News

Seven Essential Tips and Tricks All Restaurant Owners Should Know

Published by
Hayden Walker
Share

Owning a restaurant is one of the trickiest ventures to manage successfully. You must ensure you deliver a stellar service every time a client comes to dine. It takes a lot of time and effort to establish yourself as a new restaurant, however, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you along the way. Here are seven things that every restaurant owner should know.

Create Meaningful Relationships with Clients and Suppliers

Many restauranteurs know that their relationships with clients are extremely important. However, only a few dedicate that same effort to building solid relationships with their suppliers. For example, if your business needs plenty of Chinese restaurant supply, having a reliable wholesaler will allow you to benefit from the greatest deals.

It’s the little things that count, make sure to put 110% effort into your communication with both clients and suppliers alike. Find common ground and make pleasant conversation when you see them.

Never Take on More Than You Can Chew

It’s easy to get carried away when things are going well with your restaurant. Once you start bringing in more people, and hence considerable profits, you may be tempted to take on more than you can chew.

If you start over-booking or expanding your menu too ambitiously, you may run the risk of decreasing the quality of your service. The most important thing about running a restaurant is consistency, so make sure you always meet or exceed, customer expectations.

Hire Attentive and Experienced Staff

You can nail the food and the ambiance, but if the service is below par, customers will get frustrated and their whole dining experience will be ruined. The best way to avoid customer service mishaps is by hiring attentive and experienced staff.

Running a restaurant is like clockwork, every small component must be working together to provide the ultimate service. If you operate in a tourist hotspot, look for people with language skills as this is a great plus.

Embrace Critique and Grow from It

Another thing that you will have to accept as a restaurant owner is that not everybody may like your food. Even if you have a swarm of positive reviews, a negative one will always cut deeper than the others.

Rather than lashing out, try to embrace critique and grow from it. Owning a restaurant can be a very humbling experience. Make tweaks as you go along and listen to what customers and critics have to say.

Think About the Ambiance

As we’ve previously mentioned, a dining experience is composed of many different elements. One of these being the ambiance. This refers to the character and atmosphere of a specific place.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are many ways to enhance the overall feeling of your venue. A holistic experience means that every detail counts, think about the music, the decor, and even the lighting of your restaurant,

Make Suggestions and Offer Specials

Tried and tested is always the best way to go. Don’t change up your menu every two weeks, however, you should incorporate some surprises for your customers to enjoy. For example, you can offer specials with any fresh produce that is available.

If your customer isn’t too sure about what they should order, it’s always great to have a member of staff make some suggestions. This is where having experienced employees comes in handy. Don’t try to upsell, instead, try to enhance the service your clients are receiving.

Create a Social Media Presence

In the 21st century, almost every business has a notable social media presence. Social media channels like Instagram and Facebook have been great tools to help restaurateurs connect with their customers.

You can also use this technique to build your brand and share your story. Use your social media to post pictures of the food and venue. This will help bring in potential clients and expand your current customer base. Nowadays, many young customers will always check out a restaurant’s social media to see what the food looks like before deciding on a place to eat.

At the end of the day, consistency is key. Unlike other businesses, a restaurant will never run itself. You must put in the hard work in order to uphold the best level of service possible. Dining at a restaurant is a complete experience; food, customer service, and ambience all come together to create the perfect night. So, make sure all the components are exceeding expectations.

Hayden Walker

Hayden Walker is the Editor in Chief and Director of Operations for Austin Food Magazine

Recent Posts

Pursuit Farms is Elevating the Art of Wagyu Beef

Pursuit Farms has become a beacon for discerning palates seeking the finest Wagyu beef available…

2 weeks ago

Caesars Entertainment Unveils Stunning Transformation with the Grand Opening of Caesars New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…

3 weeks ago

Best Halloween Cocktail Bars and Parties in Austin

Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween Parties & Themed Bars in Austin Looking for spooky fun…

3 weeks ago

Austin Food & Wine Festival Unveils 2024 Schedule

With just weeks until the much-anticipated event, the Austin Food & Wine Festival is gearing…

1 month ago

ACL Fest 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Your Way through ACL Eats

ACL Fest 2024 brings not only an incredible music lineup but also a wide range…

2 months ago

Aburi Oshi Sushi Brings Flame-Seared Sushi to Austin

Austin’s sushi lovers have a new destination to explore, as Aburi Oshi Sushi makes its…

2 months ago