Hospitality supplier wonders if pubs and cafes are selling themselves short

Dec. 17, 2010 - PRLog -- Tastemodern a Sussex based supplier to the catering and hospitality sector is concerned that many restaurants and cafes will not raise their prices to reflect the increase in VAT from January 4th   and will suffer financially as a result.

Some proprietors are concerned about losing business if their customers are unhappy about price increases but Marcell Rizza of Tastemodern believes that some business owners are selling themselves short by not highlighting the true value of their service in how they promote what they have to offer.

“Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years I believe that business owners should embrace the rising VAT charges and see it as a way of updating and refreshing menu choices for the customer.  For example, if you are using British Farm Assured Cumberland sausages and organic vegetables, rather than calling the dish ‘bangers & mash’ – call it – British Farm Assured Cumberland Sausage & Organic Mash.  The customer perceives a better quality product and understands the costs associated with it, and so feel they are getting better value for money,” advises Rizza.

With over 25 years experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry spanning 5* Hotels, Michelin Star Restaurants, Contract and Concession Catering, Marcell worked for 20 years for Directors Table, the fine dining division of Sodexo Ltd and is a member of the Academy of Culinary Arts and acts as a judge in national competitions.

Tastemodern is offering help and advice to independent establishments to make the most of their marketing in 2011. Embrace the rising VAT and delight your customers by calling 0845 8388790 or by emailing marcell.rizza@tastemodern.com.

Tastemodern designs and supplies innovative display solutions to the hospitality industry including menu and tariff boards.  For further information please contact:  Karen Morton Oxbow Media –   01243 788878 / email karen@oxbowmedia.co.uk.

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Tastemodern specialise in providing innovative point of sale and promotional display products to the retail and hospitality industry in the UK and Ireland.