“Game changers that could redefine your restaurant”... That is one big statement, but we know that the points discussed below play a role in determining the success or failure of your restaurant.
As a restaurateur (or manager) it is easy to overlook the smaller-scaled details in your business because of the heavy load of work that comes with owning, managing and running a restaurant. However, ignoring those “secondary” tasks could result in undesired challenges and setbacks.
Can you guess what these “small-scaled” activities are? Well, let us give you a hint; they all tie back to ATMOSPHERE. Yes, you heard it, atmosphere and all its attributes are key players in the hospitality industry, and ignoring them could backfire.
“While food is the star of a restaurant, it’s the atmosphere or ambiance that keeps a customer returning. Dining at a restaurant shouldn’t just be about the meal itself, but also about the experience” . (Escoffier Online)
1. POS Technology

POS systems boost productivity and minimize any potential losses and unwanted expenses. Also, hybrid POS systems come with table-side ordering, this allows servers to have all the answers to any potential customer questions right on hand. Technology is a game changer in the hospitality industry since it facilitates the processes and leads to employee, managerial and most importantly customer satisfaction.
We cannot emphasize enough on the importance of modern technology in restaurant management. Having a reliable and secure POS system in place allows the different activities to run as smooth as possible.
2. Restaurant Cleanliness

How many times have you been to a restaurant where the tables and floors were sticky and you never set a foot back in that place? Let us just say it is a common phenomenon. The cleanliness of your restaurant should be of utmost importance to you and your staff. Without knowing, your restaurant reputation can be significantly impacted by its overall neatness or lack thereof. Wipe the table tops and sweep the floors multiple times a day and do not keep any overloaded garbage bins. The restrooms are still part of your restaurant so keep them squeaky clean and sanitized.
3. Restaurant Interior and Exterior Designs

This is the fun part… but not for everyone. Individuals, usually with an aesthetic taste, enjoy dealing with this. However, you do not have to be a professional designer to plan a decent look for your restaurant. The simpler and more lit it is, the more appealing it will be.
The designs and layout should be based on the type of restaurant, obviously, a fast-casual place is more laid back then a full-service one. Plan accordingly and if you have some extra money to spend, hire a professional to help in this process; it will eventually pay back.
The designs and layout should be based on the type of restaurant, obviously, a fast-casual place is more laid back then a full-service one. Plan accordingly and if you have some extra money to spend, hire a professional to help in this process; it will eventually pay back.
4. Restaurant Staff

It is not only about who you hire but also about how you and the employee work together to have the most presentable ambiance for your customers. Both front and back of house staff should be dressed and cleaned up in an orderly fashion. Constantly train your kitchen staff to properly use gloves and hair nets when handling food because you do not want customers complaining from alien creatures in their food.
If you have been overlooking these "small-scaled, secondary" activities, then it is time to make the changes and prioritize them. Adopting the right technology and focusing on the overall looks of your store and staff will help build your restaurant's positive reputation which leads to increases in traffic and sales.
About the Author: Stephanie Gabriel
Stephanie Gabriel is a Marketing Intern at Ordyx POS and a soon-to-be graduate of Florida Atlantic University. She enjoys creating new content and learning about the different marketing and business strategies.