Five Tips for Creating an Effective Beverage Program

Creating an effective beverage program is so much more than simply ordering coffee, tea and soda. The right beverage mix complements your menu, adds to your customer's experience and boosts sales.

Whether you are just opening a restaurant, café or kiosk, or want to make your business stand out these tips can help you create a unique beverage program that keeps your customers coming back time and time again.

Know Your Customers
Today's customers have an endless variety of beverage options. You must what is most important to your customers. Are they looking for great flavor combinations? Do they want to customize their beverages? Are they interested in sustainably sourced options?

Answering these questions will help you determine whether you need:

• Flavored coffees and tea blends with on-trend variations

• A variety of flavored syrups and different creamer options

• A classic or specialty coffee with sustainability certifications

Identify Your Strongest Day Part
Look at your hours of operation and overall business concept. What time of day is your busiest? What time of day do you want to grow?

Within each day part, look at what food items are your most popular. Knowing this information will help you decide whether you need:

• Traditional and specialty coffees which pair well with breakfast items.

• Cold brew, cappuccinos and iced coffees which work well with mid-day and early dinner meals.

• Specialty coffees and teas which can be used to create cocktail or mocktail beverages.

Define Your Brand
Think about how you present your business. Do you create unique, one-of-a-kind sandwiches? Do you specialize in tapas or a specific ethnic food? Is your brand trendy and contemporary?

Identifying your area of specialty and brand will help you decide whether you need:

• Coffees and teas a barista or bartender can customize and make unique to your menu.

• Blends and flavors which pair well with spicy, sweet, acidic or other specific food flavors.

• Coffees and teas which reinforce your brand, either through the coffee brand's persona or through certifications like organic, Rainforest Alliance or fair trade.

Set Yourself Up for Success
Consumers today want to be served quickly and efficiently, while also demanding quality and variety. Is your equipment set up properly? Is your staff properly trained?

Reviewing your beverage options and equipment will help you determine if you need to:

• Make your beverage menu more compact and balanced with your food offerings.

• Secure new, or additional equipment.

• Train your servers and staff on using all of your beverage equipment and preparing special drinks.

Partner With the Right Beverage Provider
You spend your time building your business and providing the type of food and service that will motivate your customers to return. It's important your beverage provider is a collaborative partner who provides consistent service and delivery, while suggesting innovative ideas, perfect coffee and tea blends and on-trend products.

Your beverage supplier should:

• Have a complete portfolio of coffees, teas, syrups, creamers, sweeteners and other accessories available.

• Provide equipment and regularly perform maintenance checks on it.

• Deliver your order, rotate and assess your inventory and neatly stock ordered items.

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