When it comes to restaurants, it’s often the little things in customer service that make a difference between a good and a great restaurant. You can have the best food and service in town, but if you aren’t ready to go the extra mile and go above and beyond to give your customers an outstanding customer experience, you might never see them again. Let’s look at some simple ways any restaurant owner can improve their user experience and start building a loyal following.
Redo the Decor
By redoing the decor, we’re not talking about a full remodel. Just a few minor changes could completely transform the feel of your dining room. Think about your clientele and what they’re looking for. Are they looking more for peace and privacy? Then looking for a few restaurant booths for sale could be a good idea. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice things like seating capacity for ambience. Some will just refuse to sit at a cafeteria style diner, no matter how good the food is. So, make sure that you understand your clientele and create the perfect environment for them.
Collect Some Feedback
What better way to get to know your clientele than through feedback? Information is the lifeline of any business nowadays and gathering feedback is easier than ever. Something like a small survey in exchange for a free dessert or any other perk while they’re waiting for their check could give you information on anything from pricing, service, décor, or any area where you can improve. You can also take the time to enroll them to your loyalty program and contact them with special offers from time to time.
Make New Guests Feel Special
A lot goes into the thought process of choosing a particular restaurant. Getting customers to go through the doors is already a challenge considering the surplus of options out there, so make sure that you do everything in your power so that your new customers feel appreciated the minute they step in.
Make sure that they are greeted immediately with a warm smile and eye contact once they enter. Ensure that your staff aren’t gathered around the bar and make sure that they are attentive and catering to your customers’ every need. And your managers should touch every table and ask for feedback and what they can do to help. You should also give your clients incentives to come back, whether it’s a deal on their next meal or a discount on appetizers; anything you can do to get them through your doors again will help.
Easy Payment Process
This is an area a lot of restaurant owners neglect unfortunately. A poorly calculated check or making splitting bills a pain can put a damper on an otherwise perfect evening. Your restaurant should have a seamless POS system that allows clients to easily split bills either by seat number, particular item, or credit card. And do everything you can to get them their check as soon as possible; not only will it enhance the whole experience, but your waiters will appreciate the extra tips as well.
Improving customer experience is all about putting your clients first and going above and beyond to satisfy their needs. By taking a few minor changes, you could significantly improve the whole atmosphere of your restaurant and you will gain a loyal following as a result.
