5 Secrets to Successful Restaurant Management
Restaurant management entails a long list of challenges; public relations, staff, recruitment, inventory, ads, and sales, to name but a few. In many instances, a restaurant owner may be the restaurant’s manager which often takes a toll on them no matter how skillful s/he is.
The following are five secrets to successful restaurant management that every manager should know.
1. Know that the customer is always right
It’s the golden rule of literally any business. The way you handle difficult customers and resolve their complaints will either make them return to your restaurant or not. Make sure you hire professional customer service representatives who know how to listen, keep the customer experience positive, and solve problems creatively. A great part of restaurant management is not just to meet customers’ expectations but to exceed them as well.
Tip: Update your customer service training manual to include any changes to your menu or services.
2. Find the best person for each role
From waitstaff to kitchen staff, make sure you hire the right fit for the job. Check references and establish a probation period of at least one month before an employee is permanently hired. Your restaurant management skills shouldn’t stop at hiring skilled employees. High calibers who possess strong interpersonal skills should be given priority, especially in the restaurant business where teamwork and communication are indispensable.
Tip: Offer incentives, bonuses, or promotions to keep staff motivated to move to the next level.
3. Find ways to get exposure
There are endless ways to advertise your restaurant. But first, be sure that your restaurant management dynamics are up for such an adventure, for a single ad may bring in a ton of customers to your place all at once. Surely, the easiest way to promote your restaurant is through word-of-mouth. However, digital marketing is the best option out there today considering the huge number of web users. Start with your website and add to it appealing photos, easy-to-read menus, and accessible promotions. Then, work your way up to social media, specifically Instagram.
Tip: For in-depth Instagram restaurant marketing strategies, check out these twelve ideas here
4. Expand sales and cut costs
This is ABC restaurant management and, basically, how you make a profit. Catering to larger or smaller events is one idea. Another is featuring promotions and discount trends. The most important thing to keep in mind is to keep your food costs low and profits high without compromising the quality of your menu or services. An interesting menu that makes customers receive value for their money should always be on the top of your list.
Tip: Switch to energy-saving light bulbs and low-flow faucets to save the environment and save on bills.
5. Monitor Cashflow
Building upon the previous point, keep a close eye on the amount of cash coming into your restaurant business as opposed to the amount going out. Make cashflow-monitoring a major part of your daily restaurant management tasks. Also, run a weekly and monthly cashflow-check to avoid financial risk.
Tip: Employ a POS system for your restaurant to track sales, cash flow, and food inventory. To learn more, click here
If you’re interested in learning more about this subject, you may want to check out our article How Restaurant Management Can Save Struggling Restaurants
