Heading into fall is a great time to have a whole month focused on Food Safety and Lessons Learned from Health Inspections. Be sure to take advantage of the last week of free training activities, PDF downloads and print outs. The Do's & Don'ts will help ensure that your food handlers and wait staff are using the proper proceedures and techniques at your business.
Check it out here: http://www.servsafe.com/NFSEM/
We wish you and your business success!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Top 4- Do's & Don'ts of the Dining Room
Recently I was in line at a favorite fast casual restaurant preparing to order. My experience led me to think what are the dining room do's & don'ts that influence a diners experience.
1. Music- the customer behind me was pratically yelling in my ear so that her order could be heard and fufilled. Does your establishment play music? It's a great way to set the mood and studies show certain types of music can influence shoppers. If you do play music make sure the speakers aren't blasting directly at certain tables in the dining area or turn the volume down. No one wants to shout to be heard. If I wanted that I would stay home and listen to my kids joyfully outshout each other to share the day's experiences at our dinner table.
2. Fans & Drafts- if you have ceiling fans or (believe it or not I have been in places with) floor fans in the dining room, make sure they aren't blowing too strongly or directly on the customers. If your restaurant has windows and you live in a state with snowstorms in the winter or temps below 70 degrees, check for drafts, add shades or curtains to help cut down on cold drafts.
3. Mood lighting- Depending on your dining rooms ambiance, lightening can enhance the dining experience. Soft candles are great at night, just make sure you kept them lit. Light fixtures can make a statement in your dining room or be background lighting. Lastly make sure you routinely dust and clean them, a dusty light fixture hanging over your table or plate, is not enticing.
4. Dirty or non-available tables- this one is a given, I know. You want to turn your tables to insure that you are getting the most customers seated & served as possible. But let's face it, sometimes you are short staffed or you don't employ a buser. Dirty tables are not appetizing, so make sure the wait staff is clearing each course as the meal progresses. Save's everyone time.
I know this is a list that could go on but remember if you put yourself in your customers shoes you may make a few changes that could make a difference. Unfortunately bad experiences travel fast in this era of social media and good reviews or "LIKES" are like gold. Diners have unlimited choices and more often than not a limited budget. Enhance the dining experience for them and keep them coming back.
As always, we love to hear your thoughts and comments! Superior Menus
1. Music- the customer behind me was pratically yelling in my ear so that her order could be heard and fufilled. Does your establishment play music? It's a great way to set the mood and studies show certain types of music can influence shoppers. If you do play music make sure the speakers aren't blasting directly at certain tables in the dining area or turn the volume down. No one wants to shout to be heard. If I wanted that I would stay home and listen to my kids joyfully outshout each other to share the day's experiences at our dinner table.
2. Fans & Drafts- if you have ceiling fans or (believe it or not I have been in places with) floor fans in the dining room, make sure they aren't blowing too strongly or directly on the customers. If your restaurant has windows and you live in a state with snowstorms in the winter or temps below 70 degrees, check for drafts, add shades or curtains to help cut down on cold drafts.
3. Mood lighting- Depending on your dining rooms ambiance, lightening can enhance the dining experience. Soft candles are great at night, just make sure you kept them lit. Light fixtures can make a statement in your dining room or be background lighting. Lastly make sure you routinely dust and clean them, a dusty light fixture hanging over your table or plate, is not enticing.
4. Dirty or non-available tables- this one is a given, I know. You want to turn your tables to insure that you are getting the most customers seated & served as possible. But let's face it, sometimes you are short staffed or you don't employ a buser. Dirty tables are not appetizing, so make sure the wait staff is clearing each course as the meal progresses. Save's everyone time.
I know this is a list that could go on but remember if you put yourself in your customers shoes you may make a few changes that could make a difference. Unfortunately bad experiences travel fast in this era of social media and good reviews or "LIKES" are like gold. Diners have unlimited choices and more often than not a limited budget. Enhance the dining experience for them and keep them coming back.
As always, we love to hear your thoughts and comments! Superior Menus
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