We live in a time where consumers have an abundance of choice, which means restaurants have to work that much harder to keep customers satisfied to achieve return patronage. Consider that 65% of the average restaurant’s business comes from return customers. Loyal customers spend more per visit, visit more frequently, and are more likely to provide positive word of mouth marketing. So, how can you win over guests and create an army of loyal customers? According to many successful restaurateurs, consistency is the key!
We’ve prepared a list of 3 tips to help your restaurant consistently win over guests, time and time again.
Training and Procedures
Begin by creating a handbook of simple to understand restaurant policies and procedures. Documenting these guidelines creates a standard reference for all tasks. The next step is to invest in quality staff training. Take the time to train new employees meticulously, ensure that they are confident in carrying out all processes thoroughly. Patience and empathy with employees instills confidence. Drilling employees to memorize procedures often leads to insecurity and staff turn-over. Well-trained employees who feel valued perform better and are more likely to stick around, saving you money in the long run.
Streamline your recipes
It’s nearly impossible to create consistent experiences without building a uniform menu. Even the most experienced employees are bound to struggle with an overly complex menu and ingredient list. Simplify the process for your employees by building a menu around a few core ingredients and then rely on sauces and garnishes to create unique flavour profiles. This approach promotes consistency by limiting variability while still providing variety and choice for your customers.
Adopt equipment that limits human error
Even with solid training and a streamlined menu, human error can still compromise how each dish gets prepared, especially during busy services. When under the pump to get food up cooks can get sloppy with their portioning. We’ve all experienced biting into your favourite burger, only to find it’s either drenched in sauce, or worse, completely dry with nowhere near as much flavour as you’d recalled. That’s where portioning tools such as FIFO Innovations’ Portion Pal™ or Sauce Gun really help restaurants ensure consistency. Both Portion Pal™ and Sauce Gun avoid human error by dispensing fixed portions of sauce, guaranteeing consistency in every meal regardless of how busy it is or who prepares the meal.
