Katy Moses CBII reflects on the recent Peach 20/20 Atlantic Club trip to Charlotte, North Carolina.
Last week, I returned from the annual Peach 20/20 Atlantic Club trip which was, this year, in Charlotte, in North Carolina. And what a great time to go, what with the 250 year anniversary of the USA (the Indigenous Americans may beg to differ) and all- and Charlotte was the location for many an independence battle, declaration and other USA/Independence-related historical events.
Last week, I returned from the annual Peach 20/20 Atlantic Club trip which was, this year, in Charlotte, in North Carolina. And what a great time to go, what with the 250 year anniversary of the USA (the Indigenous Americans may beg to differ) and all- and Charlotte was the location for many an independence battle, declaration and other USA/Independence-related historical events.
The trip was full of fascinating concepts and excellent hospitality, combined with conversations with inspirational operators who REALLY put their heart and souls into their bars and restaurants. Some learnings that stood out for me:
- Payments- The system in the US is SO far behind the UK. On this study tour alone, across multiple different venues, I saw so many pay pain points- and KAM Insight tells us that the getting/paying of the bill in any hospitality venue is the point in the customer journey that is most likely to be unsatisfactory. Some of the issues we encountered included- no more than 2 splits of a bill (difficult when there’s a large group), only one person’s meals/drinks can be charged to a hotel room, no tap and pay, no Apple Pay, no cash- every venue seemed to be different- confusing and not at ALL in the customer interest.
- Decor- Charlotte has some of the best-looking venues I’ve ever seen- The Barcelona Wine Bar was a great example- lots of chunky reclaimed furniture, industrial but soft lighting. Hawkers Asian Street Food was also a stand out- a South East Asian concept with the interior based on the style of South East Asian street food stalls and markets- having just returned from the Hospitality Rides trip to Vietnam (no comments about whether I ever do any “real” work please!), I can confirm that the ‘authenticity’ box has been ticked here- and if we’re trying to attract the younger generation, authenticity is essential.
- Serve- Ding dong the jam-jar cocktail is dead!! Or is it? Not in Charlotte- many of the venues were serving up a Spicy Marg in ‘alternative’ receptacles- but my personal favourite (picture below) was at the aforementioned Hawkers who served their cocktails in a ‘grab and go’ pouch- my first thought was how good this would be for festivals- but really, any leisure venue with a large outdoor area where guests are moving around.
- Brunch/Breakfast cafes- there are a LOT of them, but the one to watch, for me was maman, originally founded in NYC and just opening (they were still building when we visited, ready for opening two days later!!) in Charlotte. A stunningly designed (again) French-style cafe with a splendid line in merch (I bought the cookbook) and beautiful branding. Delicate cakes, superfood salads, great coffee and a carefully curated wine list with a pretty little children’s area in the corner to make sure that parents can stay for that second glass whilst their little cherubs are busy playing ‘house’. More mini kids play areas in the UK please!
- Tacos- EVERYWHERE. I had some of the best I’ve EVER had in Charlotte- the duck tacos by bartaco were insanely good. Speaking of tacos- if you’re not already aware of Coyo Tacos- they’re making their London debut next month- and you really SHOULD try them- follow them HERE for opening news!
If you’re an operator and you HAVEN’T been on an Atlantic Club tour- you really REALLY should join us next year- such an informative, inspiring trip across the pond with just the BEST group of people- get in touch with Christine Martin for more information- christine.martin@peach2020.com– I’ve no idea where it’ll be yet, but we’ve explored Denver, Nashville and Austin amongst other places, so 2027 will undoubtedly be another awesome location.
Interested in understanding your category, consumers, customers or employees a little better? Take a look at other work we’ve done and get in touch to see how we can help you.
