When you eat out in other restaurants, if you’re anything like me you critique the operation – from food to service and ambiance… Funny how we can have a critical eye and think “I can do it better”! But in your own restaurant, do you regularly look at the thousands of details – essentially seeing what the guest sees? If not, you might have a fast-food approach… get them in , get them out and present the check!
Every restaurant has potential hooks, but few restaurants know how to promote them to build their audience and brand. When you hit the jackpot with this form of marketing, your staff are selling more, having more fun and making more money, while your customers are having more fun and spending more money. Next thing you know, your customers are your best marketers, telling everyone they know about your place.
A great dining experience pairs food with exemplary service & ambiance. Some restaurants have great food, but the service falls short or maybe guests are treated to fine service, but the food is average. Rare is the restaurant that offers all three and if you own a restaurant, know that this is what your guests are seeking.
Chef James Clary has owned and managed many fine dining restaurants and one of his secrets to success was treating every guest as if they were the “most-important” guest, even when his restaurant was a full-house. Why are so many restaurants in the hospitality business missing the hospitality?
There is nothing more powerful than a consistent and effective pre-shift meeting. Follow the lead of professional sports teams. They have pregame meetings, concluding with a big huddle and cheer! This is the ideal time to 1) ensure your entire staff is on their A game 2) that everyone knows the game plan and 3) that the entire staff head onto the floor with excitement!
Affinity means having a feeling of belonging. In a restaurant setting, it means an intense loyalty because of this feeling of belonging.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to capture lightning in a bottle with all your customers?