Have you been researching ideas for opening your own restaurant?
There are so many aspects to consider before embarking on this adventure. It can be overwhelming. You need to think about the design, fitout, positioning and service, with a good insight into the minds of your future customers.
Devising a solid restaurant business plan is essential.
What may be holding you back is the lack of sound advice! The internet is flooded with info, which makes it challenging to dig up credible sources.
Here is some professional advice from business consultants, coaches and hospitality experts.
1. Décor Counts
Michael Shen, a restaurant reviewer of ImStillHungry, says that customers value great service and impressive décor. Both of which are inferior to food quality. These things can move the needle when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Alexandra Morris, a Commercial Interior Designer, stresses the importance of appointing a savvy designer with a portfolio of hospitality projects.
“Not only will they maximise the best use of your space, they will guide you through the procedures involved with council regulations as well as making sure the overall design meets Standards and food codes.”
Paul Bolles-Beaven from Ushgnyc.com agrees with Morris about hiring a knowledgeable design specialist. They can help put the visual aspect in line with your concept and food and beverage offerings.
These Instagram restaurant decor ideas will help you kick-start your imagination.
2. Impress With Instagram Worthy Tableware and Table Linen
Customers love sharing their food on social media almost as much as consuming it. The more picture-perfect your restaurant is, its more likely that patrons will post images on Instagram or Facebook.
Inviting tableware and table linen along with an exciting menu will entice customers to share their awesome dining experience on their social networks.
Here are a few insider tips for buying restaurant tableware.
Attract Instagram followers by really nailing your food styling. Here are a few Instagram worthy food styling hacks from Aliza J. Sokolow, a photographer who’s been shooting and styling food for some of the top chefs around the globe.
3. Learn the Science of Colour
Colours play an important role in generating a hospitable environment in cafes or restaurants. The colour that is rarely seen in cafes is blue. The reason behind that lies in its ability to distract one’s mind away from food.
Colours like orange, red and green stimulate the appetite and increase cravings. This is why the right colour combination will help you maximise customer satisfaction.
4. Use SEO to Attract Customers
Digital marketing and SEO are still by far the most effective ways to attract customers.
Keep your site active and your blog updated with fresh, relevant content. This will help you boost your Google rankings. Get yourself listed on Google My Business. This helps people find you when they’re browsing on Google Search or Maps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Respond to reviews on TripAdvisor and other 3rd-party platforms to stay current in the e-world of food. Use SEO tools on your website to target local searches and gain more exposure on Google.
Reputation will always spread far and wide so concentrating on a quality experience with great service and a fantastic product is paramount.
5. Facebook Marketing
Facebook is a great tool for highly targeted marketing as you can specify variables such as age group, location and lifestyle.
The founder of Marketing4Restaurants.com, James Eling reminds us to define our digital marketing objectives:
“Remember, Facebook marketing for restaurants is not about how many Likes you have. It is about having the right objectives, and that is usually finding more new customers and turning them into repeat customers.”
6. Master the Art of Customer Loyalty
Remembering your guests’ birthday (via Facebook), a favourite dish or wine is a great way to build customer loyalty.
Adding a personal touch and giving them something will help turn them into regulars. Come up with a loyalty program that can be installed on your Point of Sales (POS) System.
Open, Outsource, Outplay!
Running a busy restaurant is hard work. As your business grows you should consider outsourcing those tasks that are clogging your workflow. This will allow you to devote your time to your core tasks and growing your business.
Let Alsco take care of all your linen and workwear needs. We have unrivalled experience in restaurant linen and workwear rental and laundry services.
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Tea Towels
Highly absorbent tea-towels. Pick the size & style that match your restaurant theme.
Learn more…
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Tablecloths
Crisp, clean and pressed napkins and tablecloths. Find the perfect style for you.
Ask us for more designs…
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Restaurant Staff Uniforms
Regularly washed and delivered uniforms. Available in different styles and sizes.
View our full range…
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Ring us now and we will help you spruce up your restaurant and impress your customers.
Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by WineCountry Media
Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by Dennis Jarvis
Photo courtesy of Flickr Images by Scott Ableman
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