CHALLENGES AND REALITIES OF INNOVATIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the current state and prospects for the development of innovative projects in the restaurant business. Competition in the restaurant business is steadily increasing, so even an impeccable reputation and quality service are no guarantee of success. At the current stage, the main tools for the formation of an effective restaurant business management system are the creation of innovative projects dedicated to the use of the latest technologies, energy efficiency, adaptation to user demand, multifunctionality, flexibility, social and environmental responsibility, and regulation of operating costs. It was determined that without the development and implementation of innovative project solutions, it is impossible to position the company in the restaurant business, and therefore to ensure the loyalty of customers, to form a positive reputation. With the aim of an integrated approach to the development of restaurant business enterprises, taking into account their industry specifics, a complex of project innovations was formed in the following areas: innovative concepts and formats, innovative technologies in the organization of production, innovative service methods, innovative computer and virtual systems. In the new conditions, innovations are responsible for the development and maintenance of a strong position in the market, the implementation of innovative projects allows to ensure the efficient operation of establishments, save jobs and regular customers, and promote the further innovative development of the restaurant business. Studies of successful cases of the restaurant business show that the basis of project solutions were service innovations, practically oriented to changing the concept of service, namely: orders with delivery or take-out, digitization of promotion and sales. At the same time, work on the development and implementation of product innovations continues, in particular, craft dishes and drinks, products using local products, etc. Project management, as one of the most complex activities of the company, requires a quick response to changes in the structure of the project, because at various stages of its implementation, the content and scope of the work, as well the as the composition of executors change. There features determine the need to study the specifics of project activities of restaurant business enterprises.