Restaurant Service Maintain A High Service Level For Tourists Too

Author : Richard SaporitoWhile vacationing in a major city overseas, it was quite impossible for me not to notice how poorly tourists were being treated in some food service establishments I will not mention the name, but it was a city that was flooded with tourists from all over the world

Everyone knows, from big city restaurants to restaurants in resort areas, how difficult tourists can be at times But, when it comes to restaurant service, the reality of the matter is that one must get past the surface, and be most understanding of a tourist’s situation

Jet lag, being in a foreign place, unfamiliarity with the language or currency are all factors that feed into the bizarre actions and wacky behavior of a tourist I won’t even to exclude myself from this category at certain times when traveling

Instead of taking on these attitudes personally, a restaurant operator or waiter must flip the coin to the other side where a little compassion and understanding can go a very long way regardless of the situation

For example, I had just experienced a long, but most interesting day touring the incredible and wondrous sights of this city when all I wanted to do was get a decent, relaxing bite to eat

I kept walking into restaurants, asking a simple question and getting some unexpected poor treatment in return Now, everyone in the world who goes out to spend the money to dine wants to relax and feel welcome–not to feel intimidated or threatened in any way

But, the latter kept happening to me time and again, so I kept walking out of these restaurants in utter disbelief refusing to plunk down money for a bad food service experience

Then, I finally gave it one more chance at a small trattoria on a little side street asking for one of my favorite dishes– fettuccine with clam sauce All of the other restaurants had turned me down because it had to be spaghetti with clam sauce and no variation

But, this owner or waiter of the restaurant said “Yes, certainly sir, whatever you would like us to prepare for you ” So, I sat down, enjoyed the entire delicious meal thoroughly, ordered an excellent dessert, and then he brought me a cappuccino on the house (pennies to make) - with a big smile on his face

Well, to say the least, everything was perfect, the meal, the incredible customer service and he, himself, had relaxed me so much after a somewhat stressful day–as touring can be sometimes

From that point onward, this customer service expert owned me At the end of each touring day, I kept returning to enjoy his restaurant, and even more happy to bring him the extra business

As a restaurant service person, if you are going to put in the time and effort into performing a job, why not put the ego aside and try to please the customer with a smile and friendly service — whatever their case may be It is really the humane thing to do Otherwise, one is wasting their precious time in this industry

Restaurant service for tourists is always a double edged sword On one hand it is very difficult to serve tourists for the reasons mentioned above, yet, on the other hand, their spending can often make or break a business These days, nobody can afford to lose business simply because of a lack of courteousness and respect

As time goes by, tourism will only be increasing in this world as people with more disposable income want to get out of their own dwellings and find out the mysteries of other cultures Just because one tourist walks in a little nutty, doesn’t mean they all will
Also, remember, these tourists will tell their their friends about their restaurant service experiences, even in other countries I, myself, will definitely recommend this particular restaurant to family and friends who travel to this city in the future Who wants to take the chance of getting burned somewhere else?

Whether you are an owner/operator, manager, or waiter, are you treating tourists well in your establishment?Richard Saporito is the founder of Topserve Restaurant Consulting. He has
over 30 years of restaurant service experience in many profitable New York City establishments.
Discover how to

improve dining room service and increase your restaurant’s business by visiting: http://www.howtoimprovediningroomservice.

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