In the age of the experience economy, consumers have high expectations across the board. Foodservice is no exception. Whether it’s the food court or fine dining, consumers want to indulge in 'an experience.' And not just any experience; they want one that delights and ignites the senses. By offering the best products and service, you can deliver an epicurean experience to your customers, regardless of the setting. Here’s how:
Create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere
While your food has to be on point, with a unique atmosphere, you can create an unforgettable dining experience. From your decor to your lighting, find ways to enhance your atmosphere so it stands out. People don’t dine out solely for the food; atmosphere is equally important — if not more important — to keep customers coming back.
Prioritize training
Service is just as important as atmosphere. Your customer service is your first chance to make a good impression with customers. If it’s not up to snuff, even the best food can’t make up for it. Whether you have a quick-service restaurant, a full-service restaurant or a catering business, make sure your staff is well-trained from the front to the back of the house to ensure a first-rate experience for customers.
Make it convenient
As technology rapidly evolves, so do customer expectations. Not only are we in the age of the experience economy, but it’s also an on-demand society where convenience is king. Take advantage of modern technology such as digital reservation managers, smart kitchen equipment and digital ordering kiosks. These features cut down wait times and make ordering easy, which kick things off on the right foot for your customers and gives them more time to enjoy their experience.
Stay on top of trends
Thanks to technology and higher customer expectations, the foodservice landscape is rapidly changing. To make sure you have a competitive edge, stay ahead of trends and where possible, adopt some of the latest innovations. While it’s not possible to incorporate every new trend into your business model, it’s worthwhile to integrate trends that will improve the quality of your customers’ dining experience, such as customization, local sourcing and self-service equipment.
Be better than the rest.
By taking these measures to create the ultimate epicurean experience for customers, you can set yourself apart from the competition. And if you really want to go the extra mile, Hatco’s got you covered. With our innovative product solutions and knock-your-socks-off customer service, we’re dedicated to delivering first-class foodservice experiences for customers. Since our founding, we’ve prided ourselves on a company culture that prioritizes “the experience,” and that carries over to our customers. Learn more about Hatco and our tradition of excellence.