First Impressions That Make or Break Your Restaurant
When it comes to restaurants, first impressions count. Customers decide how they feel about your business within minutes of walking through the door.
Just as offices think carefully about the first impression of their workplaces, restaurant owners must pay attention to the details that shape a diner’s early experience. Here’s a hint for you: This has nothing to do with the food they order. In fact, the first impression is formed long before they get to order.
The Entrance and Welcome
Everything starts outside.
You need clean and clear signage as well as a clear pathway to your restaurant. These form the parts of an inviting entrance that will instantly put guests at ease. If the outside looks neglected, people may question what awaits them inside.
Staff greetings are just as important. A warm smile and prompt attention to newly arriving guests will show customers that they are valued. This sets the tone for the rest of the visit. Small gestures, such as opening the door for a family or helping with coats, can also go a long way in building trust.
The Atmosphere
Once inside, patrons tune in to the overall atmosphere. Lighting, background music, and even scents will influence their mood. So there are a few things you want to consider.
Harsh white lighting that is too strong can put people off. Similarly, no matter how tempting it is to use dim lighting, you don’t want to make things too dark.
How about the music? A little music in the background can be enjoyable. But it shouldn’t be overpowering. It shouldn’t make customers uncomfortable because they have to try to speak over the music to hear each other. Ideally, soft background tones will help people relax.
Finally, the last aspect of your atmosphere is the layout. Nobody likes crowded or cluttered spaces, as these can feel chaotic, and they can make people feel nervous. You want to make sure your customers have privacy and comfort at their tables, so it is worth sacrificing a table and a set of chairs for the general comfort of your clientele.
Table and Seating
Spacing out your tables is one thing. Ensuring they look clean is another. A clean table instantly communicates professionalism. People want spotless cutlery, neatly folded napkins (when available on the table), and suitable height arrangements. Some restaurants like to go for a modern setting, and mismatched table and chairs, which can look interesting but feel unpleasant when the heights don’t match.
Accessibility should also be a crucial point here. You want customers to be able to navigate comfortably, even if they are using a wheelchair.
If you are using candles, flowers, or any other seasonal decorations, make a point of considering how they will impact the usable table space.
Spotlight on Desserts
One of the simplest but most powerful ways to impress is to show off your dessert. A display fridge full of fresh cakes, tarts, and pastries will signal quality and also act as a sales tool. People who wouldn’t usually order a dessert may be tempted to when they see what’s in your fridge.
Also, this is a great way to show people what to expect from your kitchen so they can order confidently.
How long does it take potential customers to judge your restaurant? Only a few seconds, so you want to show them your best side from the start.
Image sources: Jason Leung and Ansuman Mishra via Unsplash
