Standing out from the crowd

At a hospitality event, we spoke to restaurant owners and discovered the three biggest problems in the industry. Read our blog to find out what they are.
Amanda Poetker
 • 
May 2022
4 min read
Trail stand at a fair

We know all too well how difficult it can be to stand out from the crowd, especially as there is so much to gain by getting ahead of the competition. It’s harder than ever to establish a unique identity. We found ourselves in direct competition with other stands to get attention from event attendees. Of course, we knew that we needed to set ourselves up as a brand that stands apart — one that does something different for the industry.

So, we quite literally plastered one of hospitality’s biggest problems all over our stand walls.

Paperwork. �

Hospitality paperwork
We’re very aware of how much you hate all of those folders, files and post-it notes, and wallpapering our stand with paperwork was certainly attention-grabbing! Our visitors recognised just how ridiculous it is that companies are still running on outdated systems and inefficient processes.

Holding up a mirror to the industry

By demonstrating that we understand the biggest problems and providing a solution to them, we could open up meaningful conversations with many attendees.

Simply by talking to restaurant owners and operators, our team identified three main recurring themes.

1. Paper-based operations management isn’t working

The problem with paperwork is that it is time-consuming. Printing, filing, and chasing signatures all take up your precious time — not to mention the sheer agony if you make a mistake and need to start all over again!

It is also a cost heavy practice, both in terms of resources and labour; paperwork is distracting you and your staff from your customers.

We are all far too familiar with forms that seem to have mysteriously disappeared from our desks. Or what about those documents that manage to get lost in transition between departments, never to be seen again?

We recognise those frustrations; once upon a time, they were our frustrations.

2. Everyone is looking to technology for more efficient operations

Many operators, large and small, are looking for a means to make their staff and operations more productive, and they are looking to new technology to provide the solution.

Understandably, there are difficulties in initiating change. Cost implications are always a crucial consideration, and there is a discernible risk factor involved. Even if you could guarantee a seamless transition, when do you have the time to implement a complete integration of new systems?

3. Brands still have big ambitions

Operators are growing in defiance of a challenging economy and impending staff shortages. Yet, effective growth and change management can be particularly challenging to manage when you are juggling scalable growth, with keeping costs to a minimum and staying in control of the process.

Trail makes operations effortless; our system replaces paper, increases visibility and makes the working day easier. We’re boosting staff productivity across the sector so that you can get back to doing what you love the most — focusing on your customers.

Hospitality staff using digital checklists

Looking to the Future

Exhibitor events are always insightful experiences, particularly for our industry, which moves at such a fast pace. We love the chance to network, but also feel that events provide the perfect opportunity to take stock of the current climate of the industry, and get a feel for current and upcoming trends.

Despite the challenges that lay ahead, we are seeing huge ambition, optimism, and a resolve to adapt in the face of adversity from the operators we have spoken with.


What customers are saying

"I f****** love Trail, it's taking my businesses to the next level."
Josh Paterson
Owner
"We rarely provide training to our guys, they just bought into the idea straight away. I love that I have a full visual of everyone's activity in front of me."
Katrin Toots
Compliance Manager
“It’s not a paper diary that’s covered in barbecue sauce. We have clarity over what’s done in our sites and are confident going into our audits.”
Jay Brown
Operations
“The EHO visited almost every site last year and every store was given a five star rating."
Jay Brown
Operations Chef
"We turned our Costa Checks and various compliance forms into regular tasks on Trail, which has contributed to some of the best scores we have had."
Delroy Daniels
Operations Director
"Our teams love it, it gives our managers of all levels absolute clarity on what they need to achieve every day."
James Brown
Operations Director

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