host most entertain customers at your restaurant

The restaurant scene has become more competitive. As consumers shift from frequenting big-box retailers to investing in experiences, they crave unique and entertaining environments that don't feel like a cookie-cutter place. Restaurants have become more than just places to eat, but also venues for entertainment.

How can you thrill your customers at your restaurant and give them an experience that they will come back for again and again? The key is to offer something of value that they feel will be difficult to find elsewhere, like nights of great entertainment and fun promotional giveaways. When you show your customers a good time and make them feel valued, they will choose your business over other places. Here are a few tips on entertaining your customers and making your restaurant the place to go.

Host Live Music

Hosting live music is a trend that has taken over restaurants and local businesses. Ever since services have become more digitized and automated, consumers have shifted to wanting experiences that are organic, human, and unedited. Live music satisfies this need for something authentic. Many local bands are easily found on social media, a quick Google search, and through personal recommendations. Try booking musicians on busier nights such as Friday and Saturday, and scheduling more low-key, earlier gigs on Wednesday evenings. Bringing in great bands to play live music helps customers stay longer, order more food and drinks – and come back!

Create Special Events

If you're looking for chances to be a great host, organizing special events such as trivia night, karaoke, and mystery-themed dinners can be attractive to your customers. Make these nights even more fun by giving out prizes, like putting a gift card to your restaurant and a few extra goodies in a custom work tote. The crowd always likes to get involved, especially when it comes to something like karaoke. Organize one of these events on a night such as Friday or Saturday, when people are not in a rush to leave. If you’re curious about what your customers want to experience, simply ask them and get a feel for what they want.

Pay Attention to the Details

Part of being a good host is not just ensuring terrific entertainment, but also making sure that your establishment is well put together. For example, a set of custom company mugs that are screen-printed with your restaurant’s brand makes a professional impact. Instead of using blank mugs or cups, the special touch in brand continuation on screen-printed cups enhances the restaurant experience. The same goes for other details such as stationery, pens, and towels. When you attend to these details, your customers will see the passion you have put into your restaurant.

Get to Know Your Clientele

When you look for new events or menu items to try, consider the interests and passions of your regular customers. For direct insights, go table-to-table with your custom company pens and jot down their comments. Getting their feedback is important because you can find out exactly what they want and what would get them to come back. If you cannot reach your customers in person, then make a poll on social media. The more information you can get on what your customers want to eat, drink, and do, the better you can serve them.

Pay Attention to the Menu

Another part of taking care of your present and potential customers’ likes is to make sure that what you're offering is what they want to eat and drink. Look at your sales records to see what dishes are popular, and which ones can go on the chopping block. You could also ask what your customers would like to eat and drink, and ask the bar what drinks have been requested that are not on the menu. Modern trends have been leaning more toward restaurants that specialize in narrower categories of foods instead of trying to “do it all” on a massive menu. This is especially true if you are a small business and you would like to use your budget on high-quality foods that are locally sourced.

By listening to the heartbeat of your customers, you will find the winning combination of aesthetics, entertainment, and fare that will delight them.