The restaurant industry is a very competitive business. The littlest thing can make or break your business. One of the most important aspects of owning and running a restaurant in Florida is customer service.
Urban Spoon has compiled the following list of customer pet peeves at a restaurant. If you currently run a restaurant in Florida or are thinking about opening one, then you should take some time to seriously consider these aspects of customer service:
15. Missing/ Having to ask for simple items, such as napkins, a fork or a knife.
14. Weak drinks. This does not, however, mean that you should over-pour. Each drink has a specific volume of liquor in the recipe, and this should be adhered to by both owners and bartenders.
13. Indiscernible menus. Although it may add to the atmosphere to list menu items in the language of the restaurant (such as Italian, Spanish, or French), it is important to at least include an English translation so your customers are better able to choose their meal.
12. Rowdy Patrons. People come out to restaurants to have fun, but when they start to bother other people in the restaurant, then you have a problem. It is important that managers are prepared to handle rowdy customers in a professional manner that resolves the situation.
11. Nosy Neighbors. If your tables are too close together, then people who are having business meetings or a date night may feel that their privacy is being invaded. It is important to have many tables in your restaurant to be able to accommodate customers, but do not overload your dining room with tables.
10. Partial Group Seating. DO NOT EVER DO THIS! Your restaurant should anticipate that you will be “on a wait” at some points in your business, especially on the weekends. Incorporate a waiting area into the design of your restaurant and encourage guests to have a drink at the bar while they wait on their table.
9. Dirty Silverware or glasses. This is not only gross, but it is also a health hazard. One of the common reasons for dirty silverware or glasses is that your dishwasher itself is not clean. Additionally, glasses and silverware should be polished so that there are no visible watermarks.
8. Taking calls at the table. As an owner or manager, there is really not a lot that you can do about this. However, servers should not be rude to guests on the phone and should be aware that they may have to wait or come back to the table to take that individual’s order.
Check back on Tuesday to see the top 7 restaurant customer pet peeves and how you as a restaurant owner or manager can address them.
If you are interested in opening a restaurant in Florida or currently run a restaurant in Florida and need a business attorney, then contact Boyer Law Firm today!