Estonia
Raba is a group of casual poke bowl lunch restaurants, while Sadu offers a distinctive Korean à la carte dining experience unique within the Tallinn market. Despite the strength of the concepts, the business was underperforming due to gaps in its management and operational structure. As the owner did not come from a hospitality background, she needed greater visibility of how the restaurants should operate, what to expect from the management team and how to assess performance effectively. Think Hospitality was engaged to review the business and give the owner the knowledge and tools needed to stabilise performance and eventually appoint a new manager.
We conducted a comprehensive review of the business and strengthened its core processes, including stocktaking, pricing, financial reporting, margin management, service standards and kitchen operations. We also developed clearer strategies for the customer journey, group dining and special events, creating new opportunities to improve both efficiency and revenue.
Alongside the operational work, we supported the owner in developing a stronger understanding of the business and the information she should expect from her management team. Once the right structures and reporting processes were in place, we helped identify and appoint an experienced manager who could take responsibility for the daily operation.
The owner now has a clear understanding of the business and greater control over its operational and financial performance. With a strong manager and more effective reporting structures in place, she has been able to step back from most daily responsibilities and focus on other projects.
Updated pricing, group packages and a more focused sales strategy have helped the restaurants increase seat utilisation and achieve more fully booked services. Overall financial performance has improved significantly, transforming the operation into a sustainable business.
