The Benefits of Continental Breakfast

The Benefits of Continental BreakfastContinental breakfast. For some hotel-goers it’s a dream come true: a small spread of all-you-can-eat food that doesn’t cost you a penny. For others, it’s totally expected. This meal generally consists of coffee, light pastries, and fruit. Why call it “continental,” you ask? According to Reader’s Digest, “These nationwide breakfasts were actually modeled after the light morning meals common throughout the European continent. Hence, the word ‘continental.’”

We’re here to talk about the ins and outs of continental breakfast, including how your hotel can seriously benefit from offering free breakfast to guests.

We mentioned that the typical contents of a continental breakfast are coffee, fruit, pastries, and bread. All of these things are really cost-effective for a hotel in a couple ways: Not only are they inexpensive food items in general, but the whole ordeal doesn’t require an entire kitchen staff to tackle. And the fact that guests are getting something they perceive of as “free” is priceless. Let’s also not discount the fact that consumers are generally expecting a continental breakfast when they stay at a hotel, and that “70 percent of leisure travelers and 63 percent of business travelers [claim] that the availability of a continental breakfast is influential in which hotel they choose,” according to Katom.com. In fact, a study by CNN tipped us off to the idea of an “arms race” between hotels competing in the continental breakfast space. Hotels see their neighbors offering something, and then conclude they need to one-up them with an even better breakfast option. All because of the power of today’s consumer.

So, what are some of the key considerations you’ll need to take into account when adding continental breakfast to your hotel? Think through the menu, which can include super-light fare or hot items like waffles and breakfast meat.  Then comes the equipment you’ll need based on which foods you’re offering and how they need to be kept safe. Buffet utensils, cooling tubs, carafes, and sneeze guards are just a few of the pieces you may have to invest in.

Do you need a license to serve continental breakfast? It depends. If you already have restaurant service at your hotel you may not need an additional license—but that’s no guarantee. To ensure you’re in compliance, you’ll want to get in touch with your local health department and learn of the rules and regulations established for your business.

Need a little menu inspiration, or a view of what you might be up against? Check out “The 20 Best Free Hotel Breakfasts in America” according to Cheapism.com. And as with any new offering, make sure your marketing is on-point. Advertise your continental breakfast on social media, your website, inside your rooms, and anywhere else you market your hotel. Remember: Free breakfast ranks right up there with free WiFi, making it a no-brainer when it comes to creating brand loyalty and encouraging repeat guests.

For more great tips on the restaurant and hospitality industry, be sure to check out ARF Financial’s blog, The Pantry—we’re always serving up something special.