What are the 7 practical tips to run a successful fine dining restaurant?

Question

The tips given can be less or more than 7 tips. It must be applicable to different types of fine dining, be it western, french, steakhouse, chinese, asian or fusion.

Answer 1

Service, Service, Service.
It doesn't matter what style restaurant it is, having attentive staff is the best thing you can do. A server who knows how to "read" a table whether they are there to be intertained, or want a very private meal is a keeper.

Clean and neat atmostphere can be a close second. It doesn't have to be the new and fresh place in town, as long as it is nice.

A POS system that is easy to teach, understand, and modify is important.

Work on a few signitures dishes, whether they are salads, certain entrees, or a special dessert, make something people will come back for. You want people to say: wow, they have the best........in town. OR If you like.......you have to go to this place.

Have 2 of every piece of equiptment that you can't open the door without. It will break someday.

Train staff in more than one position. This is important on the floor as well as in the kitchen. You will need a shift covered one day, bby someone who doesn't always do that job. In the front of the house, if a customer stops the bus boy for a drink, he needs to make sure the custom is not waiting for his waiter etc.

Lastly, quit all your other hobbies. This is a 24/7 job. and have a good time. If it's not fun to be around your clients, get out while you can!!!

Answer 2

Years ago I was an analyst. The number one problem (and this should surprise you) is the management of fixtures from a tax standpoint.
The number two problem was new restaurants scrimping after a while on servings and quality. You have seen this. Soon closed.
The number three problem was pricing. The successful ones knew formulas and markets.
Finding good help.
Location. Occasionally a huge problem.
Popularity. Some pretend to know about this.
Cooks knowledge in buying and preparing food. At the end of the list and this is only occasionally a problem.

Answer 3

Keep the area clean and attractive.

Arrange all seating in a more convenient way, so that people move around freely.

Prepare good, tasty and hygienic food.

Be polite and hospitable to clients.

Own up any mistakes and offer replacement.

Clear the tables immediately one client leaves.

Suggest alternative food if things are sold out.

Introduce more interesting and innovative variety of foods.

Offer some complimentary food,( even it is of low value guests will be impressed)

Make friends with clients, especially if they are regular.

Send greeting cards to regular clients on birth day, new year etc.

Never argue with clients.

Answer 4

Good, simple food, well cooked and presented with friendly service. There are few places that comply with these points but those who do need not advertise. Word of mouth is still the best advert. Currently I climb into the hills to a small pub and feast on the most succulent, beautifully presented grub one could wish for. The others that go there guard the secret but there are now hundreds that know and go. Best of luck and keep it simple, classic and traditional whatever cuisine you fancy.

Answer 5

1. Have well trained & well paid employees,
2. Interior decorations should be that of a desired eating atmosphere
3. Appealing menu
4. Super clean tables, floor, windows, restrooms, etc.
5. Nice presentation of food.
6. Unique flavor & well cooked food
7. Hospitable service

Answer 6

1.Friendly host/hostess that seats you ASAP
2.Immediately offer a drink(even if its a glass of water
3.CLEANLINESS(from the napkin to the bathroom to the waiter's fingernails)
4.Variety of entree choices to select from
5.Fair pricing
6. Ample,lit parking, not too far from front door.
7. Originality: Offer a special dessert,or drink of the day, or appetizer only you serve(Like The Bloomin' Onion @ Lone Star
8. On a birthday,a free piece of cake won't cost you much, but the word "free" attracts customers!!!!
9.Offer a non smoking section
10 Low music if any.(Due to my dad's poor hearing, we no longer go to his favorite restaurant because the music is too loud and the temp. is usually too cold)

Answer 7

One Always wash your hands. Two Smile Three give away free food. four only hire amercians to work in your dinning crib, whatever. five if you need some money just go pick it off a tree. Six Have a clean restroom area,Seven make sure there is never hair in the Slade.

Answer 8

1. Limited selection
2. Well trained wait staff
3.Clean, attractive interior
4. Good selection of wine, beer, soft drinks
5. All food made from "scratch"
6. Good separation of tables
7. Friendly Host/hostest
8. The customer is always right

Answer 9

The most important rule in running a restaurant is "Never put a waiter on counter." If there is no waitress available, put a rope around the counter seats and a sign that reads "Sorry, counter temporarily closed" until one of your waitresses shows up.

Answer 10

Good food and friendly service always brings people back. Let's face it; bad word of mouth spreads ten times faster than good word of mouth. So, with that being said, if you have really good food and lot's of variety and good service, people are going to come back for more and bring their friends!