Running a restaurant is no easy task. You have to please the customers, maintain sanitary conditions and make sure you’re operating within your regional guidelines. It can be challenging for many restaurants to stay afloat. And with the competition today, it’s even more challenging! Here are some ways to make your restaurant more appealing to customers, so they’ll keep coming back for more.
1. Make sure your restaurant is clean and sanitary
Maintaining a clean and sanitary restaurant is essential for keeping your customers happy and returning. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Sanitize all surfaces regularly, using an appropriate sanitizer
You must sanitize your restaurants at least once a day. Staff should be reminded to clean and disinfect all surfaces after contact with pests, trash, or anything that’ll drop the grade of your sanitary score.
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Wash dishes, pots, and pans by hand if possible
You should never run a restaurant where they’ll be touching kitchenware such as spoons and forks by machine. This increases the chances of contaminating the next set of utensils.
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Soak and clean the dishwasher daily
This ensures that the dishwasher cleans the dishes and other utensils properly.
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Change tablecloths and placemats frequently
The tablecloth can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other microscopic organisms. If they become stained, throw out any that you cannot salvage.
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Keep the floor clean and dry at all times
Sweep it frequently during peak hours, and mop it after closing time if possible. It’s best to do this daily if you can manage it since dirt and water can easily build up and cause a slip hazard.
2. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible
Many restaurants use pre-prepared items to cut down on preparation time. While this can be beneficial, the trade-off is that many of these items are high in preservatives or contain other chemicals that aren’t great for you. If you’re preparing fresh food from scratch, make sure your ingredients are fresh.
If you choose to use pre-prepared ingredients, follow the expiration date. If you don’t use these items quickly enough, they can expire before you have a chance to use them.
Make sure your staff is well-trained when it comes to storing food. This is essential for keeping your food fresh and ready to serve at all times. Ensure employees know what temperature certain foods should be stored at and how long certain foods can last in the fridge and freezer.
3. Know your customer base
To attract new customers and keep your existing ones coming back time after time, you’ll need to know a bit about who they are and what they want from their restaurant experience. Here are a few tips for getting started:
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Keep track of your customer’s likes and dislikes
Find out what they like about your restaurant, and keep track of any complaints or suggestions they have. If your menu is too extensive, find out which dishes or ingredients you can cut back on and test it with a small group first.
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Give your customers a way to reach you at all times
Make sure your restaurant information is always current on the internet. You need to ensure this information is available at the counter where customers can see it.
4. Create an attractive restaurant decor
When it comes to improving your restaurant’s decor, there are many things you can do. These are just some small things you can do to your restaurant:
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Freshen up the paint job
A fresh coat of paint can brighten up any room. It’s an affordable way to give your restaurant a new look.
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Add some plants or flowers
Plants and flowers can add a touch of color and life to any room. Plus, they can help improve the air quality in your restaurant.
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Invest in new furniture
If your furniture looks a bit dated, consider investing in some new pieces. You don’t have to spend a fortune. Just make sure your new pieces match.
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Add some artwork to the walls
Artwork can complement your decor and also reflect your restaurant’s interests.
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Add minor elements to your design
Add small, interesting design elements throughout your restaurants, such as lights or personalized doormats. These can help make a big impact without changing anything else in the room.
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How many colors can you add?
You should base the number of colors and patterns you add on the size of your restaurant. In a small area, one or two bright colors can help bring the room together. When decorating a larger room, try to stick with colors that fit your restaurant’s theme and stay away from patterns.
To make your restaurant more appealing to customers, you should consider implementing some tips we’ve outlined in this article. By keeping your floor clean and dry, using fresh ingredients whenever possible, training your staff on food storage, and knowing your customer base well, you’ll be well on your way to attracting new customers and keeping them coming back for more.
