Quantcast

Leaked Holiday Inn manual reveals strategies to boost breakfast spending

Leaked Holiday Inn manual reveals strategies to boost breakfast spending
Research
Webp txr36ytg6uuvd13i8xrjnuempd4m
Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

IHG's Holiday Inn breakfast manual for managers has surfaced on the web, revealing strategies to enhance guest spending during breakfast. The document offers insights into guest preferences and tactics to increase morning revenue. According to the manual, 30% to 50% of Holiday Inn guests have breakfast on the property, with approximately 27 million breakfasts served annually.

Based on research from Kellogg's, guests are categorized into four groups:

- Breakfast skippers: Only visit the dining room if meeting someone.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

- Breakfast grabbers: Prefer quick, grab-and-go options.

- Ham ‘n Eggers: Opt for buffets or full meal options.

- Breakfast believers: Always start their day with breakfast but are cost-conscious.

Holiday Inn emphasizes four key service elements:

1. Orange juice first: Guests should be approached with a carafe of orange juice initially.

2. Coffee now: A thermos of coffee is offered, with mugs pre-set at the table.

3. Estimated time of service: Guests are informed about the approximate wait time for their order.

4. Departure cup and lid: Guests drinking coffee should receive a to-go cup.

The estimated service time is quoted plus three minutes to manage expectations effectively; for instance, a 10-minute delivery expectation would be quoted as 12-15 minutes.

The manual highlights that offering orange juice first can significantly boost sales due to its impulse-buy nature. Visual cues like a carafe in front of guests promote these purchases more effectively than other items like coffee, which most adults will order regardless.

Servers are instructed to take beverage orders before serving water automatically to avoid defaulting guests to water and missing out on juice sales. In addition, there are suggested scripts in "The Art of Suggesting" section aimed at promoting juice sales.

Regarding egg orders, whole eggs are used when ordered "up" or "over," while pasteurized liquid egg products are required for omelets and scrambled eggs. Thin-cut bacon is allowed on buffets; however, thick-cut bacon must be used for menu orders.

Servers have the authority to exercise the "Hospitality Promise" during breakfast without managerial approval, including waiving charges if necessary.

Holiday Inn advises franchisees against offering buffets due to potential cash theft by employees from cash buffet sales. They also provide 12 suggestions for managing buffet costs, such as eliminating juice and/or coffee from buffet offerings so hotels can charge separately for these items.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025