Why Customer Service Matters For Restaurants
Customer service encourages positive recommendations through word of mouth. However, with most people searching online for reviews, customer service encourages that too! In fact, 90% of consumers check online reviews before visiting a business. Your customer service is a first impression before they even set foot inside of your restaurant. It’s going to drive loyalty as they know what they are getting each time they visit.
Handle Feedback
Respecting the opinions of your customers and hearing their voice is the first essential key to customer service. Your customers want to resonate and connect with your brand. They do this by expressing how your restaurant makes them feel.
Gratitude
Showing your customers appreciation for their business is important for customer service, but it’s often overlooked. The restaurant business moves fast, with lots of establishments focused on flipping tables and making the sale. But how many customers have a decent experience yet don’t feel valued? Your staff should practice gratitude towards customers by asking if they’ve ever visited your restaurant before. It opens the door for a warm welcome if they are a first-time customer and builds an emotional connection. Furthermore, your servers can walk them through the menu, specials, and the general layout of your establishment.
It wouldn’t be about loyalty if you don’t thank your existing customers too, right? Your regular customers have a better understanding of your brand and are probably more engaged with your restaurant. They follow you on social media, sign up for email newsletters, and register for that new rewards program you’ve introduced. Here’s your chance to appreciate them too. Create discounts for their birthdays and offer them promotions. Invite them to tasting or holiday events with exclusive benefits. Get creative and show your gratitude to your customers!
Attentiveness
Your restaurant should be attentive to your customers no matter what. Sometimes unpredictable things happen in the restaurant industry, but you should try to minimize the impact that it has on your customer service. People are generally understanding if you show that you care and communicate. Maybe a customer customized their burger and your server wrote it down incorrectly. Alternatively, perhaps the bar is packed, which is backing up drink orders at the tables. Be attentive, read their body language, and let them know what is happening behind the scenes before correcting the issue.
Tiny details matter even if there isn’t anything wrong at the moment. Train your staff on the small things that take minimal effort but go a long way. For instance, servers could bring extra napkins or wet wipes paired with a messy appetizer such as nachos or wings. Servers could also refill water glasses or coffee mugs on the spot instead of asking, going back, and finally refilling. As a customer service essential, being attentive is yet another expression of showing your customers that you care.
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Drew Thomas
Drew Thomas is a graduate of Georgia College & State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. He is an expert in brand marketing and has experience in freelance writing on topics ranging from sports to music reviews. He has also spent time as an editor, having revised website copy and press releases for local businesses. In his free time, Drew enjoys performing music, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.
