Activity

The Role of Timing in Restaurants:

A restaurant needs to have good customer service, or they’ll end up with empty tables!

As a restaurant owner or manager, it is important that staff is fully trained to be sure timing is coordinated. Guests will be able to enjoy each dish (as hopefully they will order an appetizer, main dish, desserts, and after-dinner cocktails or coffee) without feeling rushed or ignored.

While timing plays a huge role throughout the entire meal, it often begins prior to the guests are even seated. It might be hard to forgive a restaurant failing to honor the timing of a reservation, so if the dining room is packed and the promised table isn’t available, try treating guests to a free drink while they wait.

Once guests are seated and food has been served, the timing of clearing the table must be considered. Guests ought to be welcome to linger – but should not be forced to hold back. The check should be positioned on the table with an assurance that there is no hurry and they can stay as long as they’d like. Following a nice long evening they may simply be ready to go, but if they’ve found the right place they could never desire to leave!

The first impression can mean that guests return – and hopefully become regulars. Alternatively, a poorly-coordinated evening can result in that guests never coming back!

Restaurant Statistics:

The primary goal of owning a restaurant’s revenue would be to handle the facility’s capacity and customer demand in a way that maximizes profits/revenue for the restaurant.

A restaurant Will need to have comfortable and adequate seating to ensure a positive experience for all clients.

Studies show that customers will save money amount of time in the restaurant when seated at a booth, compared to being seated at a table.

Customers who sit at booths that are away from a window will spend a lot more time. Studies also show the more natural light people are exposed to, the less time they will spend eating.

People who sit at a booth will spend an average of $56.67. Individuals who sit at free standing tables will spend an average of $38.92. This implies booth seating will net an average of $17.75 more PER PERSON! That is typically 31% more revenue of booth seating when compared with free standing tables.

Contrary to public opinion, only 26.16% of independent restaurants fail through the first year of operation (belief is that statistic is much higher).

Customers who carry a Chase Freedom� charge card have visited restaurants more often in the past two years than they have because the recession began.

Bottom line… studies also show that seating style and placement have an enormous impact on customers deciding where they will eat… and how much cash they will spend! These factors are even more important than the quality of the actual food!

Pop-Out Seating:

A fresh craze is popping up in San Francisco, NEW YORK, and recently in Westport, Connecticut. Outdoor seating for eateries on busy, narrow streets has been a roadblock for restaurant owners for several years – until now. The perfect solution is? Convert parking spaces right into a street patio, or “pop-out” seating for the general public with tables and chairs. In accordance with articles in West View News written by Benny Benepe, “the pop-up has become an oasis attracting workers and residents alike.” From May to mid October, diners and pedestrians can relax and revel in life outdoors. Through the cold months the seating is stored and the road is restored to available parking spaces.

After some duration ago in Westport, Connecticut, ten parking spaces were being transformed into outdoor seating. In New York City, the Department of Transportation (DOT) approved applications for twelve of the pop-up caf�s. The caf�s sit on platforms, creating a level surface between your sidewalks and seating, making the dining area handicap accessible. The quantity of parking spaces directed at the caf�s and restaurants is determined by the size of the facility. Two restaurants in New York City collaborated, and together they have a six (6) foot wide by one-hundred-twenty-five (125) foot long platform. Both restaurants were in charge of the construction costs, and since creating the extra outdoor dining space they have noticed a twenty percent upsurge in their sales. Since no wait service is allowed, the seating is open for public use without the commitment to buy anything from the establishment.

To keep within safety guidelines set by the DOT, the removable platform grew up to street level and a barrier separates the diners and motorists. The restaurants used concrete planters; however they could have also installed security barriers (bollards) or patio fencing. The furniture used to outfit the expanded seating areas is brought inside every evening and should be stored for the winter. Collapsible tables and folding chairs are used to outfit the expanded seating as they are space saving and light weight, making for quick and easy transportation and storage.

Safety is really a major concern among diners, so pop-up caf�s are generally only located on slow moving a proven way streets. Each application for the pop-out seating is reviewed on an incident by case basis to make certain that emergency routes or access points are not obstructed. Many establishments are protecting their patrons with cement planters filled with colorful flowers or sleek guard fences so diners can use and enjoy the excess seating without worry.

SUN AND RAIN of Proper Restaurant Service:

A Prompt and Proper Greeting at the entranceway – It’s the responsibility of the host to greet guests when necessary. Once the host is away from the entranceway, others must stop to let new guests know someone will be right with them.

A Well Maintained, Clean Working Environment – A clean, well maintained area makes guests feel safe and confident that they are in a wholesome, professional and caring environment.

Appearance – When guests start to see the staff neatly dressed, they automatically relax. Appearance is the main product; both you and the restaurant will undoubtedly be judged by it.

Product Knowledge – Every employee at your establishment should be well versed in everything you offer. Product knowledge increases your confidence and is indispensable in proper service.

Salesmanship – Good salesmanship enhances the customer’s experience by offering the client attention.

Customer Satisfaction – Make sure to check back with a table within three minutes of serving them. Once you do check back, stay positive and specific. Try to always catch Click for source when walking by the table.

Teamwork and Communication – If a guest needs something that you can’t get for them, find the person who can. There is absolutely no opportunity for proper service without communication.

Table Maintenance – Always be aware of what the table appears like; silverware, dirty plates, wipe the table as needed, always cap ashtrays and keep them clean.

Going Above and Beyond / A Reason to come back – Always be on the lookout for the little items that you can do for your guests to make yourself as well as your restaurant stick out from the others! Be thoughtful, creative and extraordinary!

Remember: You sell a couple of things at your restaurant; great service AND an excellent product!

Restaurant Furniture – Indoor:

Indoor Tables – Commercial grade indoor table collections have something for everyone. Guests will be so comfortable they will be ordering seconds! Allow patrons to sit back, relax and enjoy their dining experience minus the worry of a wobbly table as the table bases are durable and sturdy.

Indoor Seating – Indoor restaurant chairs and bar stools are classic yet modern, and will perfectly accent any restaurant or caf�. Guests will undoubtedly be thankful as they benefit from the fine dining while relaxing in beautiful seating! A restaurant will truly by the talk of the city with fabulous choices! Pick from metal or wood frames, available with either wood or vinyl seats.

Plymold Booth Seating – Plymold booths can be found in a large variety of colors, sizes and materials, making each booth extremely customizable and unique. Booths can be purchased in wood, laminate or upholstered. The wood booths are produced from Red Oak wood and so are available with optional seat pads. The Contour and Signature laminate booths have a steel frame with a powder coated finish, making it custom-made – you can find 208 laminate finish color options! The upholstered booths can be found in 295 different colors!

Restaurant Furniture -Outdoor:

Outdoor Tables – Restaurant tables can be found in a large variety of finishes and materials including resin, recycled plastic, aluminum, acrylic fiberglass and molded melamine. Select a molded melamine table designed to fold for easy storage. Help the planet by pairing a recycled plastic dining table with colorful plastic dining chairs to create a bold and bright atmosphere. Go on and buy extra tables to store away for all those busy weekends!

Outdoor Seating – With a big collection of bar height and dining height seating available in numerous textures, finishes, colors and materials one will, certainly, discover the perfect chairs and stools for a restaurant or caf�. Choose from resin, recycled plastic, aluminum, all-weather wicker, strap and sling, Created to withstand the elements and backed by a commercial warranty, one won’t have to be worried about storing these commercial grade chairs or stools inside if the elements suddenly changes – simply leave them where they are!

ParknPool Corp. may be the leading online distributor of commercial grade site amenities such as for example playgrounds, bleachers, picnic tables, park benches, and restaurant furniture. Please e mail us at 877.777.3700 to find out more on restaurant seating including tables, chairs and booths. As a service to our clients that are opening a restaurant but are unsure of the best seating design, we have been happy to provide renderings for the area if pictures are given. Don’t forget, ParknPool can be a leader in sales of top quality picnic tables, umbrellas and more, which will make for an excellent outdoor seating area for just about any restaurant!