Let's take a look at some of their tried-and-true approaches that keep their hungry customers coming through the door.
Be our guest. According to Clarence Otis, CEO of Darden Restaurants, atmosphere and consistency are key. "Casual dining really satisfies the fundamental emotional needs (of the diner) .. people want to slow down, relax and reconnect and be with family and friends."
Is your restaurant comfortable? We mean in every way. From the lighting to the arrangement of tables and booths to the style of your wait staff, is it a space that invites diners to relax and enjoy their time there? Take a look during a dinner service. Are your customers enjoying not only the food but the experience? Enhancements may be as simple as turning down (or up!) the music; changing the color of the napkins; turning up (or down!) the lights.
Something for everyone. Offering menu selections that make it easy for diners to find something that everyone at the table will be able to enjoy makes your place the 'place to go' when families with ever-picky teens and friends with the vegetarian hubby need to choose a place for lunch.
Variety doesn't have to mean a 10-page menu. Your seafood-topped Caesar salad may be the best in the county -- but offer it with or without the shrimp and now you have two selections for your customers to choose. Build your own burger is another great way to create a something-for-everyone atmosphere. Now take that build your own burger attitude and get creative! Perhaps your customers can create their own pasta with add-ins or sauce choices.
Consistency, consistency, consistency. Abraham Lincoln advised, "Whatever you are, be a good one." If you are the burger joint -- be the best burger joint EVERY time. When your customer praises your "burger, tonight!" the emphasis shouldn't be on the 'tonight'.
Experts tell us one of the primary reasons why fast casual establishments continue to grow in popularity is that people know what to expect in terms of quality. These days more than ever, with dining out budgets being slim to non-existent, customers are less likely to take a chance that Jimmy is cooking tonight and will probably opt for a restaurant where they know the quality will be what they expect.
Road Trip. The idea isn't to become cookie-cutter or to be a carbon copy of the local Applebee's, but to take a clear-eye look at what is working -- and working well -- for the casual dining model. One of the very best ways to do this is .. become the customer! Meet with a few friends, enjoy a meal and talk candidly about the experience. The entire experience!
