Embracing Change: How to Keep the Hospitality Industry Strong in Shifting Times
A 3 min read.
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So, I've been diving into what's cooking for the future of the food industry and I don’t like it.
Future trends of the industry include; the utilization of robots to prepare guacamole, multi-story parking structures accommodating drive-through lanes, the adoption of self-order kiosks for placing orders, and the use of conveyor belts to deliver food directly to customers.
Here in Tucson, I'm seeing new to-go-only fast food joints and coffee spots popping up. I can't quite figure out if I'm suffering from FOMO or just missing out on the whole customer service vibe.
It's evident that our society is shifting towards prioritizing convenience over experiential aspects, and this evolution is raising concerns for the future of the hospitality sector. These thoughts ignited my desire to begin researching our upcoming hospitality experience in an unfamiliar town.
Tyler and I decided to spice things up for our 16th wedding anniversary by heading over to Flagstaff last weekend. It was our first time in the city, and, naturally, our plans revolved around hitting up the absolute gems on the local restaurant scene. You know, the ones flaunting mouthwatering menus, raving reviews, and even nods from the James Beard Foundation.
Our vacation equation is pretty simple: just as much passion for exploring new menu items as we have for teeing off on uncharted golf courses or blazing trails in untamed wilderness.
For us, dining isn't just about satisfying our taste buds; it's woven into the fabric of our travel experience. It's where we bump into interesting characters, engage in spirited conversations about an industry that has our hearts, and unexpectedly cross paths with folks who seem like long-lost friends of friends.
It's like an interactive classroom where we learn about the local harvest, listen to tales of culinary concoctions inspired by chefs' ancestral roots, and get a sneak peek into their creative process. More than that, these eateries are our windows into vibrant cultures that burst to life every evening through music, inviting ambiences, thoughtful decor, tantalizing flavors, and top-notch service.
Our escapades around Flagstaff gifted us with a series of delightful moments. We indulged in carefully crafted mocktails tailored to our taste preferences (I lean towards a negroni, while Tyler's a paloma enthusiast), sinking into plush chairs with pink velvet upholstery and basking under the glow of gold light fixtures at a charming restaurant. We treated ourselves to scrumptious homemade toasted milk gelato and were pleasantly surprised by a handwritten note celebrating our anniversary.
The real magic, however, was in the finer nuances. We reveled in observing the staff meticulously arranging our plates, skillfully mixing our mocktail elixirs, and setting the stage for the next courses with precision. Amidst the bustling dance of the dining room, they remained ever-attentive, not only tending to our needs but also engaging in conversations about must-try restaurants and trails begging to be explored. It was like watching a symphony unfold, where every note and movement harmonized to create an unforgettable experience.
I get it, the operation of full-service restaurants is a challenging and costly endeavor. It demands a dedicated team and extensive training to seamlessly orchestrate all the intricate elements required for a flawless dining experience. Nonetheless, there's an undeniable beauty in taking a moment to slow down, savor multiple courses, and relish them in an artfully curated environment.
In these times, full-service restaurants are in need of our unwavering support more than ever.
Our efforts are crucial in ensuring that these establishments can:
Cultivate a robust profit margin, guaranteeing that operators can earn a sustainable income and lead fulfilling lives.
Foster an ambiance and vitality within the dining space that entices guests to return time and again.
Nurture business expansion, enabling them to retain their valuable team members and pave the way for professional growth opportunities.
Extend employee benefits that enable restaurants to compete effectively with other industries.
By championing foot traffic, we play a pivotal role in fortifying the vitality of these restaurants and preserving the enriching experiences they provide.
Here are ways you can support local restaurants:
Choose local dining or takeout over fast food to back community eateries.
Spread the word about your dining escapades on social platforms to rally support.
Pen down a review when you're thrilled with your experience, shaping future patronage.
Snag gift cards as presents to pave the way for future enjoyment.
Restaurants aren't merely places to dine; they're havens of creativity, engagement, and human connection. They accompany us in commemorating life's most cherished milestones and crafting indelible memories. For those of us who treasure the art of hospitality, it's our duty to safeguard and champion its essence.
Christin
