From Bartender to Business Leader: Jason Himber's Unconventional Journey

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Jason Himber's extraordinary career trajectory, a story that underscores the power of unconventional paths and the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. From his early days behind the bar to his current position as a driving force at the Mina Group, Jason's journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. In this blog post, we'll delve into the pivotal moments and lessons that have shaped his unique approach to leadership, offering insights into how he navigates the challenges and opportunities that define today's restaurant landscape.

This post expands on our latest Hospitality Hangout episode, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Jason himself. Be sure to check out the episode for the full interview and even more insights!

Jason Himber's Early Career: More Than Just Flipping Burgers

Jason Himber's entry into the hospitality world wasn't a meticulously planned ascent up the corporate ladder. It was a hands-on immersion, starting with the fundamentals. Think flipping burgers, mixing drinks, and engaging directly with customers. This foundational experience was invaluable, providing him with a visceral understanding of the industry's inner workings. It wasn't just about the tasks; it was about observing, learning, and absorbing the nuances of customer service, team dynamics, and the operational challenges inherent in running a restaurant.

His early roles weren't confined to the kitchen or bar. He also delved into the financial aspects of the business, gaining a solid grasp of budgeting, cost control, and revenue management. This dual exposure – operational and financial – proved to be a potent combination, laying the groundwork for his future leadership roles. It allowed him to see the business from multiple perspectives, understanding how each decision impacts the bottom line and the overall customer experience. Jason Himber’s path highlights that true leadership often stems from having a comprehensive understanding of every facet of the operation, from the most basic tasks to the most complex financial strategies.

Mina Group's Innovative Approach to Hotel F&B

The Mina Group has carved a niche for itself by reimagining the traditional hotel food and beverage (F&B) experience. Instead of offering generic, cookie-cutter dining options, they focus on creating unique, compelling concepts that cater to the specific needs and desires of hotel guests. This innovative approach involves a deep understanding of the hotel's brand, its target demographic, and the overall guest experience it aims to provide.

The group specializes in developing and operating restaurants that enhance the hotel's overall appeal, attracting both guests and locals alike. They don't just see hotel F&B as a necessary amenity; they see it as a revenue driver and a key differentiator. This philosophy has led them to create concepts that are not only profitable but also contribute to the hotel's reputation and brand image. By partnering with hotels, Mina Group acts as a specialist F&B operator. This often involves injecting much needed innovation and experience into previously underperforming hotel dining concepts.

Post-Pandemic Challenges and Opportunities in Hotel F&B

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the hotel F&B industry. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and changing consumer behavior forced hotels to re-evaluate their entire F&B strategy. However, amidst the challenges, opportunities emerged for those willing to adapt and innovate.

One of the biggest challenges was the shift in consumer preferences towards contactless service, outdoor dining, and enhanced hygiene protocols. Hotels had to invest in new technologies and processes to meet these demands. Simultaneously, the pandemic created an opportunity to rethink the traditional hotel F&B model, focusing on creating more flexible, efficient, and revenue-generating concepts.

For example, hotels are now exploring the use of ghost kitchens to offer a wider range of cuisines without the need for extensive kitchen infrastructure. They are also leveraging technology to streamline ordering and payment processes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall customer experience. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of these trends, forcing hotels to embrace innovation in order to survive and thrive in the new normal.

The Mina Group: A Plug-and-Play Partner for Hotels

The Mina Group has positioned itself as a "plug-and-play" partner for hotels, offering a comprehensive suite of F&B services that can be seamlessly integrated into existing operations. This approach allows hotels to outsource their F&B management to a team of experts, freeing them up to focus on their core competencies. The Mina Group can handle everything from concept development and menu design to staffing, training, and marketing.

The benefits of this partnership model are numerous. Hotels gain access to the Mina Group's extensive network of suppliers, chefs, and industry experts. They also benefit from the group's experience in creating and operating successful restaurant concepts. This can lead to increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, and a stronger brand image. Furthermore, the "plug-and-play" model allows hotels to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, as the Mina Group can easily adjust its operations to meet new demands and trends.

The Rise of Eater-tainment: Dining, Retail, and Entertainment Intersect

"Eater-tainment" is a growing trend that blurs the lines between dining, retail, and entertainment. It involves creating immersive experiences that engage customers on multiple levels, transforming a simple meal into a memorable outing. This can include live music, interactive games, cooking classes, or even retail components that complement the dining experience.

The Mina Group recognizes the power of "eater-tainment" and is incorporating it into its restaurant concepts. This allows them to attract a wider audience and create a more engaging and memorable experience for their customers. By combining dining with other forms of entertainment, the Mina Group is creating destinations that people want to visit again and again.

Generating Revenue with In-House Dining Concepts

Hotels have traditionally relied on third-party delivery services to supplement their in-house dining options. However, this approach often comes with high commissions and a lack of control over the customer experience. The Mina Group advocates for hotels to invest in their own in-house dining concepts, allowing them to retain more revenue and maintain greater control over the quality and service.

By creating compelling in-house dining options, hotels can attract both guests and locals, generating a steady stream of revenue. This also allows them to cross-promote their other amenities, such as the spa or the pool, creating a more holistic guest experience. Investing in in-house dining concepts is a long-term strategy that can pay dividends in terms of revenue, customer loyalty, and brand reputation.

Leveraging Tech Tools Effectively

In today's tech-saturated world, it's easy to get caught up in the latest gadgets and software. However, the Mina Group understands that the true value of technology lies in operationalizing it effectively. This means using tech tools to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.

For example, the Mina Group uses POS systems to track sales and inventory, loyalty platforms to reward repeat customers, and data analytics tools like Klaviyo and Power BI to gain insights into customer behavior. The key is to choose the right tools for the job and to integrate them seamlessly into existing operations. By leveraging technology effectively, the Mina Group is able to improve its efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a better experience for its customers.

Mina Group's International Debut: Talid in Saudi Arabia

The Mina Group is expanding its reach internationally with the opening of Talid, a Middle Eastern-focused Mediterranean restaurant in Derea, Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant milestone for the group, as it represents its first venture outside of the United States. Talid will showcase the Mina Group's commitment to culinary excellence and innovation, offering a unique dining experience that blends Middle Eastern flavors with Mediterranean influences.

The decision to launch Talid in Saudi Arabia reflects the growing demand for high-quality dining experiences in the region. The Mina Group is confident that Talid will be a success, attracting both locals and tourists alike. This international expansion is a testament to the Mina Group's vision and its ability to create successful restaurant concepts that resonate with diverse audiences.

Hot Takes: Instagram Specials, Breakfast-for-Dinner, and Loyalty Platforms

In a rapid-fire round of "Hot Takes," Jason Himber shares his thoughts on some of the latest trends in the restaurant industry.

• Instagram Specials: While visually appealing and potentially viral, Jason emphasizes the importance of ensuring these specials are operationally feasible and not just "Instagram bait." The dish needs to be delicious and efficient to produce, not just photogenic.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner: Jason is a fan, noting its comfort food appeal and versatility. He sees it as a great way to offer something different and cater to a wider range of tastes.
• Loyalty Platforms: Jason stresses the importance of gamification and engagement in loyalty programs. It's not enough to simply offer discounts; the platform needs to be interactive and rewarding to keep customers coming back. He specifically mentioned "Hot or Not," "The Spice is Right," and "Trivia Tuesday" as engaging game concepts.

Conclusion: Jason Himber's Vision and the Future of Hospitality

Jason Himber's journey from bartender to business leader is an inspiring example of how passion, hard work, and a willingness to embrace innovation can lead to success in the hospitality industry. His unique blend of operational experience, financial acumen, and creative vision has allowed him to transform the Mina Group into a leading force in hotel F&B.

His insights into the post-pandemic challenges and opportunities, the rise of "eater-tainment," and the importance of leveraging technology effectively provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in today's competitive market. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Jason Himber's vision and leadership will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping its future. His dedication to creating exceptional dining experiences and his commitment to innovation serve as a model for the entire industry. Listen to the full discussion in our latest Hospitality Hangout episode!