Wondering how you can take your café or restaurant to the next level? It all starts with giving your customers a good experience. You probably know all the latest industry tips and technology, but you’ll want to view this from the point of view of those you serve.
The key to making a restaurant experience good for your patron is in offering friendly service, consistently delicious food, a comfortable atmosphere, and efficiency.
Personalized and Friendly Service
Everyone that walks through your door wants to feel like a person rather than a number. Servers and hosts should be sincere and positive, creating the feeling that every guest is welcomed. While some patrons know that coffee shops and restaurants need adequate turnaround, even those that do surely don’t want to be rushed.
Adding that personal element makes people want to come back. Servers can engage in this way by learning guest names. They can also inquire about any dietary restrictions or likes and dislikes. In doing so, they will be able to make suggestions about the menu, giving customers that bespoke experience that will make them want to visit every chance they get.
Consistently Delicious Food
The food and beverages you serve are the reason customers are walking through the door. Getting them to come back goes beyond excellent service techniques though. The food needs to be consistently on par with expectations, or exceeding expectations altogether.
Quality control in the kitchen as well as communication from servers to kitchen staff needs to be a central focus. Plating matters too, as we eat with our eyes before we ever put anything into our mouths. Focus on the quality every step of the way and you can create a consistent experience every time.
Your Atmosphere
Aesthetics on the plate matter to your customers, but so too does a setting that serves as an extension of your restaurant’s vibe. The concept of your restaurant should be reflected in the décor. Soften the lighting, use seating that is functional yet comfortable, and don’t forget the music.
Music volume also matters as no one wants to shout to their dining companions. Ultimately, you want to think how you can make your customers feel comfortable in your establishment.
Efficiency in Service
And finally, while friendly and personalized customer service is crucial, so too is efficiency. There is a reason that many restaurants don’t make it through that first year, and efficiency could play a role in that.
When you think of creating a good customer experience, you must look at it from their point of view. Queuing, ordering, and paying should all be optimized to make the experience better for your guests.
A long line and disorganized reservation system is frustrating for customers. It sends the message that you lack organization. The time it takes to order and then receive food and drinks shouldn’t keep your guests wondering if they’ve been forgotten either.
As for paying, making it easy for your customers to split the bill is a key component too. Guests don’t like a lack of efficiency when dining out.
By following these tips for creating a good customer experience based on their perspective, you will earn a positive reputation in your community. That’s exactly how to keep your livelihood thriving and be the go-to place for everyone.
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