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The restaurant experience was once solely comprised of human-to-human, in-person experiences. In 2022, with the introduction of ChatGPT, we saw restaurants – and just about everyother industry – look for ways to incorporate artificial intelligence within their customer operations.
A recent eBook by Softarex Technologies highlights all the main aspects of AI usage in restaurant operations, from customer service to back-of-house management. This transformation is not just about automation; it's about creating smarter, more efficient, and more personalized dining experiences.
They will be "O-ranging" kindness in Cleveland as part of an effort to encourage restaurant servers and customers to highlight the acts of kindness of one another and those around them. On the flip side, diners and customers show servers acts of kindness by being polite, understanding, and gracious." " Laurie L.
Customers are spoiled for choice with restaurants. Incorporating video testimonials into your restaurant marketing strategy can showcase authentic experiences that build trust and engage prospective customers, turning them into loyal regulars. Instead of a dry review, work with the customer to turn the experience into a story.
They must also focus on creating memorable experiences for customers at every touchpoint. 60% of guests who have a positive experience are likely to dine at a restaurant more frequently. Knowing these customerexperience factors can help you create a positive and welcoming environment that will keep guests coming back for more.
Here are five ways to enhance your restaurant’s takeout and delivery operations to improve customerexperience and open the door to more profit. Mobile apps improve order customization and customer autonomy over the ordering process while also increasing overall brand awareness and local restaurant perception.
In the dynamic and ever-evolving restaurant industry, culinary experiences are shaping customer preferences. After all, this business is all about people with customers at the forefront of decisions being made. So how do you thrive in a customer-driven competitive market? The industry is projected to reach $1.2
With 59 percent of customers hanging up after calling in and waiting for a minute or less, according to Linga, restaurants are missing out on a lot of business. The average restaurant operating a sit-down dining experience can miss 15-30 percent of incoming calls on average, with that number possibly being even higher during busy hours.
A standout menu is no longer just a necessity — it’s a critical asset for success. One of our most effective methods for creating a deeper connection beyond a transaction is through storytelling, using local flavors and regional influences in our menu.
Menu pricing isnt just about covering costsits about finding that sweet spot where profitability, customer perception, and operational reality meet. Too high, and youll drive customers away. Most operators aim for food costs to be around 28-35% of the menu price, though this can change from restaurant to restaurant.
When hiring restaurant managers, qualities like organization skills, experience and leadership are always at top of mind. From sudden menu changes to staff shortages, the ability to switch up and change at a moment’s notice and due so calmly is invaluable. So, focus on these attributes.
Improve Seasonal Menu Offerings When it comes to the holidays, consumers love to tuck into festive favorites. It’s the perfect season for experimenting with new menu items that align with previous seasonal trends.
At the same time, a rise in fast-food prices driven by inflation is reshaping consumer behavior, with many customers now treating fast food as a splurge rather than a convenience. The future of dining will center on creating smarter, simpler, and more personal experiences for customers.
We’ve seen firsthand how social media generates buzz—especially when our famous customers get involved. By regularly sharing and reposting moments like these with high-quality photos, engaging stories, and thoughtful responses to comments, we keep our audience excited about the Health Nut experience.
Just like a well-crafted mission statement will help guide your business decisions, identifying and understanding your target customers and competitors through restaurant market research will give your business a competitive edge. Do you want to find out which food items your customers love the most?
Crafting festive drinks is a great way to engage customers and set the mood for Halloween celebrations. Here are some Halloween cocktail ideas that will thrill your guests and add seasonal flair to your menu. Adding festive cocktails to your menu is a surefire way to attract new guests and keep your regulars coming back for more!
Recurring customers. Promotions and discounts attract customers, but they’re often short-lived. As seen during the 2024 summer of value, customers quickly move on to other restaurant brands in search of the next deal. In short, success in 2025 will depend on balancing quality, value, and experience. What is value?
In California, annual fees for a liquor license can also reach up to $1M, depending on factors like operating hours, customer policies, and whether the establishment offers on-site brewing. This trend highlights a shift in consumer behavior, with dining places increasingly seeking unique experiences rather than just a meal.
As the restaurant industry moves into 2025, design is taking center stage as a key driver of guest experience, operational efficiency and brand storytelling. Design is more than aesthetics, it’s a strategic tool for enhancing guest experience, driving operational success and telling your brand’s story in an ever-competitive space.
Instead of constantly playing defence with menu updates, imagine a centralized system that allows you to make menu changes instantly across every delivery app and direct ordering platform. What is Menu Management Software? Think of menu management software as the control center for all your restaurants menus.
Diners are looking for a better overall experience, from streamlined ordering to more inviting restaurant environments. This reinforces that consumers increasingly value the customization, control, and frictionless experience kiosks provide, and are actively seeking them out as part of their ideal ordering journey.
Many restaurant operators have misconceptions about average order volume (AOV) and how it works, making statements like: I need more customers to make more money. In fact, boosting AOV is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase revenue while improving the customerexperience for your guests.
Seamless restaurant operations, where the crew anticipates customers’ and coworkers’ needs and easily course-corrects, require more than technical know-how and vetted organizational systems. What to ask : “Can you tell me about a time you had to explain something complex to a coworker or customer?
With social media shaping trends, culture and commerce around the clock, younger generations are increasingly using these platforms to discover new dining experiences. Now is the time for restaurant brands to ask: Are we merging human insight with technology to craft meaningful customer journeys? Benihana exemplifies this approach.
With so many people leaving the industry, restaurants stepped up—raising wages, creating new opportunities, and doubling down on the employee experience. Similarly, AI-driven thermostats will optimize indoor climates, enhancing the comfort of both staff and customers while balancing energy usage.
Restaurant brands are seeking out emerging technology to be more efficient and using data analytics to improve the drive-thru experience and this is only the beginning, according to Tim Tang, Director of Enterprise Solutions at Hughes. "The conversation between employees and customers is a rich resource of actionable insights. . "If
Just as a chef elevates a signature dish with bold, unique flavors that please the senses, the right glassware can enhance the presentation of drinks and food, creating a visually engaging experience for customers. High-end wine glasses that enhance the drinking experience are filling a market gap left post-COVID.
“This enduring customer loyalty drives the restaurant industry forward, creating clear opportunities for restaurants to enhance the dining experience through strategic limited time offers, efficient delivery and exceptional in-person service," said Samir Zabaneh, CEO of TouchBistro.
To reduce menu confusion and minimize price sensitivity, Ori’Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill recently rolled-out a rengineered and easier-to-read menu. The positive results include a much more effective menu and improved diner experience.”
Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images New CEO Brian Niccol is hoping customers will fall back in love with the coffee chain. Starbucks hasn’t had a hit new drink in years Starbucks has, outside of a few new flavors and latte options, failed to successfully innovate its drink menu over the last decade or so.
Pizza restaurants are poised to continue their evolution this year and incremental changes, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence, operational efficiency and customer preferences, will create both challenges and opportunities for pizzeria owners. This not only frees up labor but also reduces order errors.
From salted egg yolks and chili crunch fusions to mushroom-infused teas and freeze-dried fruit powder garnishes, Kimpton’s in-house experts share the standout ingredients, menu items and techniques that will come to the table in 2025.
Today, Google reviews have become a massive deciding factor for customers, who are now more likely than ever to leave their own feedback.But here’s the twist: a good star rating isn’t enough anymore. In many cities, restaurants need thousands of reviews to even be considered by customers.
Running a restaurant isn’t just about crafting the perfect plate or creating an unforgettable experience for your guests, it’s about making money. Many distributors will adjust their margins when they see a customer who understands their value. Here’s an example from my own experience. Don’t fall for it.
No longer are customers relying solely on traditional keyword-based searches for terms like “restaurant near me”; instead, they’re using natural, conversational language to find exactly what they want. Customers often browse Instagram for aesthetic appeal and real-time updates before deciding where to dine.
You take your seat at a table embedded with a touchscreen menu. Tipsy is a real robotic bartender at the Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas, mixing drinks for customers as we speak. And with robots like Tao greeting customers at the door, even front-of-house roles might be at risk. Need a drink? People will find new roles.”
A customer in Miami should bite into the same perfectly seasoned burger that delights diners in Seattle. Reliable experiences build brand loyalty, and systemic processes lead to reliable profit margins. It’s no secret that restaurants with more than one location depend on standardization to thrive.
Providing a seamless, enjoyable restaurant experience is essential for long-term success. Heres how to craft an experience that leaves customers delighted and eager to return. Staff should be knowledgeable, offering helpful suggestions based on customer preferences and dietary needs.
For a deeper dive into brand messaging, strategy, and authenticity, creating unified guest experiences, and the orchestration of physical and experiential touchpoints, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine reached out to The Plaid Penguin’s Founder and Sir Idea Man Joe Haubenhofer. A strong restaurant brand goes beyond a logo.
Understanding your target market is the foundation of making smart decisions for your menu, pricing, and overall guest experience. Without a well-defined target market, restaurants risk wasting resources on strategies that dont connect and menu offerings that dont selltrying to appeal to everyone, but standing out to no one.
"Merchandise is more than just a revenue stream — it’s a way to deepen the connection with your customers and expand your brand’s reach." The idea for a dedicated merch program originated from my belief that a brand isn’t just a physical space or a menu—it’s a lifestyle.
First, consumers are demanding more convenience and customization, pushing brands to rethink their menus and service models. Customers expect seamless online ordering, loyalty programs, and delivery options, and franchise systems need to invest in tech to stay competitive. The key is using technology to work smarter, not harder.
This ideally reinforces the connection in the customer’s brain between their everyday choices and the resulting impacts on the environment: “You’ve saved so many gallons of water, you’ve saved so many square meters of land and emissions and energy,” as Goldman says. Congratulations. The environmental mission can come later. So he took action.
Restaurant operators searching for something versatile that will cross the dayparts need to look no further than their breakfast menu as waffles have been breaking out of the morning. Profitability: Waffles are a low-cost, center-of-the-plate item and one of the most profitable breakfast item menu offerings.
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