The ability to attract and maintain customers is essential to the success of a restaurant. You need a constant flow of customers coming into your restaurant on a daily basis. Just posting an 'Open' sign in the front window is not enough to attract customers. You need to have a strategy to bring in customers.
The following are a number of tips to attract customers to your restaurant:
1. Market Your Restaurant: There are a number of different things you can do to market your restaurant. You can market at nearby hotels, motels, and other accommodations. You can provide a discount coupon for hotel guests. Use local flyers and newspapers to advertise special discounts. Hand out restaurant menus in public places or though the mail. You can also sponsor different events such as sporting or charity functions. You can also enter your staff in a charity event. The publicity will be very beneficial. Holding contests such as the chance to win a meal or gift certificate will attract customers.
2. Food: The food you serve is a key element to attracting and keeping customers. Make your dishes unique and stand apart from the other restaurants. Quality at a reasonable price is essential. Because more people are embracing a healthy life, offer some healthy dishes. Try serving samples in public areas such as supermarkets. As well, hand out a menu flyer with the samples.
3. Staff: It is essential to hire vibrant, friendly, and hard working staff. They are on the front lines of the restaurant and reflect the restaurants vision. Customers will return to a restaurant that has great staff. Colors and decorations should be appealing.
4. Restaurant Atmosphere: Make sure your restaurant is warm and inviting. The restaurant should be clean, including the bathrooms. The temperature should be comfortable and the seating should be relaxing and comfy. A dirty table should be cleaned and reset quickly.
5. Special Deals: It is important to offer special deals regularly, even daily. This will keep the customers returning. You can even often free appetizers such as bread, chips, or finger foods. You can also have special such as a free meal on one's birthday.
6. Gift Certificates: A gift certificate is a great way to acquire new customers. They also make for great gifts for such holidays as Christmas. Make sure you have an expiry date on the certificate.
7. Customer Loyalty Programs: Loyalty programs are a great way to build a customer base. You can send out newsletters, special deals only for them, coupons, or a complimentary meal deal such as a buy 2 get 1 free meal. You can also send out a discount offer on a new menu item. Acquiring customer emails is a great way to keep in contact with them.
A restaurant's success depends on the volume of customers coming through its doors. It is important that you implement a plan that shows customers that their patronage is appreciated and valued. Actively promoting your restaurant will result in long term success.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Fifties Diners Then and Now
Fifties-style diners remain popular today as a nostalgic style, but just after the end of World War II, they were actually considered the latest new thing. If you remember eating in a diner in the fifties, you probably remember sodas served in a classic Coke glass, home-cooked style meals, and warm apple pie for dessert. Outside the diner would sit the cars driven there by teenage boys on dates and fathers bringing the family for a meal, classic 1950s hot rods in turquoise and chrome. These cars would become so well-loved that they would even inspire pedal-car versions for their owners' children. Fifties diners incorporated chrome and steel in a "space age" design, and vinyl seats in turquoise, mint green, and cherry red. Over the jukebox played the hottest new rock n' roll hits as teenagers sipped on milkshakes and families ate hamburgers.
The classic diner in the 1950s was actually built in a factory, and then transported to its location in sections. These midcentury diners were characterized by their counters with tall stools and the booths where countless teenagers visited on date night. Diners were known for large portions, friendly service, and a comfortable and relaxed environment. Fifties-style diners are a uniquely American idea, although the idea of a diner restaurant actually goes back to the nineteenth century, when they were designed after railroad cars, albeit without the chrome and Formica styling of the classic 1950s diner. New materials developed during the World War II timeframe, like stainless steel, gave the fifties diner its unique "modern" appearance.
Unfortunately, this classic dining establishment is slowly disappearing, being replaced by fast food joints and brick-sided restaurants as the "space age" design style used for fifties diners has been overtaken by more current styles. According to one study, today there are only half as many diners in the United States as there were in the 1950s. Those that still exist may not have their original shiny chrome exteriors, vinyl bench seats, and Formica countertops that you remember from diners half a century ago. Unfortunately, like so many classic touches of the 1950s, the diner is no longer as prevalent as it once was, although it is still popular with fans that remember the diner at the height of its popularity or enjoy its now-retro ambience.
The atmosphere in a fifties-style diner today is a throwback to a simpler time; diners from the fifties still operating today are known for their pie and coffee; many still have an old-fashioned jukebox where you can find rock and roll songs from decades past. Today, fifties diners can still be spotted with their original styling both inside and out. Come on in for a traditional meal of coffee, milk shakes, hot food and pie. It sure is a treat, whether you're old enough to remember diners back in the 1950's or just love the retro styling. The diner was a popular hangout during the 1950s, and today it still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many, just like pedal cars and rock and roll. If you like the retro look, you can even decorate your home with diner-style booths and Formica tables with chrome legs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_P_Clark
The classic diner in the 1950s was actually built in a factory, and then transported to its location in sections. These midcentury diners were characterized by their counters with tall stools and the booths where countless teenagers visited on date night. Diners were known for large portions, friendly service, and a comfortable and relaxed environment. Fifties-style diners are a uniquely American idea, although the idea of a diner restaurant actually goes back to the nineteenth century, when they were designed after railroad cars, albeit without the chrome and Formica styling of the classic 1950s diner. New materials developed during the World War II timeframe, like stainless steel, gave the fifties diner its unique "modern" appearance.
Unfortunately, this classic dining establishment is slowly disappearing, being replaced by fast food joints and brick-sided restaurants as the "space age" design style used for fifties diners has been overtaken by more current styles. According to one study, today there are only half as many diners in the United States as there were in the 1950s. Those that still exist may not have their original shiny chrome exteriors, vinyl bench seats, and Formica countertops that you remember from diners half a century ago. Unfortunately, like so many classic touches of the 1950s, the diner is no longer as prevalent as it once was, although it is still popular with fans that remember the diner at the height of its popularity or enjoy its now-retro ambience.
The atmosphere in a fifties-style diner today is a throwback to a simpler time; diners from the fifties still operating today are known for their pie and coffee; many still have an old-fashioned jukebox where you can find rock and roll songs from decades past. Today, fifties diners can still be spotted with their original styling both inside and out. Come on in for a traditional meal of coffee, milk shakes, hot food and pie. It sure is a treat, whether you're old enough to remember diners back in the 1950's or just love the retro styling. The diner was a popular hangout during the 1950s, and today it still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many, just like pedal cars and rock and roll. If you like the retro look, you can even decorate your home with diner-style booths and Formica tables with chrome legs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_P_Clark
Best Way to Get Your "Chopsticks" on Chinese Restaurant Supplies
In the Chinese culture, food has always been one of the most important aspects. Like the old saying goes, "Food is the first necessity of the people." The Chinese have a strong belief in this saying, in fact, the usual greeting between two friends when meeting tends to be "Have you eaten?" rather than "How are you?" Literally everywhere in China, you can easily spot Chinese restaurants and food kiosks regardless if the town is big or small. In actual fact, Chinese restaurants are commonly found in cities all over the world. People from around the world, with different ethnic backgrounds, have learned to appreciate the Chinese culture and their delicious yet nutritious foods.
With that said, opening up a Chinese restaurant can be very lucrative. However, competition will be fierce. Just like in China, you'll probably find a Chinese restaurant just around the corner from where you live (no matter where your location is...I bet!). It will be difficult to open and actually survive against the current odds that are not in your favor. However, that's all going to change once I reveal your competitive advantage. It's quite simple actually. You need to find the perfect online Chinese restaurant supplier.
So many restaurant owners today are not web savvy and are very traditional. Repeatedly, they have been going to the same vendors for all their supplies and equipment without even considering a more cost effective solution. Granted, the owner might be getting great deals and plus the trust and loyal factor plays in. But it is almost a guarantee you will find a wider array of products, even better products at unbeatable prices online. As a restaurant owner, it is your responsibility to promote productivity and improve profit margins on a consistent basis. Relying on steady sales and repeat customers will not secure your job. You need to cut expenses and find better solutions for your restaurant needs. Searching online for your restaurant supplier will do the trick.
Also keep in mind, there might be cases where the "trustworthy" vendors take advantage of their loyal customer and charge more. This is not a rare occasion; I've seen this happen plenty of times. It's sad to say, but a lot of vendors do take advantage of their customers. Truth be told, I'm not going to be right in all cases. To ensure all fairness, you could use the web to do some research on your current products and their prices, which is another great reason on why you should use online Chinese restaurant suppliers.
Starting up a Chinese restaurant can be a weary task. Where would you find the right products and equipment that fits best with your offering? Finding Chinese food products and equipment can be a daunting task for anyone without the web at their disposal. Another plus side about choosing a supplier online is you can find niche suppliers, in this case, a Chinese restaurant supplier, without the hassle of flipping pages, scrimmaging with papers and contact numbers. You can easily filter out and narrow your search simply by typing down your search query on a major search engine and let it do all the work. Hit enter, then PRESTO! You'll have the list before your very own eyes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._E._Seoh
With that said, opening up a Chinese restaurant can be very lucrative. However, competition will be fierce. Just like in China, you'll probably find a Chinese restaurant just around the corner from where you live (no matter where your location is...I bet!). It will be difficult to open and actually survive against the current odds that are not in your favor. However, that's all going to change once I reveal your competitive advantage. It's quite simple actually. You need to find the perfect online Chinese restaurant supplier.
So many restaurant owners today are not web savvy and are very traditional. Repeatedly, they have been going to the same vendors for all their supplies and equipment without even considering a more cost effective solution. Granted, the owner might be getting great deals and plus the trust and loyal factor plays in. But it is almost a guarantee you will find a wider array of products, even better products at unbeatable prices online. As a restaurant owner, it is your responsibility to promote productivity and improve profit margins on a consistent basis. Relying on steady sales and repeat customers will not secure your job. You need to cut expenses and find better solutions for your restaurant needs. Searching online for your restaurant supplier will do the trick.
Also keep in mind, there might be cases where the "trustworthy" vendors take advantage of their loyal customer and charge more. This is not a rare occasion; I've seen this happen plenty of times. It's sad to say, but a lot of vendors do take advantage of their customers. Truth be told, I'm not going to be right in all cases. To ensure all fairness, you could use the web to do some research on your current products and their prices, which is another great reason on why you should use online Chinese restaurant suppliers.
Starting up a Chinese restaurant can be a weary task. Where would you find the right products and equipment that fits best with your offering? Finding Chinese food products and equipment can be a daunting task for anyone without the web at their disposal. Another plus side about choosing a supplier online is you can find niche suppliers, in this case, a Chinese restaurant supplier, without the hassle of flipping pages, scrimmaging with papers and contact numbers. You can easily filter out and narrow your search simply by typing down your search query on a major search engine and let it do all the work. Hit enter, then PRESTO! You'll have the list before your very own eyes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._E._Seoh
Dining on Vacations - How to Find a Local Restaurant
The new and different foods make dining at a restaurant while on vacation a real treat. When you travel to a new location, you are not familiar with the area which can make finding a good restaurant difficult. You do not want to end up eating at a place that may not have the best standards so it is important to know how to find a quality restaurant.
The following is guide on how to find a local restaurant when on vacation:
1. Tourist guide books are a great source of information for locating a great restaurant. Most guide books will have restaurant reviews or ratings. Most hotels carry local guide books, but if they don't, check at the local library or tourist centre.
2. Hotel employees are a valuable resource when searching for excellent local attractions because they are usually locals. They should know where the good restaurants are located. As well, if you are looking for a particular type of restaurant such as Italian or Greek, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
3. The actual local residents will be able to provide you with information about good restaurants. Such locals you can ask include retail employees, bus driver, taxi driver, and even people walking along the street. They should also be able to tell you about prices and the type of restaurant.
4. The internet is a great source of restaurant information. You can find a number of sites listing reviews, ratings, they type of food served, popular dishes, and more. There are some sites that allow customers to post their own reviews.
5. Another way of locating a restaurant is to do a walk through the area. If you come across a restaurant, check the quality by walking in and looking around to see how clean it is. Look at the floors, walls, and tables to see if there is any dirt. Look to see how many people are dining which is a good indication of its popularity. You may want to go into the bathroom to see how clean and well-kept it is. You can also take a quick glance at the meals the customers are eating. Note the appearance of the food and if the diners seem to be enjoying the meal. Ask to see a menu. If the servers have sloppy and dirty uniforms, you may want to keep looking. The appearance of the restaurant and how well it is maintained is a good indication about the quality of the food.
6. Check the local media such as newspapers and television. Restaurants tend to advertise in these mediums. Local television ads tend to highlight food descriptions and even show pictures of dishes. Pamphlets, brochures, and coupon books are also a great source of restaurant information.
A vacation is a great time to get away from the stresses of life and relax and be pampered. Dining at a restaurant is one of the many great features of taking a vacation. In order to ensure that all of your meals will be delicious, take the time to learn how to find the best restaurants in your destination area.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_E._Nutt
The following is guide on how to find a local restaurant when on vacation:
1. Tourist guide books are a great source of information for locating a great restaurant. Most guide books will have restaurant reviews or ratings. Most hotels carry local guide books, but if they don't, check at the local library or tourist centre.
2. Hotel employees are a valuable resource when searching for excellent local attractions because they are usually locals. They should know where the good restaurants are located. As well, if you are looking for a particular type of restaurant such as Italian or Greek, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
3. The actual local residents will be able to provide you with information about good restaurants. Such locals you can ask include retail employees, bus driver, taxi driver, and even people walking along the street. They should also be able to tell you about prices and the type of restaurant.
4. The internet is a great source of restaurant information. You can find a number of sites listing reviews, ratings, they type of food served, popular dishes, and more. There are some sites that allow customers to post their own reviews.
5. Another way of locating a restaurant is to do a walk through the area. If you come across a restaurant, check the quality by walking in and looking around to see how clean it is. Look at the floors, walls, and tables to see if there is any dirt. Look to see how many people are dining which is a good indication of its popularity. You may want to go into the bathroom to see how clean and well-kept it is. You can also take a quick glance at the meals the customers are eating. Note the appearance of the food and if the diners seem to be enjoying the meal. Ask to see a menu. If the servers have sloppy and dirty uniforms, you may want to keep looking. The appearance of the restaurant and how well it is maintained is a good indication about the quality of the food.
6. Check the local media such as newspapers and television. Restaurants tend to advertise in these mediums. Local television ads tend to highlight food descriptions and even show pictures of dishes. Pamphlets, brochures, and coupon books are also a great source of restaurant information.
A vacation is a great time to get away from the stresses of life and relax and be pampered. Dining at a restaurant is one of the many great features of taking a vacation. In order to ensure that all of your meals will be delicious, take the time to learn how to find the best restaurants in your destination area.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_E._Nutt
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