R&D Proposal Doc
Food & Beverage Menu
R&D Purpose
R&D during the pre-opening phase aims to create a well-rounded, appealing, and operationally feasible menu that sets the foundation for a successful launch and long-term success. This involves careful planning, testing, and refinement to meet both business objectives and customer expectations.
Phase 1 (Tentative Date: 10 – 16/6/2024)
Purpose
The purpose of the Research and Development (R&D) in Phase 1 for the food and beverage menu during the pre-opening phase of the restaurant is to lay a solid foundation for successful operations and customer satisfaction.
Objective
Develop recipe
Creating and writing recipe cards
Foundation for chefs to understand the menu
Basis and foundation for SOPs and training material
Recipes to be keyed into hotel software (POS & Inventory)
Menu development
Identify and filter menu items that will be difficult to process in the beginning
Operational Efficiency:
Process Identification:
Streamlining kitchen operations and preparation processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
Equipment Utilization:
Optimizing the use of kitchen equipment to ensure it meets the demands of the menu items.
Culinary Techniques:
Experimenting with new cooking methods and ingredient combinations to enhance flavour and presentation.
Identify and Develop Supply Chain
An early R&D allows to filter menu items that would present challenges in procurement operations
Identify Vendors (Main & Backup) & develop Supply Chain processes
Finance
Pricing, Cost, & Projection
Recipe developed in Phase 1 provides the backbone for Menu Engineering
Cost & Menu Item Price can be identified
Accurate Financial projections can be done
Paired with actual number of seating at the restaurant, provides valuable insight, targets and goals
Sales & Marketing
Photos & short videos of chefs/bartenders developing the menu can be used as hype material for the location
Create visual stories of menu items
Creates hype around the menu items
Sustainability Practices
Eco-friendly Choices:
Incorporating sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in sourcing and packaging.
Local Sourcing:
Prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients to support the community and reduce environmental impact.
Budget Requisition
R&D Phase 1 scheduled for 10 days each (Food & Beverage)
Food = 500,000kip/day
500,000 x 10 = LAK 5,000,000
Beverage = 800,000kip/day
800,000 x 7 = LAK 5,600,000
Total Budget Requisition Phase 1 = LAK 10,600,000
Food & Beverage Menu
Phase 2 (Tentative Date: 17 – 30/6/2024)
Purpose
Finalization and realization of the menu as a whole, completing in design, pricing, photography and marketing material
Objective
Concept Finalization
Brand Identity:
Defining the culinary concept and theme that aligns with the brand identity and target market.
Signature Dishes & Beverages:
Creating standout menu items that reflect the restaurant's unique selling proposition and attract initial interest.
Operational Planning
Kitchen Layout:
Practice running an efficient kitchen layout that supports the preparation and service of the developed menu.
Staff Training:
Training kitchen and front-of-house staff on recipes, presentation standards, and customer service protocols. [How to sell the menu, menu item names, etc]
Supply Chain Management
Inventory Management:
Implementing inventory management practices to minimize waste and ensure ingredient availability.
Design, Marketing and Promotion:
Menu Presentation: Designing an attractive and easy-to-read menu that highlights key items and categories.
Photoshoot
Can be used as time for training staff members on menu item identification and serving
Promotional Strategy: Planning pre-launch marketing activities to generate buzz and attract initial customers.
Budget Requisition
**Budget requisition will depend on cost developed in Phase 1
**Budget will include photoshoot production (Maximum of 1 reshoot only)
Promotional Activity
**Once pricing and cost is identified:
1. Pop-ups (Limited item menu – Showcase mostly signature items)
a. Identify and collaborate with locales around VV and VTE
2. TA Dinners
a. Provide dinner for TAs that have good relationship with hotel
b. Potential TAs
3. Dinner Package
a. Set menu with beverage pairing
i. Bar in VTE
ii. ECH Restaurant
Overall Target/Goals
1. Menu Completed – Early/Mid July
2. Soft Opening – August onwards
3. Promotional Activities during soft opening
4. Training and development
5. Feedback and improvement
6. Grand Opening – October