Having the right chef in your kitchen is a priority when you are a hospitality business owner. Your chefs determine the customers’ experience. They manage the kitchen processes and rate of order fulfillment. However, the rise in hospitality services demand is making it impossible to find experienced chefs. So, going for an agency chef is becoming the only option.
Many experienced chefs are now running their agencies. This means that they only work on a contract basis and no longer considering permanent opportunities. While you might have adequate chefs in your business, you might need to go the agency way at times.
However, booking a chef on these agencies is crucial. But when should you do it? Here are some instances when you need to book a chef from an agency:
When your guests require specialty An Agency Chef is Key
Sometimes, you receive guests in your restaurants. These guests might not be conversant with your dishes on your recipes. Also, your kitchen staff might not have some knowledge of the guest’s preferred recipes.
When this is the case, you will need to get a temporary chef to serve these customers. Recruiting one can be a tedious job. Also, you do not want to engage a staff who will be idle later. The best way out is to get a chef from an agency. You can book the chef a few weeks before your guests arrive to avoid any inconveniences.
When operating a seasonal hospitality business
Some hospitality businesses are seasonal. For instance, your business might be operating only during the summer and holiday peak seasons.
When this is the case, hiring permanent workers would be expensive. You will need to pay them even when your business is not running. Also, it will always be a challenge recruiting new staff each time you re-open your hotel. Working with an agency chef can resolve such issues.
The agency ensures that you have chefs ready to work in your kitchen any time you re-open. If you have a preferred chef, you can book them in advance. This way, you will save money and keep your business running smoothly during the peak seasons.
You want to try new menus in your restaurant
No doubt, new menus can bring an exceptional experience and grow your business. Introducing new recipes can attract a new breed of customers and enhance your sales. However, you need a chef with such expertise to train your kitchen staff.
Instead of taking them to culinary training, you can offer on-the-job training by hiring a chef from a reputable agency. Most of the agency chefs are hospitality professionals with vast experience in different culinary practices.
Again, they will work on a contractual basis, meaning you won’t spend extra expenses on allowances and other employment benefits. So, booking one can be an excellent idea when introducing new menus to your restaurant.
When you have a shoestring balance
Certainly, staff compensation is among the highest expenses in any business. The hospitality industry is not exceptional. The workers’ expenses can take up to 40% of your budget. Essentially, you might not be able to hire experienced chefs. But this should not deny you from utilizing their expertise.
When your budget is low, booking an agency chef can be a good idea. The chef will work on a temporary basis, meaning you will only pay them for the hours worked. You will not take care of their statutory and healthcare requirements. So, even with a fixed budget, you can afford to have an experienced chef working in your kitchen. Find out how much an agency chef costs.
In a word, agency chefs bring a lot of experience that can transform your business. However, you need to book them in advance. If your business meets the above conditions, it is time to consider contacting a reputable chef agency in your area. If you are in Bristol consider getting in touch with The Chef Tree Agency.
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