You’ve Got This! (Except When You Don’t)
Why Smart Owners Hire Consultants"
Running a successful bar or restaurant requires more than just passion and perseverance. While these traits are vital, knowing when to seek expert help can be the difference between struggling and thriving. Drawing from years of experience transforming operations in bars and restaurants of all types—from high-volume establishments to fine dining institutions—we’ve identified common scenarios where consulting support makes the biggest impact.
Key Moments to Hire a Consultant
1. Leadership Transitions
In today’s competitive hiring market, finding and retaining qualified bar managers, general managers, and beverage directors is a growing challenge. Leadership transitions can disrupt operations, but a consultant can help ensure stability.
What a Consultant Can Do:
Maintain operations during leadership gaps
Train new team members effectively
Develop comprehensive bar guides and employee handbooks
Create standardized recipes and procedures
Establish lasting service standards
2. Opening a New Location
From concept to opening day, launching a new location involves countless critical decisions. Professional guidance can streamline this complex process and set the foundation for long-term success.
Consultant Support Includes:
Developing menu concepts and pricing strategies
Designing efficient kitchen and bar layouts
Tailoring operational systems and procedures to your service style
Training the opening team
Setting up vendor relationships and supply chains
Optimizing kitchen workflows
Establishing inventory and cost-control systems
Building a strong service culture
3. Bar Operations Need a Reset
If sales are declining despite steady foot traffic or staff turnover is high, it’s time to bring in fresh eyes. Common warning signs include:
Inconsistent service quality
Growing complaints about speed of service
Inventory discrepancies
Strained vendor relationships
How a Consultant Can Help:
Diagnose operational inefficiencies
Improve kitchen and bar efficiency
Revamp menu concepts
Train staff to deliver consistent quality
Enhance profitability through optimized systems
4. Launching or Rebranding
Starting fresh or rebranding can be an exciting but risky venture. Expert input can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure alignment with your concept and target audience.
Consultant Contributions:
Tailored beverage programs (high-volume service to artisanal cocktails)
Specialized cocktail menus (classic to modern innovations)
Curated wine and beer programs
Coffee service enhancements
Bar layout and workflow optimization
Inventory management and point-of-sale systems
5. Boosting Event Revenue
Events can be a major revenue driver, yet many venues struggle to maximize this potential. Empty spaces during prime hours or underperforming events are clear signs that it’s time for a strategic overhaul.
Consultants Can:
Develop an events pipeline
Create compelling event packages
Train your team for seamless execution
The ROI of Hiring a Consultant
Hiring a consultant is an investment, but the cost of not seeking help when needed can be far greater. A skilled consultant doesn’t just address immediate problems—they provide tools, training, and systems that deliver ongoing value. Consider these factors when evaluating whether it’s time to bring in outside expertise:
Are current issues affecting your reputation or bottom line?
Have internal solutions been unsuccessful?
Do you need specialized expertise for a specific project?
Would professional development benefit your team?
The Takeaway
The most successful bars and restaurants recognize the value of expert guidance. Whether you’re addressing specific challenges or looking to elevate your operations, a consultant can provide the perspective, knowledge, and systems needed to succeed. Don’t wait until problems escalate. The best time to seek help is when you notice persistent issues or opportunities for growth. With the right partnership, you can transform challenges into opportunities for excellence.
