What do you tell customers when your restaurant is full? If you simply tell them that you are at capacity and cannot accommodate them then you are missing an outstanding marketing opportunity.
As restaurant owners know all too well, one night you can be at full capacity and the next night you can be dead. Consistently filling your dining room with diners is a challenge. However there is a way to help smooth out the ups and downs. In a way it’s a type of insurance policy.
It is not unusual for one restaurant to be almost empty while another restaurant just down the street is having to turn customers away. Where are those people going to go? Well, if you have developed a good relationship with the other restaurant owner he or she could help you out by sending customers to you. When unable to get a table at their first choice, many people will ask if the host or hostess can suggest another nearby restaurant. By having a good working relationship with that restaurants’ owner the hostess will know that your restaurant is where she should refer customers they could not seat.
A good way to develop such relationships is by dining in the other restaurants. Invite the owners to dine in your restaurant so he or she has an appreciation for the dining experience you provide. By actively supporting the restaurants in your area you can help insure the success of your restaurant through active networking and developing strong relationships. Think of it as an insurance policy you don’t have to buy from an insurance agent.
Penny Insurance Agency has been helping North Carolina restaurant owners design cost effective insurance programs since 1931.
I went to a restaurant that told me it would be an hour and a half wait, which was a bit too long of a wait for lunch. Instead of just saying "sorry" they gave me a $5 voucher for my next visit, basically just like cash that could only be used in their dining room. You can't blame the restaurant for being good enough to fill up, so it's nice when they make it worth your while.
ReplyDeleteWill, this is an excellent idea and an example of finding the opportunity where one doesn't at first seem to exist. I like the coupon as well since it may get them back in your restaurant for another look.
ReplyDeleteIf I owned a restaurant in North Carolina I would be calling Penny Insurance! They are a true partner to their customers. If you are a restaurant owner in NJ check us out at restaurantdinerinsurance.com
ReplyDeletePenny Insurance does so much for their clients. Business and personal clients alike in NC need to consider Penny. You guys are on the cutting edge Will. Check out what we are doing in Boston www.duffyins.com
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