Crear una cultura de restaurante positiva para impulsar la satisfacción del cliente

Allow everyone to have a voice. From the busser to the general manager, everyone’s opinion should be respected in your foodservice operation. It’s important to establish an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to offer ideas that won’t get shot down. Varying points of view keep establishments fresh, and if employees know that their ideas are being implemented, they will have ownership of what goes on in the restaurant. There should be a meeting with the FOH team at least once or twice a month where employees get to express themselves.

Develop a more personable “family meal” program. Most restaurants with family meal programs get ideas from the back-of-house staff. It might be worth exploring participation from all employees with everyone contributing dishes that are close to their hearts. During the meals, contributors can start a discussion about the backstories of the dishes. This exercise creates camaraderie, plus co-workers will get to collect an arsenal of new recipes!

Organize more staff outings. In addition to building camaraderie, these staff outings can help support other co-workers, the community, or other local businesses. For example, an employee could be starring in a local theater production or live blues show. Group tickets are always discounted, so it’s a great opportunity for all to support. Also, charities are always looking for volunteers for various activities and events. Employees can band together by offering a lending hand. These are all opportunities to get out of the regular working space and connect on a more personal level.

Establish mental health days. More than ever, these types of days are needed—especially for those dealing with the public on a regular basis. Operators should determine how these should be labeled: sick days or mental health days. Regardless of what they’re called, it’s important for employees to take them rather than half-heartedly engaging with customers when they’re going through something.

Offer perks for working holidays, Sunday brunch, etc. Mother’s Day is the busiest restaurant day of the year, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.³ And those working it FOH must be cheery and make every mom feel like the most important person in the room. It’s also on a Sunday. And there are always kids running around everywhere. Employees working this day deserve more than a gold star. They deserve something a little extra to keep them in a good mood. Gift cards to other restaurants, debit gift cards, tickets to pro football or basketball games, or concert tickets are great ideas. If you’re short on cash, another great idea is to trade favors with another local operator. Perhaps arrange a comped special tasting menu event at this establishment for your employees; the other restaurant can do the same at yours.

Offer quarterly bonuses or days off for top employees. The number one way to make employees happy is by giving them more money. Instead of “Employee of the Month,” which can be more expensive, offer them an opportunity to land the “Employee of the Quarter” honors. That’s more of an incentive for employees to put their best foot forward when they see their smiling photo hanging in the staff room for a few months. Adding a nice quarterly bonus and a few days off is certain to make this program competitive between co-workers.

In all, it’s important to create an establishment where your employees look forward to coming to work every day. Venues focusing on a positive atmosphere with their staff will attract more repeat customers.

¹ Datassential’s Labor Keynote 2024
² Bureau of Labor Statistics
³ Restaurant brands prepare for the Mother’s Day rush