How To Improve Customer Service in Fast Food

It is essential for the success of any restaurant business to provide exceptional customer service to ensure that customers receive the best experience possible. Let’s first take a look at what is the definition of customer service for restaurant.

Exceptional customer service in a restaurant setting is a combination of excellent communication and attentive care. It is essential to make guests feel welcomed and at home while they are dining with you. By giving your customers excellent service with respect and care while serving a delicious meal, you can be sure that they will remember the experience and come back to your restaurant often.

Why Customer Service is Important for your Fast Food?

The Harvard Business School conducted a study on Starbucks which demonstrated the significant impact of customer satisfaction on business success. The study revealed that satisfied customers visited the cafe about 4.3 times per month and were loyal customers for an average of 4.4 years, spending approximately $4.06 per visit.

When customers are satisfied, businesses can experience successful outcomes. However, if customers are dissatisfied, Customer Experience has found that one of the primary reasons for them abandoning a brand is due to rude customer service. In fact, it has been shown that it is a more powerful factor than other contributing factors.

Examining these two studies demonstrates the necessity of investing in customer service. It is a make-or-break factor for businesses, so how can companies effectively utilize customer service procedures in their restaurants?

No doubt the quality of food matters a lot; and indeed many restaurants offer the highest quality food. What sets you apart from the competition is the overall experience you provide to customers from the moment they enter until their departure. It is essential to consider the needs of each individual customer as your top priority.

Restaurant Service Procedures

How to Speak

Upon entering, greet your customers warmly and respectfully using appropriate titles such as ‘sir’ and ‘madam’.
Give your customers your full attention by listening attentively and refraining from interruptions.
Ensure you have thorough knowledge of the menu so that you are well-equipped to assist customers with their inquiries.
Ask them questions to confirm their orders and repeat the order back to them to ensure accuracy.

Restaurant Etiquette

When operating a restaurant, the appropriate etiquette should be observed at all times, regardless of the type of establishment. From pizza parlors to five-star restaurants, proper etiquette is essential in creating a positive customer experience.

Know who to serve first. If there is a guest of honor, begin your service with them. Otherwise, start with the women, followed by the men and then the children.
When serving, begin from the customer’s left and also clear the table from that side. If it is necessary to interrupt during the meal, do it in a polite manner.
When serving drinks, ensure they are poured and refilled from the right.
To ensure each customer receives their order correctly, it is recommended to implement a system that clearly indicates which dish belongs to which customer. It is preferable to avoid calling out names to identify orders.
It is essential to make diners feel comfortable, as their satisfaction is more important then your own tip.
Promptly bring a check once the plates have been cleared and be sure to process payment quickly when requested.
Do Not Make your Guests Wait

Do Not Make your Guests Wait

It is essential to ensure that customers receive their orders promptly; otherwise, any positive experience that the quality of their meal, appetizer or drink may bring will be overshadowed by hunger and frustration. This is a critical moment in establishing a successful relationship with customers.

To prevent customers from departing, it is essential to ensure their satisfaction from the start. Having a sufficient number of employees available is key to avoiding delays and making sure customers never feel like they have waited too long. If a meal is ordered, it should be served promptly to ensure customer satisfaction.

If an order requires more time to prepare than usual, inform your customer in advance and always be honest and sincere. Speed of service is of great importance and should be included in policies if possible. This is essential for creating a positive experience for customers regardless of the type of restaurant. Customers likely have their own expectations on the duration of their service, and it is important to strive to meet those expectations. For example customers typically expect prompt service when ordering tacos; however, they may be willing to wait a bit longer for steak.

Fix Problems as Soon as They Arise

Proactively address any issues that your customers experience. Despite your best efforts, there is always a chance that something may not go according to plan. In any case, you should strive to provide a satisfactory service. Ensure that you are responding to customer issues promptly. Do not leave your customers waiting and without resolution.

When a customer expresses a complaint, employees should actively listen and avoid interruption.
Taking responsibility of any mistakes is essential to resolving the issue, and one should apologize sincerely and politely.
Maintaining a level of composure is key, especially in situations in which there is disagreement.
Maintain eye contact with the customer and be mindful of your body language.
Ensure that your body language is in line with the message you are conveying to the customer.
Inquire about the customer’s desired outcome, and strive to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Show understanding and empathy towards the customer, avoiding any blame.

Give the Customer a Voice

It is important to demonstrate to customers that their opinions are valued. The most successful restaurants continually seek feedback from their customers to understand their level of satisfaction. Are they pleased with their experience? Are they dissatisfied? Or are they somewhere in between?

By providing your customers with the opportunity to provide feedback on your services, you demonstrate your commitment to delivering an exceptional experience and your dedication to continuously improving your offerings. Gaining insight into customer feedback regarding your service is a great way to identify areas of strength and potential areas for improvement. This allows you to gain a better understanding of how your service is being perceived by customers, enabling you to continuously refine and improve.

Incorporate Technology

Lastly, we will discuss how to optimize customer service in your restaurant through the incorporation of technology. The exact form of technological integration will depend on the type of restaurant you own, however, there are various ways this can be applied to many business models.

Online Ordering

Offering customers the convenience of online menu browsing and ordering provides a valuable opportunity to boost revenue. Customers are often tempted to try more items when ordering online, resulting in increased spending. Utilizing prominent calls to action can further encourage customers to take advantage of the online ordering option.

It is highly recommended to have a mobile-friendly, responsive website for customers to order from with ease. If your current website does not offer this, it is time to consider creating a new one.

Table and/or Kiosk Ordering

Providing a table and/or kiosk ordering system for customers in your casual dining establishment will improve the ordering process, making it quick and convenient.

Offer Free Wi-Fi

Industry data and analysis firm Technomic Inc. conducted research that revealed 65% of consumers in 2014 expected quick-service restaurants to provide complimentary Wi-Fi access in their establishments.

Games at the Table

Working parents may be in need of break after a long day, so providing ways to entertain the children can be beneficial. Utilize handheld gaming devices, create a TV/media room, or opt for more traditional options such as coloring books to keep the kids occupied while parents relax.

Examples of Good Service in the Fast Food Industry

Restaurants rely on a range of personnel to deliver a high level of customer service, including hostesses, wait staff, table bussers, bartenders, food preparation professionals and cashiers. For a successful operation, it is essential that these roles collaborate to ensure a smooth customer experience. This can be achieved through effective coordination and communication. When business owners and managers listen to the customer feedback and improve service accordingly by implementing staff training.

Friendliness

It is imperative for restaurant staff to demonstrate friendliness and patience with customers. This can include repeat the specials multiple times, taking drink orders, and ensuring customers are comfortable and satisfied with their experience. Professional restaurant staff is able to establish personal connections with customers.

Knowledge

It is essential that restaurant staff have an in-depth knowledge of their menu items and services in order to provide quality customer service. Wait staff should be able to answer questions related to menu item ingredients and preparation in order to ensure customer satisfaction. This is especially important while serving customers having food allergies or special dietary needs.

Flexibility

Flexibility is a key customer service skill in the restaurant industry. Quality restaurant staff must be able to quickly adjust to changes in schedules and the number of guests in a party. Such adaptability ensures customers are made to feel welcome and well-cared for.

Attention

It is essential for restaurant staff to ensure that patrons do not feel neglected. Although delays may be unavoidable during peak hours, it is important to ensure that customers are kept up-to-date on the progress of their orders, and that their needs are monitored on a regular basis. This conveys to the customer that they are valued and that you are doing your best to ensure they have a pleasant experience.

Mistakes can occur, and as a provider of excellent customer service, you should strive to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. You should apologize for any errors or delays, and offer discounts or complimentary items as recompense. By providing a positive service experience, your customers are more likely to become repeat customers and speak positively about their experience..

How to Improve Customer Service in a Fast Food

Dining at a restaurant is more than just a culinary experience. Customers who come to eat are looking for an overall positive experience that leaves them feeling good. A warm welcome and quality service from the staff can help to positively influence the customer and increase their likelihood to spend more money.

Value Your Employees

Giving value to your employees is essential for the success of your restaurant. Showing your appreciation for their work and expressing your care for them will create a positive environment for both staff and customers. Ensuring that each employee has been properly trained in their job duties and is confident in their responsibilities will set the foundation for an effective workplace.
Encourage your staff by recognizing and appreciating their accomplishments. When providing feedback, make sure to communicate in a constructive and encouraging manner. This applies to all employees, from dishwashers to assistant managers. Creating a positive and supportive workplace environment will contribute to higher morale and an energetic, inviting atmosphere.

Teach Customer Service Techniques to your Employees

Provide training to employees about effective customer service methods, in addition to the legally-required food handling and safety protocols. Encourage them to prioritize customer satisfaction by employing approaches that extend beyond basic service. The care concept encompasses basic actions such as making eye contact, smiling, and offering a prompt greeting to customers, as well as taking proactive measures to meet their needs; for example, refilling water glasses before they are empty or providing extra napkins for customers ordering messy finger food.

Timing is an essential part of exemplary customer service. It is important to ensure that beverages and appetizers are served promptly, and to minimize the time between courses. Furthermore, dishes should not be cleared away until the customer has had sufficient time to complete their meal.

Ensure Friendliness and Train in Problem Resolution

To ensure your restaurant is represented in a positive manner, all employees should be required to maintain a neat and clean appearance that meets the established dress code. Emphasize the importance of being friendly and providing excellent customer service, as well as train in problem resolution. These measures are essential for creating a pleasant and professional atmosphere for our guests.

It is necessary for the waitstaff to demonstrate an ability to handle customer issues and complaints. In the case of an undercooked steak, the order should be taken back to the kitchen and cooked further. If a meal is late or an order is overlooked, the manager should be notified and consulted in order to provide the customer with a complimentary meal or alternative food choices.

Encourage Customer Interaction

Monitor your waitstaff’s interactions with customers, then provide constructive feedback on their performance. Note any specific changes you would like to see, such as offering to help seat female customers or suggesting appropriate choices for young patrons when there is no children’s menu.

It is essential that employees have a thorough knowledge of the menu, so they are able to recommend suitable options to customers who have dietary restrictions. Consider recognizing and rewarding employees who demonstrate initiative in this area or who consistently display excellent customer service.

Ask for Feedback

Engage with customers on a consistent basis and invite them to share their feedback. After their entrees have been served, or when they are close to finishing their meal, take a moment to approach their table and ask if they have any comments or suggestions. When seeking feedback from customers about their dining experience, focus on their level of service and the parts of their experience they would highlight when recommending the restaurant to their friends. Ask specific questions about this.

Providing incentives, such as a complimentary appetizer, dessert, or round of drinks, to customers when their suggestions are adopted can help make them feel appreciated and encourage return visits.

Incorporate Customer Feedback

In order to provide optimal customer service, it is important to consider customer suggestions and feedback. Based on customer comments and observations, policy or procedural changes should be implemented in order to ensure an improved service experience. For instance, if customers are reporting a lengthy wait for their initial drink order, it is recommended to set a rule requiring waiters to greet newly seated customers promptly.

When one diner in a group opts to have an appetizer or salad as their main course, employees should offer to have it served as soon as it is ready, or hold it until the other diners have received their entrees. Employees should also be trained to request parental permission before offering small children with crackers, balloons, or any other complimentary items.

Read more interesting videos at https://www.sansomconsulting.net/blog/