Ensure Long-Term Success By Investing in True Hospitality
By Ariel E. Neal
Leira Knows Cocktails & Events LLC
The hospitality industry can evolve to ensure long-term success by returning to its core value: genuine care for each other and investing in true hospitality. We create intentional solutions that affect our service industry by fostering industry standards that are inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. I believe hospitality shapes society. By embracing true hospitality to shape society and positively Impact Lives, holistically, we change the lens on the hospitality Industry and pioneer a sustainable career path for hospitality professionals where we are paid what we are worth.
Our success extends far beyond financial gains. It is deeply rooted in fostering genuine connections and demonstrating sincere care for our communities and guests. By investing in true hospitality, we create a ripple effect of positivity that touches countless lives. Hospitality, at its core, shapes society. It influences how people interact, perceive the world, and treat one another. By prioritizing empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to create memorable experiences in safe spaces. We contribute to a more compassionate and connected bar industry.
Through acts of kindness, attentiveness, and going the extra mile, we can leave a lasting impression on those we serve. These seemingly small gestures have the potential to brighten someone’s day, alleviate stress, and foster a sense of belonging. By consistently delivering exceptional experiences not only to our guests but our community members as well, we not only build strong relationships but also inspire others to embrace the values of true hospitality. It is hard to give hospitality if you have never truly received it.
Ultimately, true hospitality is an investment in the betterment of society. It is a commitment to creating a world where empathy, respect, and genuine care are the norm. By recognizing the profound impact that hospitality can have, we can all play a part in shaping a more compassionate and connected future. This also allows us to care for ourselves so we may better care for others.
In this ever-evolving industry, we face numerous challenges that specifically impact our service standards.
Cost Fluctuations & Tariffs: The prices of goods and services are changing rapidly, impacting profit margins. Additionally, the implementation of the recent U.S. tariffs can further increase costs and create uncertainty for small businesses.
Rapid Technological Advancements: Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and businesses have to financially keep up in order to remain competitive. This can involve investing in new technologies, training not only managers but all staff on how to use them, and adapting business models to take advantage of them.
Maintaining Profitability: With rising costs and increased competition, it can be challenging to maintain profitability. Businesses need to find ways to control costs while increasing revenue, and improving efficiency. Moving towards a zero-waste business approach creates sustainability and decreases and creates more goods and services.
Evolving Employee Expectations: Employees today have different expectations than they did in the past. While some of the younger generations prioritize higher wages. They also seek meaningful work that allows growth, development, community and culture that aligns with their core values. Hospitality Professionals need to adapt to these changing expectations in order to attract and retain flourishing talent.
In addition to these challenges, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are also declining. The hospitality industry has become a welcoming place for people from all walks of life, and it is important to continue to support this initiative. DEI based workforce development programs such as Turning Tables created an inclusive workplace for Bartenders and Hospitality Professionals, where the goal is for everyone to feel valued and respected. Despite the current challenges, the hospitality industry remains one of the few sectors that truly welcomes individuals as they are. We extend grace, promote on-the-job learning, value diverse skill sets, and accommodate invisible disabilities. This makes our industry a unique and rewarding place to work. Embracing inclusivity and diversity is essential for any business’s success. A diverse team fuels creativity and innovation. In hospitality, it’s crucial to dismantle barriers and open doors for underrepresented groups through inclusive hiring, mentorship programs while fostering a sense of belonging.
We also evolve by thriving in this dynamic environment that requires adaptable leaders who can nurture a community open to change and foster peer-to-peer mentoring. Upper-level management has to prepare our successors by providing them with resources, tools, and intentional support, more specifically for Women who want to move into executive roles. Inclusive leadership and mentorship have to actively engage everyone. We navigate uncharted territories by exploring an expansive range of learning styles. We get involved by harnessing inclusion and choosing diverse perspectives to spark innovation. We adapt to new technologies and meet our industry’s evolving social needs. This approach enhances engagement, retention, and organizational resilience. The one thing that I have learned in my time in New Orleans is that we can not make progress alone. Community fosters resilience.
The hospitality industry’s future resets with transformation, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, resilience, well-being, and financial sustainability. To stay ahead, our businesses must evolve to meet trade and consumer needs that leverage technological advancements, such as virtual learning and real-time feedback, to enhance guests’ interaction and efficiency. Innovation also involves prioritizing human sustainability, reducing waste, responsibly sourcing ingredients that address climate change, and refocusing on Human Resource standards.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for resilience in hospitality. To tackle future challenges, businesses should develop strong contingency plans and maintain financial flexibility for investing in training for adaptability.
Ultimately, the hospitality industry’s path to enduring success relies on innovation, diversity, and resilience. By focusing on core community values, we can navigate challenges and pave the way for a more just and sustainable future. We must value wellness as much as we do tipping, discovering, and inspiring diverse talent within the drinks community to push boundaries and create a brighter future where we take care of ourselves so we can care for others.
Ube Bae, I like IT
Ube is a vibrant purple root vegetable similar to sweet potato but a bit sweeter. It is often compared to a sweet potato due to its similar appearance and starchy texture. However, ube boasts a distinctly sweeter and more nuanced flavor profile, often described as nutty, vanilla-like, and subtly floral. Its vibrant hue comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants also responsible for the color of blueberries and red cabbage. While ube can be prepared in similar ways to sweet potato, such as boiling, roasting, or frying, its unique flavor and color make it a popular ingredient in desserts, pastries, and beverages, particularly in Filipino cuisine.
Ingredients
- 0.5oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1oz Ube Powder Infused Coconut Cream
- 1.5oz Bacardi Gran Reserva 10 year
- 0.5oz D’Ussé Cognac
- Ube powder
- Toasted Coconut
Instructions
- Prep work: Toast shaved Coconut combine Coconut Cream (Coco Real Cream of Coconut) and Ube Powder about 3 oz
- Combine all ingredients (except garnish): In a small shaker combine all ingredients starting with the least expensive ingredients.
- Fill a Rock Glass with Pebble Ice: Create a small peak on the top so the garnish has a place to sit.
- Fill a large tin with Ice: Shake fast and hard to incorporate.
- Double strain over pebble ice.
- Garnish: Toasted Coconut Flaked and dust with Ube Powder
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips
- Use any Coconut Cream but be sure to blend well with Ube Powder
- Can pre-batch everything but citrus.
- Sub lime for Yuzu, Passionfruit or Pineapple (you will need lime juice for Pineapple sub).
- You can also use Ube flavoring
- Try this with your favorite Tequilla and Mezcal
- For a large format or batched Cocktail try blending and keeping it on ice.
