The Journal for Future Innkeepers
Summer 2007
We all hope that you are enjoying the Summer
season! This is the perfect time to visit inns and
continue learning what you do and don't want to
incorporate into your "dream" inn. Then in the Fall
when
you are ready to continue your search, you'll have good
ideas ready for moving foward with your inn! Enjoy the
Summer!
From all of us at Oates & Bredfeldt, LLC
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Inn Start-Up, Is It For You?
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It seems that we are always asked by people
considering innkeeping, why not do a start-up? We
always express our concern that it is much easier and
more cost effective to purchase an up and running
business, but that does not suppress the desire by
many people to start an inn from the ground up. We
are not saying that it can't happen, but one really has
to be sufficiently funded and have the ability to
succeed even in the difficult situations. Recently we
were hired to consult with a nice couple from Europe
who were purchasing an inn which was essentially a
start-up business. We thought we would share some
of the details with you. Read
more...
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Transition Checklist:191 Things to be Done Between Offer and Close
Yes, there really are that many things to consider
in the transition of Inn ownership! Incorporating your
new company, licenses, applications, insurance,
computer software and a multitude of other tasks all
need to be in place for the
transition of the Inn to go smoothly. It is essential not
to
miss a step or it could disturb business at the Inn.
We have put together a checklist for those who need
help with all of these steps. Our consulting services
can
also help you throughout this process. Please email
us
if you are interested in purchasing this checklist or if
you would like our help with the transition process.
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One of Our Favorite Cookbooks!
One of our favorite cookbooks is The Breakfast
Book by Marion Cunningham. We used many
recipes from this book when we were Innkeepers.
The book features inspiring, yet easily executed
recipes. Check it out! It is sure to be one of your
favorites too!
Some reader reviews we found regarding this
book:
"Marion Cunningham taps into everyone's
nostalgia
for breakfast foods beyond cereal or scrambled eggs.
The recipes are straightforward and feature a wide
variety of tastes and types. Ms. Cunnigham's book
reads as if she was a favorite aunt sharing her
recipes."
"This durable classic was written by one of the
better
known names among American cookbook authors,
who apprenticed with James Beard and supervised
the rewrite of the Fannie Farmer cookbook. The book
endures by providing a super coverage of a neglected
culinary subject. While there are dozens of books with
chapters on breakfast dishes, there are only a small
handful of books devoted exclusively to breakfast
written in the last 20 years."
Learn more about the author...
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Best Methods for Finding the Ideal Inn
This is one of the most asked questions
at every one of Oates & Bredfeldt's Innkeeping
Seminars. How can I find my ideal Inn? The answer is
very easy, but counterintuitive. We say simply to "Stop
looking at Inns for sale!" Here is why:
Location, location, location is still the
golden rule. Searching for an Inn is not like buying a
home (it is a business first!). We often hear, "Well, I
have moved all over the United States during my
business career, I can live anywhere." Better yet, we
often hear prospective innkeepers say "I will know my
ideal Inn when I find it." In order to take control of the
process, every prospective Innkeeper needs to first
decide clearly what they are looking for in an Inn, and,
most importantly, where that Inn is located. Location
will dictate the one clear factor in the Inn's business
model, the occupancy rate. While the occupancy rate
at Inns will vary depending on the rate charged, or the
amenities, or the size and furnishing of the rooms, or
especially the hospitality provided, the key factor is
location. Read more...
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Innkeepers' Words of Wisdom
"The one essential thing: wise
time management. Don't waste steps in the day,
walking back-and-forth or up-and-down.
Examples: Take a trip to the next floor/pantry/storage
when you have an armload, and when you have a list
ready of things to bring back. Start your baking first,
you can prepare breakfast while it's in the oven, and
clean-up ONE time, not two." Advice From Kate,
Innkeeper of the
Abriendo Inn in Pueblo, Colorado
"Read the requirements of
whatever
association you
are trying to join (Canada Select, AAA, etc.) and get the
right things in your rooms at the outset. It is cheaper
than replacing them later. I am talking about blackout
blinds vs regular blinds, certain kind of locks that AAA
requires etc." Advice From Susan Fullerton,
Innkeeper of the
Chipman Hill Suites in Saint John, New
Brunswick
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Upcoming Seminar Dates
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