Many people dream of going into the restaurant business someday. Well, that is except for me. However, I enjoy visiting restaurants of all types when traveling worldwide. I’ve had some excellent experiences and some that left me knowing it would take a lot to get me to come back again.
Many TV shows and movies often spotlight the restaurant business’s positive, glamorous sides. Greeting your friends, enjoying celebrations, eating free meals, and the luxuries and benefits that come with the industry. However, running a thriving restaurant requires long hours and lots of hard work. There’s a reason so many restaurants end up closing within three years: it’s a demanding industry to succeed in! But there are things you can do to improve your chances. Let’s take a look at a few of these.
Know Your Role
If you try to please everyone, you’ll please no one. One mistake many restaurants make is trying to appeal to all tastes and styles, but that’s impossible. It’s much better to focus on providing one type of food rather than putting a little bit of everything on the menu. You’ll also want to have a target demographic in mind. Are you aiming for a place that’s good for couples, families, and friends on a fun night out? It’s essential to figure this out early, as it’ll influence many of the following decisions you must make.
Look the Part
Of course, the food is important, but it’s not just about the food. It’s also about the space. A restaurant could offer high-quality meals, but if the place has not been designed well, many people will keep walking right past the door. Equally, sometimes people overlook a place with better food in favor of a restaurant that looks and feels good. You’re aiming for both, but you get the idea. You must ensure that all your restaurant supplies, such as your chairs, and table tops are high quality and fit for service. Don’t let your restaurant dream die for avoidable reasons such as not having the proper infrastructure.
Make sure to have plenty of options for your customers, too. For example, if you have a bar, make sure to purchase a commercial coffee machine so your guests have the choice of a hot beverage alongside the many chilled options.
Getting Customers Through the Door
You’ll be set up to succeed, but there are no guarantees until people come through the door and ask to be seated. You can do a few things that’ll help to make this happen. Offer promotions during set times from Sunday – Wednesday, when people generally eat out less. Put up unique holiday decorations that allow you to focus on a theme and offer themed drinks and meals. Encourage customers who tell you how great their meal was to write reviews. And don’t forget to take advantage of social media. Many in the restaurant business overlook the value of this free marketing tool.
Instagram is a great social media platform to showcase pictures of your restaurant. You can post photos of happy customers, specialty dishes, and your staff having a great time. It’s also an excellent way for customers to know more about you and the passion behind your dream.
Your Staff
The food, the ambiance, and now the final puzzle piece – the staff. From your own experiences in restaurants, you know how big a difference the wait staff can make. They can make or break a person’s experience at a restaurant. Nothing makes a person say “I’m not going back there” more than rude wait staff. Ensure that you’re hiring the right people and training them well. As every restaurant has its unique style and personality, you want to ensure anyone you hire fits your restaurant culture and wants to be a part of the team.
Also, take time to review and understand the Department of Labor guidance on the 80/20 rule for tipped workers. The rule is for businesses whose employees rely on tips for some or all of their wages. There are requirements on how much and when you pay tipped employees for every hour worked. Knowing the 2022 tip rule will help prevent conflicts or disputes for not correctly compensating your team members.
Owning a restaurant can be hard work, but it’s also a rewarding and fulfilling career path. To succeed in the restaurant business, keep these four key strategies in mind. Before you know it, you’ll have regular customers who enjoy bringing their friends and telling others about your restaurant. Oh, and don’t forget to send me an invitation to the opening! Here’s to YOUR success…
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership, and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessments. You can learn more about assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
