The Rise of Restaurant Collaborations

While the restaurant and catering industry is typically seen as highly competitive, with every business out for itself, it has now evolved into a more sociable area with some premises working together to create a truly unique experience for guests. Rather than the main focus being money and profit, some restaurants now want to provide their diners with something non-replicable; an opportunity available for a limited time only.

One-off collaborations have recently emerged in industry news, notably between the Sticky Walnut of Chester and the Michelin starred Simpsons of Birmingham; a venture that has proven overwhelmingly popular. So what are the potential advantages for businesses wishing to undertake this endeavour?

Not only does this avenue offer guests the chance to experience something new but provides the opportunity for chefs to learn from each other, springboard from each other’s creativity and achieve something a little different from their typical fare.

Although individually businesses may have their fair share of loyal customers there is always room for more, after all, that is how a business grows and embarking on collaborative journeys can attract a new set of clientele for all involved. Exposure, both independent and joint can help spread your business into new areas and demographics. Stalwart lovers of one restaurant that may never consider going elsewhere broaden their horizons and learn there’s more out there to experience and enjoy.

Areas to Consider Before a Restaurant Collaboration

• Are your visions aligned? The venture will never be successful if everyone has a different vision. While it's natural that there will be some degree of variation between what each business envisions, there must be a common ground where everyone's aspirations merge.
• Can you work together as a team? Is each party willing to adapt, compromise and negotiate, working towards a common goal? If the answer is no, the collaboration will not be successful.
• Where will you operate from? Will you work from one of the existing business premises or will you collectively find a neutral location that is unconnected to either party?
• Do you have the necessary set-up? Getting the right pieces of kit is vital. Consider catering equipment such as ovens, ranges and griddles and commercial refrigeration such as storage and catering fridges and preparation counters.

Collaborations break the myth of fierce rivalry and primarily offer the perfect opportunity to merge two different styles and approaches to cooking, getting the creative juices flowing and reinvigorating the passion for food both for the chefs and guests.

With the exposure garnered for each individual business and the success of the joining of forces, should we expect a few more joint enterprises in the future?