KCLSU – Food Development
Brief:
To support KCLSU with the development of their food offer in Guy’s Bar and The Vault, to ensure a distinctive food offer that competes with on-campus and local provision in terms of quality, seasonality, value for money, and speed of service – lunchtime >15 minutes, evening >25 minutes.
The project included:
- Food trend research
- Modelling the impact of the potential change to VAT exemption for SU bars.
- Making recommendations where appropriate for a change in suppliers that enables KCLSU to consistently achieve 55-65% gross margin for catering.
- Making recommendations for delivery/takeaway partnerships from that maximises income whilst minimising logistics and operations for KCLSU.
- Making recommendations for new catering equipment and where appropriate limited changes to bar seating, layout and furniture.
Results:
“In 2021 we put out a tender to review the food offer in Guy’s Bar and The Vaults at the Strand campus. Food sales were in decline in both bars due to the plethora of competitor outlets on our doorstep, and speed of service was too slow. Nina’s professional approach, knowledge of food retail and the HE sector were exactly what we needed. The final report was very comprehensive and full of great ideas and recommendations for both our lunchtime (served under 15 mins) and evening offers. Since its launch at the start of the academic year, student feedback has been fantastic.”
Mike Quayle, Head of Commercial Operations