Hoteliers have shared a love-hate relationship with minibars for over a decade. Since the inception of the very first minibar at the Hong Kong Hilton hotel in 1974 the debate has raged on and on. Hotel management teams have deemed them difficult to manage, onerous to operate and the devil to collect payment on.
Guests bemoan the sticker-shock pricing and are underwhelmed by the gas station variety. Beyond that, they don’t care about them! In a recent study, less than 1% rated minibars as an important amenity. (Free Wireless internet scored highest at 24%).
This was all pre-pandemic. Now, with health and safety concerns, it would be reasonable to assume that Minibar will at last go down in flames. Then why do we care if Minibars disappear?
We care because deep down, we know that the concept of providing impulse snacks and soothing beverages for tired, stressed out travelers in the privacy of their room is a gem of an idea worth preserving.
Here are three innovative approaches reviving and thriving with the Minibar concept.
Minibar In-House Delivery. In a world of Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes, it’s no surprise that the recent startup business, “Minibar Delivery” had a record 515% increase since the pandemic began. According to Lindsey Andrews, co-founder and CEO of Minibar Delivery, the on-demand liquor industry changed dramatically once quarantining became our new reality. Since March 11th, the day the news of the travel ban and NBA season cancellation hit the air, the company has seen an enormous increase in both overall sales and in average order size, making it clear that Americans are not simply buying more booze during the crisis, but buying at larger quantities.” Given the strong association of what a minibar means for guests – quick access to food and drinks to enjoy in my room, hotels have a built-in advantage on being able to cash in on this trend.
Move the Minibar to the Lobby. Whether it’s attached to your front desk, coffee bar or restaurant, locate a popup minibar in plain view for your guests who are quite literally on the lookout for impulse munchies. That quenching special treat you don’t know you want until your eyes land on it and your mouth starts watering. It’s all about waving the eye candy! Give guests the opportunity to shop the minibar selection during check in or throughout their stay.
Move Uptown to the Craft Food and Beverage Minimarket. Let’s face it, the numbers don’t lie. Chips and pop are, and likely always will be #1 and #2 on the minibar leaderboard. Similar to alcohol, both have seen dramatic increase in grocery sales since isolating in place became a thing. The big new trend however is for healthier versions of these staples. Now is your opportunity to tap into the demand and move up from convenience store ambiance to artisan flair. Chips need to be dark russet, and gluten free. Pops must be organic, and free from preservatives. Healthier choices reduce the guilt and increase the sales.
Concierge Connection specializes in healthy, locally sourced, safe-sealed food, beverage and guest essentials! Ask about our full line of grab and go products. info@conciergeconnection.ca
Introducing The Weekender, by Covered Bridge Chips
You know the feeling when you’re scanning the chip aisle, somewhere between hungry and starving, but you can’t decide? You end up grabbing multiple bags with a touch of guilt that you’re a little out of control? Covered Bridge Chips have a solution! Put them all in one bag! This fun and delicious solution has become one of their most popular sellers!
Featuring Sea Salt & Vinegar, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, Smokin' Sweet BBQ and Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno, The Weekender is the perfect blend to satisfy your craving for crunching!
The Weekender, because everyday is the weekend at your hotel.
We have a wide variety of local, Canadian made, affordable PPE products including bulk wipes, hand sanitizer stations, wipes, kits and more! We can customize your order with fast and free delivery. Coming soon … fabulous name brand PPE retail products including Tilley Masks to sell in your Grab and Go Lobby Shop.
For immediate assistance contact: cameronree@shaw.ca Cameron Ree, Founder and CEO Concierge Connection. About Cameron Ree
Cameron Ree has been serving the hotel industry for over 20 years. It all began with a passion for helping hoteliers thrive, and a love of chocolate! Now proudly representing 8 leading gourmet brands with a shared vision for quality, sustainability and making a difference including: Torn Ranch, Loop Mission, Pacific Bottle Works, Daniels Chocolates, Cesium, Blu Element, and Hyland’s.
BOOK A CALL WITH CAM We know that ordering products for your hotel can be overwhelming and time-consuming. A 15-minute consultation call with Cam will:
Save you time
Find the best solution to your guests needs to enhance the guest experience
Lower your costs and increase revenue
We’re here to help! We specialize in helping hoteliers find the best food, beverage and essential products to enhance the guest experience.
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