Conscientious restaurant goers want to ensure their dining experience aligns with the cost of going out to eat. Expectations for restaurants have never been higher with food quality, environmental concerns and the overall customer experience all affecting the reputation of your business. Here we’ve outlined 7 steps to create a first class restaurant experience, regardless of your niche.
1. Start At The Top
As the owner of a small business, your company’s success will largely hinge on your ability to guide it towards prosperity. In larger corporations, many owners take a hands-off approach. That is something that is simply not possible for the CEO of a small business. Whether you’ve been in the game for years or you’ve just launched a new start-up, continuing to grow personally and professionally will directly correlate with the growth of your business.
2. Upgrade Your Audio/Visual Experience
If a customer is coming to your restaurant to watch a sporting event, that can equal several hours spent in your establishment. Adding new and larger televisions, an updated sound system and proper lighting can dramatically improve your audio/visual experience. The better the game time experience, the more loyal your customers will be, allowing you to have consistent business as well as advocates for new customers. Great sound quality can be a big draw at establishments that host live music events. This also provides leverage for signing higher profile artists.
3. Improve The Quality And Efficiency Of Your Delivery Service
If your restaurant does not offer delivery, now is the time to start. Restaurant delivery presents restaurant’s best tool to expand its footprint. Your delivery options should be diverse and delivered in the same quality that your serve in your restaurant. Investing in proper packaging and delivery cases will ensure your delivery food matches that of your brick and mortar restaurant. You’ll also want to make sure you’re properly staffed as to avoid long delivery times that may deter customers.
4. Expand and Redesign Exterior Space
From the inside out your restaurant is a reflection of the business you are trying to attract. Though the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ has its relevance, when it comes to a restaurant, nothing could be further from the truth. When people are driving by with a hungry family or looking for a place to melt away a stressful day, an attractive exterior can draw them in. Imagine what a fresh coat of paint and new landscaping could do to help your bottom line. Or you could think bigger, perhaps adding a patio for outdoor entertainment. An inviting outdoor space can help turn over tables inside and make room for larger parties and events that will bring in loyal customers for years to come.
5. Transition To A Green Business Model
There are several aspects of your business you’ll need to evaluate when deciding to go green. How long have you had the equipment in your kitchen? Many businesses have made the switch to energy-efficient appliances because it improves the bottom line and also helps the environment. From dishwashers to walk-in refrigerators and even ceiling fans, there are countless ways you could save your watts.
6. Allow Your Menu To Evolve
Avoiding menu fatigue can be one of the toughest tasks that restaurant owners will face. Not only does it mean developing new dishes, it can mean finding sources for new ingredients and different distributors. It can be tough to admit that your menu has become stagnant but it’s important to keep it fresh to grow your customer base. You’ll need detailed preparation and the buy-in from your entire staff to consistently update your menu. Your most popular items should remain on the menu year round to satisfy your regulars but your restaurant and menu should be constantly evolving. Organic and farm to table ingredients have become big sellers in the restaurant industry and the investment has been well worth the cost for many small business owners.
7. Get The Proper Funding
Quikstone Capital Solutions has been providing restaurant owners with merchant cash advances to stabilize and improve their companies for more than 10 years. If you are in need of a cash to cover unexpected costs, or if you’re looking to make long overdue improvements, a merchant cash advance could be right for you. With the ability to quickly qualify and get your money in a timely fashion, there is no more convenient option.
