ALEXANDRIA, Va. – When it comes to in-store growth opportunities, all signs point to foodservice. And with shrinking margins across some of the industry’s more traditional categories (tobacco and fuel, for example), it can be tempting to focus on the immediate ROI of a foodservice program. But according to industry experts, without a long-term strategy and cultural commitment that starts at the top, operators may risk getting lost in the tactics rather than building a successful program for the long term.
“Shared vision is critical, especially at the CEO and executive level,” said Jack Cushman, Ph.D, executive vice president of food services for Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes, during yesterday’s NACS CAFÉ webinar, “What Every CEO Should Ask about Foodservice.”
Both Cushman and his co-presenter, XS Solutions Inc. President Joe Chiovera, emphasized the importance of building a strong foodservice culture. The free hour-long webinar focused on the role of the CEO in leading change when it comes to launching, maintaining and growing the foodservice offer. Cushman and Chiovera introduced — and answered — eight questions essential for all CEOs to ask when it comes to foodservice operations.
- What is your foodservice platform today? (And why?)
- How do you grow? Evolve and/or reinvent?
- What is your strategic plan for foodservice? Where do you see growth? Does your culture support this? Does your infrastructure support this?
- What is your core offer?
- What are the key metrics that determine your foodservice success?
- Does your labor allocation support your focus?
- How often do you reconcile your foodservice strategic plan with your P&L?
- How do you keep your pulse on consumer foodservice behaviors and trends?
The presenters emphasized that while it is impossible to establish a one-size-fits-all strategy for foodservice, it is a certainty that commitment must begin with the CEO and must be consistently built into the company culture.
“Convenience stores as an industry like to jump ahead, we start growing horizontally before we start growing vertically,” said Chiovera. “It’s essential to take the time up front to build a strong foundation for your foodservice offer. It may be boring, but it’s the best thing that helps build toward the future.”
Considering these essential questions will help put any foodservice operation on the right path. More than 175 individuals registered for the free webinar, and a PDF of the presentation is now available here.
Visit nacscafe.com for information on upcoming webinars and in-person training opportunities, including next month’s “Advanced Foodservice Strategy Program” in Dallas. The two-day, power-packed program, will teach you how to analyze successful foodservice operations and apply best practices to avoid common foodservice pitfalls.