The inaugural Africa's First Restaurant Masterclass, hosted by booknbook for Africa in partnership with Paystack, concluded successfully on October 8th, 2024, at the Simba Corp Aspire Centre. The event brought together industry experts, restaurateurs, and hospitality innovators for learning and networking focused on digitalization, restaurant operations optimization, and guest experience enhancement.
Key Topics Covered: The masterclass addressed digital transformation's importance, including booking systems to reduce no-shows and manage tables efficiently. Sessions emphasized synchronizing digital, print, and QR code menus to ensure consistency and reduce errors. Creating in-house food ordering platforms was highlighted as a way to eliminate third-party commission fees and access direct customer data. The "Link in Bio" feature and social media management were presented as tools for driving bookings and maintaining brand consistency.
Featured Speakers and Partners: Paystack showcased digital payment solutions tailored for restaurants. Priya Bowry, food allergen expert, provided guidance on compliance and allergen protocols. Domaine Kenya hosted a wine-tasting session. Vishal from Nairobi Disclosure shared social media strategies.
Giuseppe Cianci, booknbook CEO, said: "Our mission is to provide restaurant owners with tools to digitize sales and operations, improving efficiency and unlocking growth opportunities."
Wendy Lorenze, booknbook Africa Country Manager, added: "This Masterclass was a powerful opportunity for restaurateurs to gain actionable insights that can immediately impact their businesses."
Attendees: The event attracted major hospitality leaders including The Tamarind Group, Tribe Hotel, Accor, Babylon Hospitality, Fairmont The Norfolk, Sarova Hotels & Resorts, La Villa Restaurant & Wine Bar, and numerous independent restaurants and boutique establishments.
