Standalone Restaurants Can Shine with Unique Dining Concepts and Personalized Service: Amar Ohri
By : Reshmi AR
Update: 2024-06-28 07:27 GMT
In a candid conversation with Amar Ohri, Executive Director of Ohri's Group, we delve into the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the Indian hospitality and food industry. Amar Ohri shares his insights on the significant trends shaping the industry over the next decade, from technological advancements and sustainability efforts to the rise of wellness tourism and personalized guest experiences. He also discusses the unique strategies employed by standalone restaurant chains to differentiate themselves from hotel-based establishments, the critical role of technology in enhancing the dining experience, and the importance of culinary innovation and menu engineering. Furthermore, Ohri highlights the key challenges faced in managing standalone restaurants, the impact of food delivery services, and the initiatives undertaken to promote sustainability. Through a blend of tradition and modernity, Ohri's Group continues to set the standard for excellence in the competitive restaurant industry.
What are the most significant trends you see shaping the hospitality and food industry in the next 5-10 years?
The Indian hospitality and food industry is set for significant transformation over the next 5-10 years, driven by technological advancements such as AI, IoT, and digital payments, alongside a strong push for sustainability with green practices and farm-to-table movements. Health and wellness trends will see a rise in wellness tourism and healthy menu options, while personalization through data analytics will enhance guest experiences.
Experiential hospitality, including cultural and adventure tourism, will gain traction, complemented by the growth of boutique and lifestyle hotels. Enhanced hygiene protocols post-pandemic, the rise of the sharing economy with platforms like Airbnb, culinary innovations blending traditional and global flavours, and expansion into tier-II and tier-III cities will further shape the industry. Blending tradition with modernity will continue to be in vogue due to consumer demand.
How do you think standalone restaurant chains can differentiate themselves from hotel-based restaurants and stay competitive?
In this highly competitive market, competition is everywhere. Therefore, in order to set yourself apart, it is vital to have a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP). For example, a standalone restaurant chain can differentiate itself from hotel-based restaurants by creating unique dining concepts that offer authentic experiences. Additionally, they can form local partnerships to obtain high-quality ingredients and prioritize personalized service to cultivate customer loyalty. Furthermore, employing innovative online marketing tactics can effectively showcase their distinct identity and draw in a devoted customer following.
What role do you see technology playing in enhancing the dining experience and improving operational efficiency in standalone restaurants?
I believe that technology plays an essential role in elevating the dining experience and optimizing operational efficiency in standalone restaurants. By embracing digital innovations such as advanced reservation systems, mobile ordering platforms, customer relationship management tools, and kitchen automation solutions, standalone restaurants can enhance service delivery, streamline operations, personalize interactions with guests and customer satisfaction.
How do you stay ahead of the curve in terms of culinary innovation and menu engineering in your restaurants?
In order to maintain a competitive edge in terms of culinary innovation and menu engineering at our restaurants, we focus on various key strategies. These include staying up-to-date on food trends, market demands, and consumer preferences to discover new ingredients, cooking methods, and menu styles. We also promote a collaborative culture, regularly update our menus, and actively seek feedback from customers to tailor our offerings to their needs.
Additionally, we prioritize sustainability by using locally sourced ingredients and offering health-conscious menu options to meet the increasing demand for ethical dining choices and healthier food. Technology integration is also a crucial aspect of our strategy. By implementing these approaches and taking a proactive stance towards culinary innovation and menu engineering, we strive not only to meet but surpass the changing expectations of our guests, and uphold our position as a leader in the competitive restaurant industry.
What strategies do you employ to create a unique and engaging customer experience in your standalone restaurants?
We focus on key strategies to create a memorable customer experience at our standalone restaurants. This includes offering unique culinary options and creating a special atmosphere that reflects our establishment's identity. Our team is trained to provide personalized and attentive service to enhance each guest's dining experience. Our diverse and innovative menu caters to various tastes, ensuring our offerings are always fresh and appealing. We also use social media to interact with customers, showcase our menu, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
How do you balance the need for consistency in a chain of restaurants with the desire to offer locally relevant and authentic experiences?
To ensure consistency across our restaurant chain while offering distinct and culturally significant dining experiences, we have implemented standardized menu items that are offered at all of our establishments. Furthermore, we have incorporated regional dishes and ingredients to cater to the preferences of the local community.
What are some of the key challenges you face in managing a standalone restaurant chain, and how do you overcome them?
Operating a restaurant chain presents numerous challenges, including high operational costs, staffing issues, competition, and the need for effective marketing. To overcome these obstacles, we employ cost-saving methods such as optimizing inventory, prioritizing employee training and incentives to reduce turnover, differentiating our offerings with unique menu items or exceptional service, and utilizing strategic marketing strategies like social media campaigns and loyalty programs to attract and retain customers.
How do you see the rise of food delivery and take-out services impacting the standalone restaurant industry?
There is a constant evolution of consumer behaviour and preferences. With the availability of food delivery apps, it has become more convenient to order food from the comfort of the home. However, this deprives the people of the unique experiences at the restaurant, hot food served directly from the kitchen and the impeccable service offered at restaurant. So, rise of food delivery and take-out services has impacted the way people live and eat. Although it has brought in convenience, eating out is all about experiences and the quality time spent with the loved ones, which cannot be provided with food delivery or take-out services.
However, this trend has ensured that standalone restaurant industry has an enhanced focus on ambience, innovation in cuisines and how it is served to the food connoisseurs, to provide memorable experiences. At Ohri’s we rely heavily on harnessing technology to streamline operations and analyse consumption data of customers to conjure innovative dishes & delightful dining experiences, to encourage customers to visit restaurants more often.
What initiatives have you implemented to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact in your restaurants?
At Ohri's, we are deeply committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact through several key initiatives. We prioritize sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, implement comprehensive waste management protocols, and use energy-efficient appliances. Water conservation is achieved through low-flow faucets and rainwater harvesting systems, while eco-friendly packaging reduces plastic waste.
Our new locations adhere to green building standards, and we actively engage our staff in sustainable practices through regular training. Additionally, we offer plant-based menu options and participate in community environmental initiatives, reinforcing our dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and creativity among your chefs, bartenders, and other team members?
We foster a culture of innovation and creativity among our chefs, bartenders, and team members by encouraging continuous learning and experimentation. We provide regular workshops, culinary training sessions, and exposure to global food trends to inspire new ideas. Our open kitchen environment and collaborative team meetings allow for the exchange of creative concepts and feedback. Additionally, we incentivize innovation through internal competitions and recognize outstanding contributions, ensuring our team feels valued and motivated to push the boundaries of culinary excellence. This approach not only enhances our menu offerings but also keeps our team engaged and passionate about their craft.
What role do you see social media and online platforms playing in marketing and promoting standalone restaurants?
Social media and online platforms have become essential tools for marketing and promoting independent restaurants. They serve as effective means to enhance visibility, engage with customers and raise brand awareness. By utilizing platforms like Instagram and others, restaurants can effectively display their distinctive offerings, connect with a broader audience, and obtain valuable feedback.
Employing visually captivating content, targeted advertisements, and partnerships with influencers can significantly expand reach and entice customers. Through the effective utilization of social media and online platforms, independent restaurants can establish a robust online presence, attract new patrons, and ultimately foster business growth.
How do you measure success in your standalone restaurants, and what metrics do you use to evaluate performance?
Success in standalone restaurants is measured by evaluating revenue, profitability, customer satisfaction, average check size, employee turnover, food and labour costs, online reviews, repeat business, inventory management, menu popularity, and operational efficiency. These metrics provide insights into financial health, customer experience, staff morale, and operational effectiveness. We likely focus on revenue growth, unique dining experiences, employee satisfaction, operational excellence, and community engagement to gauge success across our all brands.