Outdoor dining is a much-loved activity during these long summer months. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a glass of cold martini while sitting on an outdoor patio, right?
A savvy restaurant owner knows that the true success of a restaurant depends on guests who return time and again to experience the ambiance, food, and service of an eating joint they love.
So what are some ways to ensure your guests’ appetite for your restaurant never diminishes? We have a few tips on how you can make your restaurant more inviting for new and repeat guests alike.
Use Lighting to Create an Ambiance
Commercial outdoor lighting is a simple and impactful way to help your restaurant stand out. It not only immediately draws the eye, but also seems inviting to passersby. String lights are also a popular choice among restaurant-goers, so consider hanging them around your patio or deck area. If you really want to make a statement, install some programmable led landscape lighting. This will allow you to change the colors and create different effects depending on the occasion.
Set Up Live Music
Live music can really add an extra element of excitement and atmosphere to your restaurant, and it can be a great way to draw in a crowd.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Choose the right music. It’s important to choose music that will appeal to your target audience. If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated crowd, for example, you might want to book a jazz band or classical musician. Alternatively, if you’re trying to attract a younger crowd, you could go for a pop or rock band.
2. Make sure the volume is right. You don’t want the music to be too loud, as this will just end up driving diners away. Conversely, you don’t want it to be too quiet either – you want it to create a pleasant ambiance that diners will enjoy.
3. Book quality acts. It’s important to book acts that are professional and experienced. This will ensure that they can deliver a great performance, and it will also help to give your restaurant a good reputation.
4. Promote the event. Be sure to promote your live music event in advance, so that people know to come along. You could go old school and put up flyers around town, make sure guests who come days before the event know about it, and of course, use your social media channels and website to advertise online.
Experiment With Your Menu
Remember, that it’s returning guests who are the VIPs of your restaurant. Experimenting with the menu is a good way to ensure they never get bored of the food you serve. Sure, service and ambiance are extremely important, but we can agree that we frequent our favorite restaurants in downtown Cincinnati because the flavors are too tempting to pass on.
There are a few ways to go about creating unique menu items. One is to put your own spin on classic dishes. For example, you could create a new take on an old favorite like macaroni and cheese or spaghetti and meatballs. Another option is to experiment with different flavor combinations. This can be something as simple as adding a new ingredient to a dish or combining two unexpected flavors together.
You may also want to consider offering special food and drink pairings. Invite your bartender and chef to collaborate on flavors and craft a special “sip and bite” menu.
One of the best things about owning or running a restaurant is the opportunity to delight your guests. Use these tips to ensure that you delight your guests at every step.
