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Research shows that repeat customers make up a huge chunk of any restaurant’s revenue. In fact, it is easier and more cost-effective to retain consumers than to increase the consumer base and market to new ones.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons why customers may not be enthusiastic about coming back to your restaurant.
1. Bad Food Quality
There is nothing that can compensate for terrible food—this is the main product that customers are paying for, after all. Declining food quality will inevitably result in a decline in business.
Stay on top of your game. Retain the level of your dishes while periodically adding new ones to keep your menu modern and fresh.
Additionally, it may be prudent to consider common dietary restrictions as well. Offering a selection of vegan and gluten-free dishes, for example, can cater to consumers that may have previously felt excluded and found other eateries that met their needs.
2. Poor Customer Service
A horrible customer service experience can be a huge turn-off. People are generally reasonable and willing to overlook mistakes if dealt with graciously and courteously.
When wait staff is quick to apologize and remedy the situation, it can significantly impact how a customer rates their overall experience.
Remember, with so many options out there, no one has to put up with a restaurant’s rude and unconcerned attitude. Even one bad experience can prevent a regular customer from coming back.
3. Ambiance
Customers want to have a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Even with excellent food, if the restaurant is overcrowded, noisy, or a generally unpleasant place to be, diners might not want to come back.
4. Cleanliness
A dirty restaurant, be it unsanitary bathrooms or a filthy dining area, can make a huge negative impact on your customers.
You can also run the risk of being reported to local authorities if your kitchen is deemed unhygienic.
5. Lack of Delivery Options
Restaurants can lose customers when it’s no longer convenient to order from them.
In the age of COVID-19, food businesses that were able to operate online did better than those that took longer to adapt.
If offering home deliveries is not feasible, you can easily partner with a food delivery platform to reach a broader target market.