Food

Hotel guests love breakfast—especially if it’s free.

That’s a bedrock principle of hospitality. “In the mid-tier segment, brands that offer complimentary breakfast consistently have occupancy rates that are 2 to 3 percentage points higher than those that don’t and had more than double the RevPAR growth over the past five- and 10-year periods,” research by CBRE has found.

However, the rising price of food and labor are making some operators rethink their approach. The question on their minds: Is there a way to keep costs low and guest satisfaction high? Here’s how to get started.

Look at your breakfast bar with fresh eyes. 

When the meal on offer is the same every morning, it’s easy to overlook declines in quality or hiccups that slow service. Take some time to observe the guest experience and check your breakfast bar appliances to see if everything is functioning well. 

• Is a line forming at the coffee urn? Maybe it’s not brewing fast enough, or maybe it’s too small. Here’s how you know it’s time to upgrade your commercial coffee urn. 

• Is the toaster toasting evenly? Does the finish look clean and shiny, or smudged and corroded? A consumer-grade toaster can’t stand up to heavy use; a commercial four-slot toaster is a better option. 
• Is everything labeled clearly? 
• Are baked goods fresh and appetizing?
  

Add a waffle maker to the breakfast bar. 

Hampton by Hilton is one of the world’s largest lodging brands, with almost 350,000 rooms and locations in 43 countries. What’s the secret to its success?

In a word: Waffles. For decades, Hampton’s brand reputation has been boosted by its beloved DIY waffles, a reliable presence at the breakfast bar. As Bloomberg reported, “it costs a US Hampton franchisee less than $5 per occupied room to furnish this cornucopia, but to a family of four, the perceived value is closer to $50, or roughly one-third of the average cost of a nightly stay.”

There’s something universally appealing about a hotel waffle maker. The result is always hot, fresh, and made just to guests’ liking. It ticks the sustainability box, too, because waste is minimal. So what’s the best commercial waffle maker to add to your breakfast bar or hotel kitchen? Take a look at the new Hamilton Beach Commercial Belgian Waffle Maker. It features:

• Removable PFAS-free ceramic nonstick plates that are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup 
• Adjustable browning control 
• Speedy baking, making up to 25 waffles per hour (because no one likes waiting in line) 

Provide the extras that make breakfast feel special. 

Plain oatmeal? Boring. Oatmeal with brown sugar, dried apples, and coconut? That’s special.

Pancakes with syrup? Boring. Pancakes with whipped cream and chocolate syrup? That’s special.

Memorable hotel breakfast bars include items that are flavorful and unexpected. Think local hot sauces, flavored syrups for coffee, specialty teas, or rainbow sprinkles. The cost to provide these is low, but the impact on guest satisfaction is high.

Accommodate guests’ dietary restrictions. 

If the only vegan breakfast options are dry toast and a bruised Red Delicious apple, you’ll end up with some disappointed guests. If you have vegan butter and plant-based milks, on the other hand, you’ll win their loyalty for life.

Here’s a secret hotel operators should know: The Numilk® Commercial Machine is the effortless, affordable way to make exactly as much fresh plant-based milk as you need, while minimizing storage space and waste. See how it works.

Other breakfast bar options for special diets include sugar-free syrup, packaged gluten-free baked goods, and lactose-free milk.

Implement a strategy to cut breakfast bar food waste. 

Did you know that buffet breakfasts generate more than twice as much waste as plated breakfasts? To reduce food waste (and save money in the process), use these proven strategies:

• Decrease portion size. If guests are only nibbling on the jumbo muffins, make them mini instead.  
• Decrease plate size. 
• Offer more made-to-order dishes, such as waffles and omelets. 
• Add signage encouraging guests to join you in reducing waste. 
  

Hamilton Beach Commercial is the quiet powerhouse behind top kitchens across the globe. Discover our full line of hospitality foodservice products known for their reliability, durability, and smart design: Shop now.