The seven signatures of successful restaurants

If you operate or would like to open a restaurant, you know that you've got plenty of competition. Although everyone enjoys eating out, most people can no longer afford to eat out as often as in the past. This means that patrons now have a 'short list' of restaurants which make the expense worthwhile and you may need to take steps to make sure you're restaurant meets the criteria of those on the 'short list' of best places to eat. Here, we provide a list of the seven signatures of successful restaurants, which you can use as a checklist to ensure continued patronage by existing customers and bring in new business based on the recommendations of those happy, loyal customers.

1.There's nothing more disappointing to a patron than a lack of consistency in your operation. This factor permeates all of the following points and includes your hours of operation. Let's say someone stops in for lunch for the first time, enjoys good service, a great meal and observes the cleanliness of your restaurant. Impressed, he decides to bring the family in for dinner. He sees you're open on Sundays and makes note of your hours. When he shows up with his party of six, he's sorely disappointed to find the particular dish he ordered for lunch is not well prepared, the service is terrible and the general appearance is not clean. Worse, let's say you decided to change your hours and he arrives to find the restaurant closed. You'll not see this customer again!

2.It may seem obvious that good food is essential to the successful restaurant. However, you'd be surprised at the number of restaurants which don't properly train their cooks to follow recipes to the letter, including the presentation of the dish. One cook may be terrific, while the swing shift cook becomes lackadaisical in his cooking and serving methods. A new customer orders the Beef Bourguignon, a house specialty and is delighted with the authenticity and elegant presentation. However, the next time he comes, the dish is not up to par. Also, if your recipe is not good to begin with, you won't get his repeat business.

3.The successful restaurant keeps every area of the restaurant spic and span at all times. This means floors are spotless, tables are absolutely clean when a customer is seated, restrooms are pristine and the cooking equipment, tableware and linens are always clean. If you fail to maintain clean premises, customers will assume that your food preparation practices are similarly lacking.

4.Good service and a friendly, accommodating staff are also essential to the successful restaurant. Again, consistency is paramount. Your staff members must be trained to follow procedures to the letter. Each customers should be promptly greeted by the host or hostess. When seated, don't make them wait for water, bread, or beverage service. Wait staff must be prompt in taking their order and bus staff should be attentive in removing plates, bringing coffee refills and the like.

5.A varied menu that caters to a diversity of tastes is another signature of the successful restaurant. For example, you should have entrees available in senior and children's portions, at least a few dishes for dieters and diabetics, less expensive entrees, such as a soup and salad combination for price-conscious diners, as well as a selection of entree sized salads. Diversity encourages large groups to return! Along with a good selection of beverages your chances of getting on that 'short list' are further enhanced.

6.A warm and inviting decor makes people feel at home. Whether your restaurant's theme is casual or formal, create the appropriate ambiance. Music, plants and tasteful artwork that suits your theme all contribute to an atmosphere that is pleasing to patrons.

7.Don't skimp on the quality of your coffee! Most diners enjoy finishing off the meal with a cup of coffee. That good cup of coffee leaves that good last impression of a satisfying experience. Never serve coffee that's past its prime. Coffee must always be fresh and flavorful.

So there you have the seven signatures of the successful restaurant. If you provide these seven elements, you can be assured your business will increase. Remember, word of mouth referrals can work for or against you! To your success!