8 Things You Need To Do To Improve Your Cafe
If you run a cafe it is important to stay ahead of the game so you remain competitive. There are a lot of cafes out there and you need to look at ways to make yours stand out from the competition. Whether you make structural improvements, like adding a retractable awning so customers can sit in the shade out the front of your cafe, of if you have verandas built around the outside of the building, you can make a big difference to your business by improving the look of the premises, updating your staff’s knowledge or changing the menu.
Outside seating
If you have the space out the front of your cafe, set up an area where customers can eat outside. You will need to contact your local council regarding permits but having customers dining outside will help draw people in who are just walking past as they see what is being served. If the premises already has a veranda out the front then you already have shelter. Otherwise you might want to look into installing a retractable awning, which can be folded back at closing time.
Update the menu
Business might be dropping off because your regular customers are getting bored with your menu. Don’t change everything. Keep the dishes that are popular or any that you are well known for. Update your menu seasonally and add something new every so often to keep it fresh and interesting.
Signature dishes
If your cafe doesn’t have a signature dish, then create one. A signature dish is one that your cafe is known for and one that customers come specifically to you to have. Whether it is a main or a dessert or a decadent cake, talk to your chef about what they can create that will really stand out and draw the customers attention.
Train staff
Always make sure your staff are adequately trained. New staff should undergo initial training as to how your cafe operates but you should also provide ongoing training so the skill level within your employees is also being updated. Don’t be afraid of spending money on training courses for them. It will benefit your cafe and your business many times over and your staff will appreciate it and are more likely to remain loyal to you.
New furniture
If your furniture is looking a little shabby, then it is time to invest in new pieces. It will depend on the style of your cafe as to what type of furniture you choose. It will also depend on where your cafe is and what your clientele is like as to what style you go with when it comes to decorating. Keep all these things in mind when re-furnishing.
Entertainment
Perhaps you might want to think about hiring some entertainment to give your cafe a boost. You might decide to hire a musician who plays on Saturday afternoons. Whatever you do, keep it consistent so people know when to come and enjoy food and good music.
New advertising
Have a look at your advertising and assess whether it is actually effective. Look to new ways of getting the name of your cafe out there.
Flowers
Something as simple as brightly coloured flowers can change the whole look of your interior. Hire a florist to do a different arrangement for you twice a week which you can place on your counter next to your cash register.
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Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics, including retractable awning and verandas.
Photo by Kasia Wyser-Pratte.
Category: Coffee Thoughts
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There is one thing missing, the article should now read 9 things, you have forgotten Wi-Fi.
wifi is handy, no doubt Dominic.
i do think that the content is the most important
part of any food/beverage related venue.
i’ve seen enormously successful hole in the wall
Cafes with just a few really superb offerings.
something you can depend on. hours clearly shown
in BIG LETTERS on a sign somewhere.
a friend of a friend had a building that was
commercially zoned near us.
he got a health dept permit and started grilling
on his entrance and selling to the locals in the neighborhood.
there’s no seating no flowers, but great grilled foods.
the local universities have roads where
dedicated regional food trucks are parked.
a few Cafes and restaurants prepare their foods
this way. here’s what sells for the busy working stiffs.
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===> ‘…The first time I went down to the strip district was back in January. It was a cold, wet day and as I walked down the sidewalk I noticed a line of about 10 people standing in front of a Mexican grocery store. When I went to find out what everyone was waiting for I discovered a guy making tacos outside the store. I figured that if people were willing to suffer in the freezing rain for a couple of these tacos, it must be worth it. These tacos were worth every second of the wait. You can get 2 tacos for $5 or 3 for $7 (I think $7, I usually get 2). A little note, get everything on your taco. Each topping adds something essential to the taste. Also, try the several fresh made salsa he has sitting in the front of his booth. Since discovering these addicting gems I’ve been going to the strip district almost every weekend with the sole intention of scarfing down a couple of fresh made tacos. …’
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http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/23/1517659/restaurant/Strip-District/Reyna-Foods-Reynas-Taco-Shack-Pittsburgh
this is NOT a paid ad either.
I agree that wifi is always a good thing! However nothing is more important than the drinks served like you said howard.
There’s a place down here called the Taco Bus. They were just featured on the Travel Channel last night. It’s literally a school bus on a random block with the best Mexican food I’ve had in a long time. People from all over Tampa go there.