Star pubs goes big on food

The pubco wants all pubs in its estate to sell food with the ambition that it accounts for 50% of the overall sales mix by 2020.

The company said that Star Food impacts on every area of a pub’s approach to food sales, from kitchen design and menu support to forecasting trends and training and extends support to include more experienced food operators, head chefs and high-quality food pubs.

The programme has been developed following months of research with lessees and chefs, as well as catering experts.

New initiatives include:

Five new menus focused on premiumising a pub’s food. Each comes with a support package worth £2,000

‘How to’ training guides on common issues such as increasing speed of service, supplier offers and allergen information

Free and subsidised consultancy from independent training chefs for pubs requiring specialist one-to-one support

A portfolio of kitchen specifications tailored for different food offers and volumes and using the latest equipment

Craft food workshops for lessees and chefs to extend their culinary skills

A head chefs’ academy covering commercial kitchen skills such as supplier negotiation and GPs

Premiumised ‘start up’ food packages for pubs that are not currently offering food Star Food was unveiled this week at a company event, which provided training for everyone in the business in contact with lessees from BDMs to property staff.

Chris Jowsey, Star Pubs & Bars trading director, said: “It’s no longer good enough for pubs simply to offer food and expect growth; Star Food is designed to give lessees an advantage in an aggressive marketplace, where consumers are demanding great value, yet more premium food and drink.

“We have spent time with lessees from all types of food operation listening to their needs and how best to support them, whether it’s with commercial masterclasses or independent food consultancy for those requiring specific assistance.”