Putting effort into attracting new customers to your restaurant is important, but having a strong group of repeat customers is perhaps even more so.
In today’s competitive market, it’s vital for restaurants to have a base of repeat custom from loyal customers. With plenty of dining options to choose from, it’s narrow-minded to think that the public is going to pick yours every single time, but it’s certainly possible for your restaurant to be a firm favourite to which customers want to return.
It’s easier said than done, though, and it certainly isn’t a simple task to make your restaurant the forefront of customers’ minds every time they dine out. However, there are some simple amendments you can make which increase the likelihood of repeat custom, and a new study has shed some light on some particularly important areas.
Making customers love your restaurant
Research by HGEM has found that restaurants who focus on honesty, reliability and high-level of service are valued by customers more favourably than those who direct their attention to being fun and social.
82% of those questioned said they wouldn’t return to a restaurant after a bad customer experience. This shows just how important it is for restaurants to ensure they train staff on how to deal with customers well.
Ultimately, diners might forget small details of the experience but they definitely won’t forget a bad service. So much so that almost three in four (72%) believe a single member of a restaurant’s team can influence their decision to fall in love with a restaurant brand.
Your food might be out of this world, but if the experience isn’t good enough, you’ll struggle to have customers coming back again and again.
When it comes to creating an appealing brand, 60% of millennials fall in love with a brand through Instagram, compared to 17% on Facebook and 4% on Twitter. Older generations, however, prefer more traditional forms of marketing such as magazine advertising (32%) and emails (25%).
Individual reasons for favouring a restaurant will vary from person to person but this new study shows just how important it is to get customer service right and to build relationships with customers.
Restaurant interior’s importance
Don’t disregard the need for creating a comfortable restaurant interior, too! In the modern day, dining is more than just eating out. Diners want to enjoy a memorable experience and your choice of furniture and décor plays a large role in creating such an experience.
Browse our full collection of restaurant furniture.