1. Location, location, location
Location is one of the first things I look at when determining if I will go to a restaurant, regardless of how attractive the menu/dish looks. Inconvenient locations prevent people from trying out potentially really good places. For me, I have a whole folder of screenshots of places that I want to go to, but don't think I'll ever go to due to it being such a trek to get there.
Remember: convenience is everything!
For example, Waterman's Lobster was quite a trek for me, so I only went when I could find some other reason to be in the area. Side note: it was worth the trek!
2. Décor and design
I know that décor and design is something that a lot of people pay attention to when deciding whether to return. But for me, as long as the restaurant is clean and the food is good, I would revisit. Pretty surroundings is an added bonus!
But looking back, the décor and the design of the place really affects whether I take a photo and whether I will upload it on to social media or not. This is just as important as good lighting as it takes a lot of effort to adjust the photos afterwards. For amateur foodies like me, it just prevents me from posting on social media/making a blog post on the restaurant. As such, they lose a portion of such free advertising/promotion that they would otherwise receive.
For example, the setup at the Grounds of Alexandria really added to it's attractiveness to both first-timers and return patrons.
3. Menu
Now that you're seated, time to read the menu! Most cafes and restaurants now have relatively simple menus (around 1-2 pages max of food items). Too many items causes confusion (especially for people like me who can't choose what to eat) and too little items doesn't cater to enough customers.
Also, steer away from complicated words, please! I know it sounds fancy and all, but it mostly just confuses me and adds to the time I need to decide what I'm going to be ordering.
Keep things simple.
4. Tableware
Your food is here, what do you do? Take a photo first! (#cameraeatfirst) For your food to be #instaworthy, the food must be plated beautifully. With more and more people using instagram and other social media, restaurants have to capture the attention of customers in that one picture.
Some restaurants can be really good at plating (e.g. Koi), but for most restaurants, a clean and simple display is more than sufficient in becoming #instaworthy
Hint: marble is all the craze so you can't really go wrong with marble plates
5. Bloggers, Influencers & Social Media
This is one of the most active place where restaurants can gain exposure and attract customers nowadays. Whether its's through working with influencers through sponsored posts or the restaurant setting up their own social media account, I would say that most restaurants have something to gain by establishing their online presence.
But remember, setting up an account is easy, maintaining it is the hard part - you should aim to be responsive on the pages you set up, whether it's Facebook or instagram.
There are many more great points the article mentions, which I recommend you read if you're run a restaurant or are looking to set up the restaurant of your dreams!
Right now, ALSCO is also offering 10 extra tips when you request for the PDF version of the tips!
Check out these tips and strategies for your restaurant business plan now!
On a side note, I should be back soon with a travel post! Keep your eyes out for the new blogpost!
very useful blog for restaurant owners and also restaurant tie up with online food order service to grow your restaurant business more
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