4 Reasons Why You Need a Hospitality Consultant

Joining the hospitality industry is one of the most rewarding experiences entrepreneurship can offer. Creating a space for people to gather and socialize empowers your community and enables you to become a happy fixture in their lives. There’s nothing more intimate than a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and have a good time. However, many obstacles can appear on the path to launching a hospitality venture, which is why you don’t want to navigate it without a consultant.

In order to get to the finish line within budget, satisfy all of Minneapolis and other cities in Minnesota codes and regulations, and execute your project in style and quality, these are four reasons you’ll want to ensure an expert is guiding the path forward.

1. Anticipate Problems Before They Happen

The most successful restauranteurs and hoteliers have decades of experience. Newcomers don’t realize how expensive tackling a project via trial and error can be. A consultant can analyze the scope of your project and the work being done and anticipate problems before they start to affect your bottom line.

For example, if you’re purchasing an existing restaurant to convert into a new establishment, before purchasing the new location you should inspect the kitchen equipment - does it have the equipment your menu needs? Do you have a type I or type II commercial hood? Is your plumbing aligned to fulfill the Minneapolis Department of Health’s sink requirements for commercial kitchens? How can you maximize the furnishing layout to fit the most customers? What kitchen equipment brands come with the best warranty?

A commercial consultant’s value is not just in the answers they have but in the questions that they know to ask to ensure smooth sailing and long-term success. In other words, they’ve been there, done that.

2. Access a Network of Trusted Manufacturers, Contractors, and Professionals

Experience doesn’t just come with knowledge but with a rolodex of trusted contacts. Commercial consultants have a phone book of trusted professionals for every need of your project that they can recommend.

In sports, a team is only as good as the efforts of every individual player, and one person can be the difference between taking home the win. Likewise, tackling a project like opening a restaurant in the Twin Cities doesn’t precisely require home runs. However, one underperforming party can delay the completion of the entire project.

Also, the quality of services or goods depends on mutual trust. A consultant will spare you the headache of choosing the wrong provider, and often, they will recommend tailored to your specific needs and vision.

3. Project Management From Start to Finish

Commercial consultants aren’t just handy for feedback; they can take a more hands-on approach and manage the entire project, overseeing permits, remodeling, furnishing & equipment selection, and various other needs.

Contier takes this to the next level in Minneapolis with our partner companies Global Realty Society and MCC Kitchen, Bath, & Closet Renovations. We can manage the project while using the support of our partners who will help you choose the best location and handle the remodeling. We’ll make sure to complete the project with the most trusted product manufacturers in the industry. Not to mention guaranteeing competitive pricing on an apples-to-apples comparison.

Whether it’s your first or seventh commercial venture, project management gives you the two most lucrative components of business: time and peace of mind.

4. Setting Realistic Budget and Timing Expectations

Many contractors, vendors, and sales professionals have the bad habit of promising the sun and moon to close a deal. They’re worried about making the sale first and logistics later. Of course, the majority of them might mean well, but they often fail to analyze the big picture and break it down into all the moving parts.

Hiring a consultant doesn’t just guarantee an advocate in your venture but someone who’s not afraid to be honest and help you set realistic expectations. They can analyze proposed plans from every team member and pick up on what makes sense and more realistically, where you need to readjust your expectations.