Swiss-based Hotel Investments AG is expanding its partner network in the hotel food and beverage sector. Going forward, the investment firm, which specialises in hotel real estate across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, will collaborate with industry expert Thomas Knigge and his consulting firm Caupona Consulting. The objective of the partnership is to support affiliated hotel operators with concept development, operational process management and enhancing profitability.
For many hotel locations, food and beverage operations form a defining part of the overall business, but they face rising operating costs, changing guest expectations and shortages of skilled labour. Thomas Knigge has more than 35 years of professional experience across independent, chain and travel catering. With this expertise, he is set to assist operators with strategic and operational matters.
Scope of services for existing properties and realignments
Caupona Consulting's advisory services are aimed at both existing hotel operations and properties undergoing new openings, operator changes and repositioning. The focus is on field-tested measures for stabilisation and development:
- —Development and adaptation of target-group-oriented food and beverage concepts
- —Analysis and standardisation of operational workflows in kitchen, service and management
- —Introduction of business performance indicators, optimisation of cost structures and calculation of sustainable pricing strategies
- —Targeted staff training and practical coaching for managers
In addition, the scope of work includes operational change management and digitalisation. This encompasses the restructuring of organisational structures and operational processes as well as the implementation of digitally supported workflows across operations.
Experience from the hotel sector and communal catering
In the past, Knigge has managed complex restructuring projects. His track record includes the realignment of a private restaurant chain on the Baltic Sea coast comprising eight restaurants and two hotels, where process standardisation and new cost structures were implemented. In the greater Berlin area, he also advised communal catering companies on the technical modernisation of commercial kitchens and the introduction of cook-chill systems.
Holger Ballwanz, board member of Hotel Investments AG, emphasised that the partnership is a valuable addition for partners to unlock economic potential in a targeted manner. Thomas Knigge noted that the focus of his work is on practical solutions that prove reliably effective in day-to-day operations.
