The other day we had a long standing customer in the office and went to grab some lunch at a restaurant just across the road from our offices.
While we were having our lunch a couple on a table near to ours to us were ordering theirs and seemed unsure of what wine to order. The waiter was more than helpful and gave them some ideas. It transpired that the couple were celebrating the birth of their first grandchild and the waiter when he learned this also suggested to try an Italian Prosecco rather than Champagne. The waiter couldn’t have been more helpful and at the same time seemed to enjoy explaining the range of drink choices.
I know the restaurant manager and before leaving complimented him on the waiter’s attention to the couple. He then explained to us that the wine discussion with customers and the wide range of drink options available makes people spend more. The conversation went on but in essence he sees providing great customer service and wider customer choice as the foundation of his restaurant business. He loves food and is passionate about his menu but said that his customers expect great food, going beyond that ‘basic’ service is where he feels he differentiates his restaurant and makes a difference.
He also stressed that expanding his menu choice or implementing menu change is much more difficult than expanding his drinks range, so every month he tries at least four new wines and one new spirit and/or soft drink. If customers like them they stay and if not they don’t.
An interesting approach and one that seems to make good business sense as getting a table is not always easy.
Thinking about the discussion in the car yesterday on my way back from seeing another customer made me think of the drinks exhibition Imbibe Live. If you think all trade shows are the same get along to this one, vibrant, dynamic and full of great products.
The video below gives a taste of what the show is all about, take a look everyone is really getting involved and enjoying it. Not taking place again until July but if you are interested in expanding your drinks range it should be a date for your 2014 diary.
The Imbibe Live 2014 website has full details of this year’s event here
If you go along see you there…
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