| By :
Mark Etinger
Opening any type of business is a difficult and trying ordeal, but keeping it open is even harder. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against new restaurant owners. Roughly one in four restaurants will either close or change ownership within the first year. We all know that good location is an absolute must, but what if you have a great location? There are many steps you can take to improving your business. Your restaurant can have the most delicious food in the country, but if you have a terrible staff and bad customer service, people will not want to eat there. What is your management staff like? Even with past experience, some people are not management material. They need to know how to treat the staff and how to help run a business. Your servers also need to be well trained and know how to deliver a pleasurable experience to the customers. Really take a good look at how they treat each other and the customers. It may be time for some new faces. The price of your food is key and that means both the price you're paying for food and how much you are charging. During hard economic times, not everyone wants to pay $30 for a plate of pasta. Take a look at your location and the clientele and determine reasonable prices. Never sacrifice the quality of your food though. The food should always be fresh and well prepared. Have weekly specials or promotions to entice new customers. Put ads in the newspaper and sponsor local events to draw in a crowd. Without constant advertising and marketing, people will search elsewhere for new restaurants. Your restaurant should be inviting and the décor should be pleasing to the eyes. Maybe your décor doesn't set the right mood or go with the theme of your restaurant. Is the seating comfortable? Does your restaurant look like every other Italian restaurant? If you can't afford to spend money on new furniture, think of the little things you can change. New menu covers can actually make a difference. You don't want something cheap that belongs in a diner. Replace paper coasters with leather coasters to show that you are upscale. Customers should be handed a guest check presenter and not just a piece of paper for the bill. Try a fresh coat of paint or new tablecloths. It's the little things that make the big difference. A clean restaurant is a good restaurant. No one will ever want to eat somewhere that looks dirty. Every part of the restaurant should always be clean, including the outside. The outside should be just as appealing as the inside. It is what people will see first before they enter so make it bright and attractive. Your restaurant doesn't have to fall victim to failure. With a few simple improvements like menu covers and special promotions, your traffic can increase and keep you in business for a long time. Remember to update that menu and give excellent customer service and your restaurant can be the best one in town.
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