest. Michael shared valuable insights into the current state of the industry and how Blanket is helping restaurants overcome their human capital challenges.

This episode provided a deep dive into the strategies and tools that restaurants can use to optimize their workforce, improve employee engagement, and ultimately enhance the customer experience. It's a must-listen for any restaurant operator looking to stay ahead of the curve in today's competitive market.

Meet Michael Jacober: Founder and CEO of Blanket

Michael Jacober is a seasoned entrepreneur and a thought leader in the restaurant technology space. As the founder and CEO of Blanket, he is passionate about helping restaurants overcome their human capital challenges through innovative technology solutions. Michael brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the restaurant industry to his role at Blanket. His vision is to empower restaurants with the tools they need to attract, retain, and manage their workforce effectively.

Michael's insights into the unique challenges faced by restaurant operators are invaluable. He is a strong advocate for the use of technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the employee experience. His expertise is evident in the design and functionality of Blanket's human capital solutions, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of the restaurant industry.

Blanket's Innovative Human Capital Solutions for Restaurants

Blanket offers a comprehensive suite of human capital solutions designed to help restaurants streamline their operations and optimize their workforce. These solutions encompass everything from recruitment and onboarding to scheduling, training, and performance management. By leveraging technology, Blanket helps restaurants automate key processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve employee engagement.

One of the key features of Blanket's platform is its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing restaurant systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) and payroll software. This integration allows restaurants to centralize their data and gain a holistic view of their operations. With real-time insights into labor costs, employee performance, and customer satisfaction, restaurant operators can make data-driven decisions that improve profitability and efficiency. Blanket's innovative approach is transforming the way restaurants manage their human capital.

Addressing Restaurant Operator Challenges During the Coronavirus Crisis

The Coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on the restaurant industry, forcing many restaurants to close their doors temporarily or permanently. Those that have managed to survive are facing unprecedented challenges, including reduced capacity, social distancing requirements, and a shift towards takeout and delivery services. In this environment, managing human capital effectively is more critical than ever.

Blanket has been instrumental in helping restaurants navigate these challenges. Their solutions enable restaurants to adapt quickly to changing conditions, optimize staffing levels, and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. For example, Blanket's scheduling tools allow restaurants to adjust staff schedules based on real-time demand, minimizing labor costs and maximizing efficiency. Additionally, their training modules can be used to educate employees on new safety protocols and procedures, ensuring compliance with health regulations.

Furthermore, Blanket helps restaurants maintain employee engagement during times of uncertainty. Their communication tools facilitate seamless communication between management and staff, keeping employees informed and connected. By providing clear and consistent communication, restaurants can alleviate employee anxiety and foster a sense of teamwork and collaboration. Blanket's human capital solutions are a lifeline for restaurants struggling to survive during the Coronavirus crisis.

Strategies and Tools for Restaurant Success in the Digital World

To thrive in the digital age, restaurants need to adopt a proactive approach to human capital management. This involves implementing strategies and tools that enable them to attract, retain, and manage their workforce effectively. Here are some key strategies and tools that restaurants should consider:

• Embrace Technology: Invest in technology solutions that automate key processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve employee engagement. This includes tools for recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Focus on Employee Engagement: Create a positive and supportive work environment that fosters employee loyalty and motivation. This includes providing opportunities for growth and development, recognizing and rewarding employee achievements, and promoting open communication and feedback.
• Invest in Training: Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help employees improve their skills and knowledge. This includes training on new technologies, customer service skills, and food safety protocols.
• Use Data to Make Decisions: Collect and analyze data on labor costs, employee performance, and customer satisfaction to make informed decisions about staffing levels, training programs, and operational improvements.
• Adapt to Changing Customer Expectations: Stay abreast of changing customer expectations and adjust your operations accordingly. This includes offering online ordering and delivery services, providing personalized customer experiences, and leveraging social media to engage with customers.

By implementing these strategies and tools, restaurants can create a competitive advantage and position themselves for long-term success in the digital world. Blanket is a valuable partner in this journey, providing the technology and expertise that restaurants need to thrive.

Key Discussion Points from the Podcast Episode

During our podcast episode with Michael Jacober, we covered a wide range of topics related to human capital solutions in the restaurant industry. Here are some of the key discussion points:

• The impact of technology on the restaurant industry and the need for restaurants to embrace digital solutions.
• The challenges of attracting and retaining qualified staff in a competitive labor market.
• The importance of employee engagement and creating a positive work environment.
• The role of training and development in improving employee performance and customer satisfaction.
• The use of data to make informed decisions about staffing levels, training programs, and operational improvements.
• The importance of adapting to changing customer expectations and providing personalized customer experiences.
• How Blanket is helping restaurants overcome their human capital challenges and thrive in the digital age.

These discussion points provide valuable insights into the key issues facing restaurant operators today and the strategies they can use to address them. We encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode to gain a deeper understanding of these topics.

Branded Strategic Hospitality: Supporting the Restaurant Industry

The Hospitality Hangout podcast is brought to you by Branded Strategic Hospitality, a company dedicated to supporting the restaurant industry. Branded Strategic Hospitality provides a range of services to help restaurants succeed, including consulting, marketing, and technology solutions. Their mission is to empower restaurants with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today's competitive market.

Branded Strategic Hospitality's commitment to the restaurant industry is evident in their sponsorship of The Hospitality Hangout podcast, which provides valuable insights and information to restaurant operators. By supporting the podcast, Branded Strategic Hospitality is helping to educate and inform restaurant professionals about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.

Episode Credits: The Team Behind the Hospitality Hangout

The Hospitality Hangout podcast is a collaborative effort, involving a talented team of professionals who are passionate about the restaurant industry. The team includes:

• Hosts: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

Each member of the team brings their unique skills and expertise to the podcast, ensuring that it is informative, engaging, and entertaining. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication.

Conclusion: Thriving in the Digital Age with Human Capital Solutions

In conclusion, the restaurant industry is facing unprecedented challenges in the digital age, particularly when it comes to managing human capital. However, with the right strategies and tools, restaurants can overcome these challenges and thrive. Companies like Blanket are providing innovative human capital solutions that enable restaurants to streamline their operations, optimize their workforce, and improve employee engagement.

By embracing technology, focusing on employee engagement, investing in training, using data to make decisions, and adapting to changing customer expectations, restaurants can create a competitive advantage and position themselves for long-term success. We encourage you to listen to our podcast episode, Human Capital Solutions in a Digital World | Season 2, Vol. 1: Blanket, to learn more about these strategies and tools and how Blanket is helping restaurants navigate the digital landscape. The insightful conversation with Michael Jacober offers valuable perspectives on how to address the pressing human capital challenges and build a thriving restaurant business in this dynamic era. By embracing innovative solutions and prioritizing their workforce, restaurants can pave the way for a successful future in the digital age.