Customer Service in Restaurants
It may seem to be old fashioned but great costumer service in the restaurant business is as important as ever to the success of the restaurant and even the industry itself. In today’s economy, dining out can be a luxury experience for many couples and families. If they arrive at a restaurant and are greeted with an annoyed or unfriendly host or hostess, they will automatically be put in an aggravated mood, which is likely to last throughout the meal. Steven Barbarich knows that customer service begins with the consumer’s first experience with the company and never actually ends. The most immediate encounter will likely conclude with the recognized satisfaction of the consumer with the product, however, any wise business person will realize that any customer may be a repeat customer, and ensuring this is essential to building a solid costumer base.
This is particularly important in the restaurant business when repeat patronage often forms the bulk of an establishment’s business. In addition, the rate of repeat customer purchase is probably the highest with restaurants than with any other field. Customer service in a restaurant takes on many aspects, and oftentimes includes making it as personal and friendly as possible. It is true that people will return to a place where they feel recognized and respected. Hosts and hostesses should always greet customers with a friendly disposition, and when possible attempt to remember and verbally recognize regulars. It is also important to give accurate wait times for a table. One of the positive dynamics in most restaurants is the systematic aspects of service. Bus persons will often take on the immediate needs of a table when they notice that the server is tied up with another table. The host or hostess is also able to and often does offer to bring initial drinks to the table. One of the most important things for a server to remember is that regardless of how busy they are, when they are at a specific table they should give them their undivided attention and be respectful of their questions and needs.