In the restaurant and bar industry, your patrons get a service when they come in. But you as an owner are also getting something in return. Your patrons’ time should be considered just as valuable to you as their money. Good service reflects your establishment as a whole, and customers will be looking closely at your quality of service.
Patrons are paying you for food and drinks with the hopes that it is going to be worth the money they paid for it. Make sure both are quality made, otherwise that customer probably won’t return. Remember that you can’t make money unless customers buy what you’re selling. Show customers that your prices may be higher than some competitors, but the service is also superior and worth their money.
When customers choose to go out to a restaurant, they are expecting an experience. They expect to be treated to food better than what they can get at home and an environment worthy of their time. Most people don’t dine out every day. They are choosing to treat themselves to something special. Show them you are giving them a quality experience for coming out and choosing you.
It’s important to make a customer feel at home when providing service. Create a clean and well-maintained environment where both you and your customers are happy. Providing knowledgeable service is important in helping customers make decisions on what to order. Getting to learn your regular customers is a great way to know what to expect on their next visit. Knowing their names and preferences is one way to do this.
Make sure all customers know they are important to you. Listen closely to your customers so that you give them exactly what they are looking for. If you’re busy, make sure to tell your customers and give them updates, so that they know you haven’t forgotten about them. You should be checking on your customers periodically, making sure all their needs are being met but also allowing them time to enjoy themselves.
You can avoid difficult situations and complaints from the start by providing excellent communication — whether it’s socializing or addressing customer needs and questions. In bad situations remember to remain calm and understanding of the customers’ issues and respond respectfully, even when customers may be angry. Whenever a manager doesn’t need to be called to resolve a problem, it is a huge win for your establishment.
Your customers’ opinions matter because reviews are important and can come in the form of social media or even Yelp. If a customer has a bad experience, they may leave a bad review. This could not only lose you that customer, but potentially so many more people who have seen that review. Build valuable relationships with your customers by showing them just how much you have to offer and why they should be your loyal customers.
It’s necessary to provide your customers with quality service and that they receive a valuable experience worth the cost they paid. If you do a good job, they’ll continue to choose your establishment over your competitors and maybe even tell others why they should be doing the same. The next time a customer enters your establishment think to yourself what kind of service can you offer that your competitors can’t?
