10 ways to stay ahead of your competition Restaurant - Part 1

Every restaurant owner should constantly be taking an objective look at how well your restaurant is doing. Stay ahead of the competition will keep you on your toes. Here are some ways to get a good report card.

1. Knowing that the competition is!

I have encountered situations in which a restaurant owner has identified the competition. Or at least what they think is their competition, but are not. If I sell Gourmet Burgers with the finest ingredients, including trimmed premium Scotch Fillet Steak for the beef burger, (as I do), a licensed restaurant with full service and extras are not really compete with the hamburger anointed common along the road, or a group such as Burger King am I?

So make sure the competition is really competitive in the first place.

2. Get employees to Sample Contest.

You should always know what the competition is doing, it is essential to your success. It can be difficult to go it alone though, as it would undoubtedly be known. Then, send one of your employees instead. Tell them what to look for. It will also give you the opportunity to treat a staff member at something different. How about a report for a job to tell you to go out to dinner or lunch ... all expenses paid!

3. Use the services of a mystery shopper.

This is the opposite of what we just talked. Here you can find someone to come to your restaurant and report back to you. So none of you staff know what is happening. I organize this by going to our local college or community work and talking with someone from school foods and beverages. We always suggest a student who excelled in the project. They make money, have fun, and get a free meal. I often donate something to the college or I could also go there to speak for them.
Everybody wins.

4. Take a survey or introduce a suggestion box.

This is common, but effective. If you can not get their phone number, you can call and probably get some more information, at the same time. It will also give customers the impression that you take their feedback seriously, and value their opinions.

5. Provide hospitality, not only service.

This is one of the best ways to ensure you stay ahead of the competition. So what is the difference between hospitality and service? The hospitality is when you make a personal connection with your guests. It includes things like remembering their preferences, recognizing them when you see them, and also anticipating their needs. Service on the other hand, is a matter of just doing what you have to do .... Taking the order to give the food and take the money.

I have some friends that every time you go to their favorite restaurant, there's always their usual drink at their desks waiting for them. They love it. They feel extra special.

Hospitality keeps guests coming back, considering that the service allows them to go elsewhere!

We will look at other ways to stay ahead of the competition in part 2 of this article, which can be accessed here....