Take Your Restaurant To The Next Level
About 80% of restaurants fail within five years of opening, representing only a 20% success rate. That shows how difficult it is to run a successful restaurant.
But it shouldn’t be impossible to beat the 5-year trap and take your restaurant to the next level. Whether a new restauranteur or a seasoned professional, you want to ensure your establishment thrives and stands the test of time. If you’re looking to take your restaurant to the next level, these tips can help you.
Ask for suggestions from your workers
Your chefs, cooks, waiters, cleaners, etc., can give you honest feedback about what needs improving in your restaurant. And their input can be helpful if you want to take your restaurant to the next level.
Workers who come into direct content with customers daily will know the pain points that need addressing regarding customer experience and satisfaction. You can get lots of ideas from them about things that can be done differently for better results.
Welcome online reviews
According to some studies, 89% of consumers read reviews before spending on a business. So, welcome online reviews, as they give an honest opinion of how customers rate your services. First, ensure that your restaurant is available online on several platforms. Start by creating and verifying your Google My Business account, then create a website and social media pages for your restaurant.
Next, encourage customers to leave reviews and ratings about their experiences online. But don’t end there; respond to all reviews. And don’t be afraid to engage with customers who leave bad reviews, as it shows you care about them. And if someone enjoys their experience at your restaurant, encourage them to leave a positive review. Over time, your online rating will improve, boosting your restaurant’s credibility.
Train your staff to be kids-friendly and elderly-friendly
Kids can be extra sometimes, and how your workers handle them can make a world of difference to customers. You’ve probably seen videos of restaurant workers helping an overwhelmed mother with her kids and going viral for their hospitality.
You can also train your workers to treat older people who need assistance. Some elderly folks may need help feeding themselves or even ordering their food. Treating the elderly with respect, care, and patience will not go unnoticed in this age of social media. And one good employee could make your restaurant go viral for the right reasons.
Take safety to the next level
From your kitchen to your eating areas, ensure that every part of your restaurant is safe. In your kitchen, the right safety precautions will prevent (or minimize) injuries, improving work productivity. Keeping the floors clean, ensuring proper equipment handling, following good hygiene regulations, providing proper signage, etc., can help create a safe environment. Also, consider working with railing manufacturers to ensure that your rooftops, decks, patios, etc., have protective railings to prevent falls.
Create an unforgettable atmosphere
Dinners will love your food, but they’ll also remember your atmosphere. Pay attention to lighting, decor, etc., to enhance your ambiance. Create the style and theme of your restaurant and use design elements that complement and enhance that aesthetic. Your restaurant should be warm, inviting, cozy, and welcoming. Also, consider using soft music that is not too distracting to create a comfortable and relaxing environment for your customers.