The company made the announcement at the launch of the second year of its two-day Star Food programme, which it uses to upskill business development managers and food development management team.
Star said it would continue with existing food training for pub staff and chefs as well as introducing new initiatives to help tackle the current chef shortage facing the sector over the next year. The decision follows a 6% rise in food sales since the previous Star Food event.
Long-term approach
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars, said: “We’re focused on long-term sustainable leased pub businesses, and having multiple income streams such as food is key. We want to give our licensees the very best support in this area.
“Our package now spans fully-funded residential cookery courses for licensees and staff workshops, to financing kitchen fixtures and fittings.”
Star would continue to upskill its business development managers to provide expertise in this area as well as use outside chef consultants to give licensees advice, he added.
Pricing agreements
The company has also launched special pricing agreements for its licensees with four national food suppliers – Russell Hume Butchers, Direct Seafood, Nisbets and Brakes – which it said would enable licensees who had previously asked for help on pricing sell food at a competitive RSP.
It also unveiled a back bar food support guide for pubs without kitchens and pubs with kitchens that close at points of the day when there is a low level of trade.