Perhaps more than any other industry, the after-effects of the recent pandemic continue to impact the food service industry, where consumer expectations for ultra clean dining and kitchen spaces remain higher than ever. Addressing these elevated expectations while also trying to navigate today’s difficult operating environment – including staff shortages, wage pressure, and rising food and supply costs – is proving a major challenge for even the savviest operators.
These issues were top of mind among attendees at the recent 2023 RFMA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. KBS was at the conference, offering insights on how food service professionals can better manage these challenges through outsourced facility solutions, including kitchen and equipment cleaning, front-of-house detailing, snow removal, landscaping and more.
If you were unable to attend the conference, here are three key advantages of outsourcing facility services that were discussed:
1. Managing Labor Shortages
In the face of current challenges, the restaurant industry is projected to grow this year in terms of revenue and employment opportunities. Some 84% of consumers said that going out to a restaurant with family and friends is a better use of their leisure time than cooking and cleaning up, according to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association. However, finding dependable and skilled labor in the current environment has proven to be challenging. Even when all scheduled staff are present, they can be stretched thin, especially when tasked with additional responsibilities such as cleaning. To address the labor challenge, many restaurant chains are turning to trusted facility service providers like KBS to manage their cleaning and exterior maintenance from an outsourced perspective. As a national provider, KBS has access to national labor resources and advanced technology to ensure the highest standards possible. By avoiding the costs and complexities of in-house cleaning teams, restaurants can save money and resources that can be redirected towards other areas of the business.
2. Meeting Enhanced Cleaning Expectations from Consumers
In today's digital age, the power of the consumer voice is stronger than ever before. A single negative review about cleanliness can spread quickly across online platforms, potentially damaging the restaurant’s brand reputation, and driving away potential customers. With 90% of consumers using online reviews to inform their dining decisions, according to one restaurant industry vendor, it's become critically important for restaurant owners to prioritize cleanliness to meet patron expectations, especially in this post-COVID environment. Some chains have even fully embraced these heightened expectations and even made cleanliness part of their brand value. This is the case for a South Florida-based health food chain that turned to KBS for support in managing the cleanliness of its 20+ locations. The chain’s heavily white color scheme was integral to its brand message that its healthy food is prepared in an ultra-clean and safe environment. Understanding the importance of a maintaining a spotless image for this client, KBS designed a tailored program and deployed skilled cleaning professionals to every one of its locations, ensuring its brand integrity and ongoing success.
3. Increased Transparency and Accountability
Technology has transformed the way we work, and the facility services industry is no exception. Providers like KBS can leverage proprietary digital technology and innovative equipment to not only expand productivity for interior and exterior service programs, but to provide better transparency and accountability across locations (both regionally and nationally). For example, via its core KBSForce technology platform, clients can get access to real-time operations data and visual dashboards that provide details on daily attendance, the status of work orders, and completion of cleaning tasks. It also includes granular inspection reports that include photos, comments, and ratings on each area. This data and reporting gives restaurant and food service leaders increased visibility into cleaning processes and ensures that the same high-quality standards are being met across multiple sites.
To talk with one of our facility service experts, please request a quote.
