Published December 24, 2014
They complain, argue, overreact, expect special treatment, and leave you religious pamphlets in place of an actual tip. These are the customers that make you want to punch something (like in that Smith and Forge commercial).
It’s obvious these people have a lot on their minds, but don’t let them drag you down with them! Instead, have a laugh at these 10 customer types you hope you’ll never see again (but you probably will).
Read the full article here: It Never Ends: 10 *More* Customers You Hate
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Published December 24, 2014
With new technology emerging on the market all the time, it can be difficult to decide what equipment is right for your restaurant. These five tips will simplify the process.
First, narrow your search to the category of equipment you’re looking for. Then start researching specific models. Read reviews and compare brands and prices.
Some products have videos available, and check out the comments for more impromptu reviews.
Ask the professionals questions about their products directly as they can match equipment to your specific needs. You can also ask your peers to offer their opinions and insight on different brands and equipment.
Read the full article here: 5 Tips for Finding the Right Restaurant Equipment
Published December 23, 2014
It’s New Year’s resolution time! Consider these ideas to amp up your restaurant in 2015!
Increasing your social media presence will generate more business. Make a resolution to interact more with customers online. Using more technology in general will bring your restaurant up to speed.
Organize, organize, organize! Start spring cleaning early. Do regular inventory and make sure everything is well stocked and be mindful of waste.
Make your employees a priority and spend time training and developing a strong team. Recognize and praise achievements and help them if they’re struggling.
Finally, try something new! Sometimes shaking things up a bit with new decor or menu items is all that’s needed to bring in a little extra revenue.
Read the full article here: Top 5 New Years Resolutions For Your Bar Or Restaurant
Published December 23, 2014
Trivia and bars go together like wings and ranch. People love competition and trivia nights are a great way to draw in and entertain customers.
Jackpot Trivia is a new game-show style trivia system that allows all patrons to play any time on any day, but is it really better than traditional trivia nights?
There’s no need for teams with Jackpot Trivia – any individual can play against the other customers on demand. People can choose their own categories and in-game boosts are available to help competitors strategize.
It sounds like a neat system and it would work well in large, loud, busy bars, but it takes away the intimacy and camaraderie that makes traditional trivia fun. I miss the days where an actual person spoke the trivia questions aloud and collected the answers on paper. When you remove the human element, you remove part of the experience.
Read the full article here: Jackpot Trivia Guaranteed FUN For Your Bar Patrons
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Published December 23, 2014
Imagine you’re serving a large, 16 person group. After 19 pizzas, 32 wings and a lot of beer you’re probably tired, aching, and ready to go home, but you’re also looking forward to the tip that comes with a $500+ bill. The guest hands it over, and you can’t believe your eyes.
A thousand dollar tip.
That’s what happened to incredibly lucky server Alexx Baziotis recently in Spokane. Humbled, she spent the money on Christmas gifts for her family.
What would you have done?
Read the full article here: This Tip Was a Holiday Miracle for a Spokane Waitress
Published December 22, 2014
Catering a party comes with some challenges, but these tips can help you out!
First, organize a list. You have to know how many people there will be before you can plan the food and drink. Save on prep time with pre-made items and make sure you have enough equipment and staff on hand.
Design a simple menu that meets the customer’s needs, and keep portion sizes in mind. A buffet style setting offers easy access and reduced labor costs with more food choices.
Keep space in mind. If it’s a very large party, closing the restaurant for the evening may be a good idea.
Read the full article here: 5 Tips On How To Successfully Cater A Large Party
Published December 22, 2014
A woman in North Carolina has recently implemented a new menu at her restaurant that has business booming. The gimmick? No prices.
After praying for a way to turn things around for her struggling restaurant Just Cookin’, Dona Parris claims God came to her and told her to leave it to him. She stopped pricing her menu and instead allows the customer to pay what they think the meal is worth.
The marketing strategy was a success, and revenues tripled during the first week.
You don’t see a lot of pay-what-you-want in our consumer driven society, but it’s not a bad idea. While something like this probably wouldn’t work for a fancy high class establishment, it does prove people are honest and appreciate trust in the food service-consumer relationship.
Read the full article here: Should More Restaurants Leave Pricing “Up to God?”
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Published December 22, 2014
Mobile marketing is huge now, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your campaign is effective.
First, incorporate a way for customers to provide feedback, such as their location. You can use that information to target specific places for advertising. Also watch your automatic push notifications – create a blackout window during early hours.
Be transparent and keep your fine print easy to read on mobile coupons. Compare different promotions to find one that works best, and put a time limit on them. Use mobile analytics to analyze discount trends.
People also like a creative approach. Digital scratch off coupons and mobile mini games create an experience for the customer and they’re more likely to remember your brand.
Read the full article here: 7 ways to strengthen mobile promotions
Published December 19, 2014
The trend forecasts are up for the coming year, and beverages are becoming more globally inspired.
Five flavor trends are predicted. The Globalization of Flavor features exotic ingredients from around the world. Minimalism/Purity is all about clean labeling and high quality ingredients. Upscale Comfort beverages are nostalgic with new twists.
Citrus Blends are going to be big, as well as True to Nature Flavors that focus on health benefits and natural ingredients.
Read the full article here: Gazing at the Beverage Trends of 2015
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Published December 19, 2014
There are plenty of nice, friendly restaurant patrons out there who are nothing but polite and understanding – but this isn’t about them. This is about the whiny, annoying, anger-inducing diners who don’t seem to comprehend what courtesy is.
No one really understands what horrible monsters people can turn into until they work customer service, but when you’re handling people’s food everything is taken to the next level.
Before you dunk that uptight businessman’s water glass in the toilet, take a moment to breathe and laugh at this list of ten types of customers who could almost push you over the edge.
Read the full article here: 10 Kinds of Customers You Hate
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More annoying customers that drive you crazy
They complain, argue, overreact, expect special treatment, and leave you religious pamphlets in place of an actual tip. These are the customers that make you want to punch something (like in that Smith and Forge commercial).
It’s obvious these people have a lot on their minds, but don’t let them drag you down with them! Instead, have a laugh at these 10 customer types you hope you’ll never see again (but you probably will).
Read the full article here: It Never Ends: 10 *More* Customers You Hate
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