PRESS TALK

www.caterersearch.co.uk

Strategy clinic (25 May 2006)

QUESTION: "I own a hotel with what I consider to be a good quality restaurant, but I'm a few miles

out of town and suffer from very poor diner numbers. How do I improve my turnover ?"

SOLUTION: By Carl May, Catered4
You say you are operating a good restaurant, but how have you monitored this fact? So many have an idea of what they consider to be the best restaurant, but without good local patronage, great business levels are hard to achieve.

Make sure the package is realistic and consistent.

Get away from the idea that the restaurant is part of the hotel and sell it as a seperate item.

Getting non residents to eat in a hotel has always been a problem. Try naming it.

Use local suppliers and state this in detail on your menu. They will also advertise you verbally.

Keep your menus seasonal and change regularly to keep both your customers and staff excited.

Find out who the local big business people are and invite them in for a familiarisation dinner.

Make sure each guest receives a warm welcome and go the extra mile to make it a great experience that they have to come to you for.

Check your website. Is it doing what it should? Ask for people's opinions.

Try writing a monthly news / receipe / events letter and send it to as many local addresses as posssible.

Consider the access to your restaurant. Is it well signposted and illuminated? Is car parking easy?

Think things through and plan a stratergy. Running in headfirst will only confuse your staff and send out the wrong signals to your customers.

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