How
to keep feet coming through your doors during the winter blues
Shaazia Bhika, the proud owner
of Maxi’s Overport Halaal, a franchise of nationwide family restaurants that
forms part of the Taste Holdings group, discusses how to keep a consumer-driven
businesses thriving, especially during the colder season.
It
is no secret that the restaurant industry takes a bit of knock during the
colder months as customers prefer ordering take-aways and eating it in the
comfort and warmth of their homes. Although, if the customer is going to
a restaurant that boasts a warm and welcoming environment that offers great food
and excellent service, it does tend to make their visit much more pleasant --
and more frequent.
Here
are a few tried and tested tips on how to keep your customers loyal and coming
back for more, even during the colder seasons.
1.
Winter-proof
your premises
Sitting in a chest freezer is nobody’s idea of fun
so focus on winter-proofing your restaurant to make it as comfortable as
possible for customers regardless of the weather. Provide sufficient heating
and or they will find another restaurant that provides this basic comfort.
2.
Create a
'hook'
To keep your customers coming through the door, you
will need to think of a 'hook' to get them in - that added perk that separates
you from your competitors. Put yourself in your customer's shoes and think
about what appeals to them most. How about an odd but clever idea? In addition
to mobile gas heaters, offer your customers hot water bottles or lap blankets
as soon as they enter your premises? If your restaurant has family-friendly
facilities, make sure that it is warm enough for parents to allow their children
to play. Avoid portable gas heaters and rather consider wall mounted heaters.
Winter-specific deals are always a hot seller for the hospitality businesses,
so make sure that you are offering your loyal customers a warm and comfortable
environment with welcoming specials during the colder seasons.
3.
Take your
business to your customers
If your customers are tucked
up at home keeping warm, it does not mean that they are off limits. Keep them
updated by using your social media pages such as Facebook and Twitter to keep
interest brewing or even offer free or low-cost delivery for meals ordered over
the phone.
Just
because the winter weather may put a damper on your customer’s mood, it doesn’t
mean that your restaurant must suffer. By making simple changes and offering
friendly and welcoming service, you will attract regular and new business
through your doors this winter.
For more information on a tried and tested family restaurant franchise
that works, check out www.maxis.co.za or if you would like to visit Shaazia’s store,
visit him at 430 Ridge Road, Overport, Durban.
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