Len Panaggio, Beverage Consultant
By Len Panaggio
As we spring into April, we are all hopeful that this month’s showers will yield more than just May flowers. While there aren’t any major national holidays, there are a few celebrations that could yield a bump in your business.
Easter, despite not being a national holiday, does benefit us as a whole, from Easter brunches and dinners to families needing lodging in our hotels. This year, it is rather late: Sunday, April 20. Make sure you’re staffed accordingly—it’s a Sunday but usually busier than normal. Remember, it is easier to call staff out than it is to call staff in!
Patriots’ Day is celebrated in both Massachusetts and Maine, landing this year on April 21. While this isn’t an Ocean State holiday and, therefore, may not be top of mind, it can certainly stimulate dining sales, as many folks in those states will enjoy a three-day weekend and will likely cross the border into Rhode Island. And the Sox play at 11 a.m., so you may get some folks coming to the bar to watch during their lunch break. So, again, prepare to staff up.
What else does April bring? The realization that summer is fast approaching and that two concerns have suddenly popped up. It is time to have your HVAC system serviced so it will be ready to work on that unusually warm day that can pop up. Along with the HVAC system, those of you who have outside bars or are reopening from the annual winter shutdown or both, your refrigeration units need to have preventive maintenance performed on them. Again, you want to avoid an unnecessary failure at critical times.
The next big issue that April brings is staffing up for the high season. Hiring continues to be a major issue and, at the same time, the cost of labor has risen dramatically. I will add that there is proposed legislation again to either eliminate the tip credit altogether or begin phasing it out. Think about what that would do to your bottom line!
Looking ahead to May, there is much to prepare for, including Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings and, of course, Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer! Certainly, the arrival of May can bring a rather large jump in sales, and that’s what we have been waiting for … the start of nice weather and seasonal business.
As I write this, the pause on tariffs is going to end, but negotiations are still taking place to hopefully avoid at least some of them. Tariffs will have an adverse effect on the cost of your imported beverages, so it would be well worth your time to speak to your sales reps and prep your orders appropriately. As I said last month, if you can hedge your bets and buy deep as we go into summer, you should.
April really is a pivotal month. It’s important to prepare accordingly, to staff up and stock up so that you’re ready for the warm weather and holidays on the horizon. This month can really keep you on your toes as you get ready for what’s coming. As I always say, remember the six Ps of good management: Prior planning prevents “p” poor performance.
Good luck!
Len Panaggio’s career in food and wine spans more than three decades as an owner and as a beverage director at some of the top restaurants in Rhode Island. Currently a hospitality consultant, Len is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and has attended the Culinary Institute of America Master Sommelier program and the Sterling School of Service and Hospitality.
