Does The Support Stop Once I’ve Opened The Doors?

Congratulations! Your pub is open, inquisitive locals are filtering in and you’re settling into your new routine. If you’re quietly wondering whether your pre-launch support team rides off into the sunset once the ribbon has been cut, let’s put that worry to rest. The support doesn’t stop at launch. In many ways, it’s just getting started.

What Does My Support Network Look Like During The First Few Days?

By the time your doors open, you’ll already have been introduced to your ‘franchise buddy’ - a fellow Greene King franchisee based in your area who has clocked up some experience and will be there to mentor you during those all-important early weeks. Your buddy will be invited to come and work alongside you in your pub for the first few days, not to look over your shoulder, but to offer real practical support.

You’ll also be added to a dedicated WhatsApp support group well in advance of receiving your keys, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and feel prepared in the lead-up to handover and during those early days after launch. The group brings together your training team, Learning Experience Manager, Business Development Manager (BDM) and your franchise buddy, creating an open space to raise queries, share updates and get quick answers during those early, fast-moving weeks.

As you settle in and find your rhythm, the training team and your BDM will gradually step back from the group, leaving you and your buddy to continue that relationship at your own pace.

What Is The First 100 Days About?

Think of the first 100 days as your settling-in period, with a clear structure to help keep you on track. From the moment you take the reins of your new pub, Greene King’s Learning and Development team, your BDM, and wider support teams will check in regularly - both in person and via email - to make sure everything is running smoothly, as well as to identify any training needs you have. As part of this journey, you’ll also receive dedicated support visits, including stock take training and food safety training to help build your confidence in key operational areas.

A couple of weeks after you open your doors, your Learning Experience Manager will drop in to see how things are going. As well as a general check in, they will sit down with you to review your 100 Days workbook - the practical checklist that you received at your welcome induction.

What Does Ongoing Training Look Like?

This is where Greene King Pub Partners sets itself apart. Ongoing training isn’t a dog-eared manual shoved in a back office drawer never to be seen again - it’s a dynamic, blended learning programme that grows with you and your business.

Much of your ongoing training will be delivered through Attensi, Greene King’s interactive online training portal. Think less dry e-learning, more engaging, game-style modules that you and your team can work through at your own pace. From food safety and allergens to licensing laws and fire safety, the platform keeps track of when your refresher training is due and sends you alerts so nothing slips through the net.

In addition to online learning, there’s a rich calendar of in-person workshops and events, all of which are free to attend (you just need to cover your travel expenses). These ‘Business As Usual’ workshops focus on operational skills, industry insights and continuous development and cover areas such as: kitchen skills, cellar management and quality and operational excellence. There are also social media upskilling events to help you grow your digital presence and attract new customers.

Greene King Pub Partners also produces a regular series of webinars, covering everything from consumer rights and cellar management to seasonal sporting events. Short, focused and genuinely useful, they are another easy way to keep your knowledge topped up without taking too much time away from the bar.

Can My Team Develop Too?

Absolutely - and this something Greene King is genuinely passionate about. Through their learning partner Lifetime Training, apprenticeships are available to help your team gain nationally recognised qualifications in hospitality. There are three main apprenticeships to choose from: a Chef Apprenticeship, a Bar and Waiting Apprenticeship and a Team Leader Apprenticeship for anyone looking to step into a management or supervisory role.

The financial commitment is smaller than you’d expect - just 5%, with the government funding the rest. Factor in the fact that employers don’t pay National Insurance on the wages of apprentices under 25 and that 5% can effectively pay for itself. It’s a great way to build a skilled, motivated team around you.

Is There A Resource I Can Use If I Need A Quick Answer?

There is indeed and it’s called The Vault. This is Greene King’s internal intranet platform built specifically for franchisees as a central hub for everything you need. Whether you want to request point-of-sale materials or access support resources, The Vault is your go-to.

Running a pub is a long game and Greene King Pub Partners is committed to being in it with you for the long haul. From our first 100 days to years down the line, the training, support and development never really stops. It just evolves as you do.

I’m Interested In Running My Own Pub - What’s The Next Step?

If you’re still keen to learn more, why not watch our webinars for more information on running a pub with us? Alternatively, get in touch with our friendly team today. Call 01284 843200 or email pubpartnersrecruitment@greeneking.co.uk