Restaurant Details That Make Me Smile

I probably don’t have to tell you that details matter a great deal in hospitality. Of course it’s important to deliver great food and memorable customer service. But often the experiences guests remember most are the ones where they feel attention is being paid to every detail of their visit.

So let me share with you a few of those details that bring a smile to my face when I go to a restaurant.

A Warm Welcome

You might ask, shouldn’t this be part of the basics? Indeed it should. But you would be surprised how many places don’t put much effort into welcoming their guests properly. “Hi, table for 2?” just doesn’t really cut it for me.

Take your time to welcome your guests with a: “Good evening, welcome to… How are you today?” Or add a bit of small talk on the way to the table: “Have you been with us before?” And please don’t immediately walk off once the guests are seated. You can let the table know someone will be right with them with menus. For me this extra bit of attention upon arrival immediately sets the tone for the evening.

A Clear (& Clean) Menu

When I come to a restaurant I’m happiest when I see a concise menu that’s clear to read. I don’t know about you, but having too many options makes me anxious and makes it more difficult for me to choose. I believe this is not just coming from my FOMO (Fear of Missing Out or in this case, fear of choosing “the wrong thing”). Let’s be honest, do you really think a restaurant can serve a tremendous variety of options and prepare them all fantastically well?

I love it when there is a Chef’s suggestion or special on the menu, helping out those FOMO-type people like myself. And can I put in one more request? No food stains or grease on my menu, please. Greatly appreciated!

Toilet TLC

Not something you immediately think about when I’m talking about restaurant experiences, right? Don’t you love it though when you see that a restaurant put some TLC into their bathroom design? Personally, I like it when they’ve extended the interior design or restaurant theme all the way through to their loos.

Fun wallpaper, pictures and plants can go a long way in decorating this tiny space in your restaurant. Big kudos if there are scented candles or fragrance sticks for a nice smell. And as an added bonus think about a luscious hand soap and moisturizer for your guests, surely they’ll appreciate it.

Music to My Ears

If done right, music can help to set the mood and enhance the restaurant's vibe. You might not always be aware of it, but the impact that music makes suddenly becomes noticeable if a restaurant doesn’t play any music at all. Or even worse, if a restaurant chooses music that doesn't match their atmosphere at all.

It doesn’t always have to be a jazzy, mellow type of background music. If your restaurant is edgy and hip, adjust your music to that. This shows that you truly understand the full experience you are trying to create for your guests.

Hospitality is all about going the extra mile for your guests, so no detail is too small to pay attention to. I can assure you your guests will appreciate it.