It’s become harder and harder for a new restaurant to look unique – to get the attention of consumers. After all, there are a plethora of restaurants with fine dining and amazing good for them to compete with. But, did you know that all that ambiance and good food may not be enough to win people over and get them to come back?
In fact, it’s the service a restaurant provides that lures people back in. Your earn customer loyalty by providing them with amazing customer service, being attentive to the details and giving them a personal touch. This is what leads to repeat business.
It’s important to offer good service to your customers, but why not strive for outstanding service instead?
Now, you may think that providing customers with outstanding service is going to cost you a lot of money. It doesn’t and shouldn’t have to. All it means is your staff going the extra mile with the tasks they’re already doing.
Have Your FoH Manager Check On Customers
Most waiters and waitresses check on their customers, but a FoH manager checking in on them when customers get their main course is a demonstration of amazing service. This simple service act shows customers that your FoH manager cares about them and their experience. It shows the customers that if they have a problem, the manager is willing to step in and help.
Reduce Your Customers’ Wait Time
If a customer makes a reservation for a particular time at your restaurant, it means they want to eat at your restaurant. Take it as a form of flattery. Be sure to exceed their expectations by preparing for their arrival in advance. If the party has to wait, even though they made the reservation, make sure they’re offered complimentary drinks or food. Have the restaurant manager apologize for the wait and why the wait is happening.
When the customers have an understanding of what’s going on and that a solution is being offered to pass the time, they’re more likely to be less hostile about it.
It’s the little things you do that, when properly carried out, makes a world of difference for a customer. They’ll remember it just as much as they will the food.
Your Restaurant’s Ambiance Plays A Role In Customer Service
Believe it or not, the kind of ambiance your restaurant has plays a huge role in customer service as well. Be sure you have the right type of music playing. You may have a crowd of people that drown out the music, but it’s what sets the tone in the restaurant. Don’t turn up the music just to get patrons to hear it, but do turn it down if people are asking for it to be lowered.
Another important aspect is the lighting. While lighting will differ from one restaurant to the next, the key is to allow customers to see each other and their food but create a mood that makes them want to stay and eat. Be aware that a lack of good lighting makes it hard for people to read a menu, which can cause some patrons to get up and leave.
Create A Personalized Experience
You want your customers to feel like they got a personalized experience from your establishment. When it comes to the management, you don’t want something to come out rehearsed. Talk with customers directly, asking for their names and repeating it when you see them again. It’s the little things like these that make a customer feel like they are important.
You also want the wait staff to engage with your customer. These relationships can foster customer loyalty while also boosting the chance of a good tip for their hard work and service.