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[mattm]

We all know how important first impressions are. We have all heard the saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”. But, what have you done lately to examine the first impressions your customers are getting?

Here are 5 areas that you should give a good honest look at so see what your customer’s first impressions are. If you don’t think you can be unbiased then have someone, which you respect and believe will give you good honest feedback, check it out for you.

1) Entryway: Are the windows and floor clean? Are all the light bulbs working? Does the entrance set the mood that you want?
2) Greeting: Does someone great your customers with a warm happy welcome? Is the fist person a customer sees dressed in attire fitting of your restaurant? If people have to wait do they feel that you planned for people that are waiting or do they feel that you never imagined that people would wait to eat at your restaurant?
3) Table: Obviously the table has been washed. But does the person washing the table check to see if the table toppers, condiment bottles, napkin holders and anything else place on the table are all clean. Is the floor under the table clean?
4) Menus: Just because you haven’t changed anything on your menu in the last three years doesn’t mean that your customers should look at your menu and think “I don’t think they have changed these menus in three years”. It doesn’t matter if you use paper menus, laminated menus, or menu covers the first impression your menu should give your customer is that you are really proud of your menu which means you are really proud of your food.
5) Wait staff: Uniforms are great to make sure that your wait staff gives a consistent message to your customers. But, in these tough times it can be too expensive to supply embroidered shirts. At least have a uniform standard so your employees look like a team. Also, make sure your aprons are looking clean. If your wait staff has dirty aprons your customers will imagine the kitchen to look much worse.