Trends come and go, but in the restaurant industry, some outdated habits linger far too long, annoying guests and making operations less efficient.
To keep your restaurant ahead of the curve, it’s time to say goodbye to these outdated trends and focus on what truly enhances the guest experience.
While digital menus gained traction during the pandemic, forcing guests to scan a QR code to view a menu can be frustrating, especially for older diners. While digital options provide convenience, completely eliminating physical menus can alienate certain customers.Â
Instead, consider a hybrid approach:Â
Guests don’t want to decode a menu like it’s a foreign language. If your menu is overloaded with excessive descriptors, obscure ingredients, or too many options, it can slow down decision-making and frustrate guests.Â
A streamlined menu should:Â
Eliminating reservations may work for fast-casual spots, but for fine dining and high-demand restaurants, it often results in long wait times and lost business. Guests planning special occasions or business dinners appreciate the ability to secure a table in advance.Â
Why you should reconsider:Â
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No one likes a surprise bill. Mandatory service charges, hidden fees, and auto-added gratuities can damage trust and create a negative guest experience. If additional charges are necessary, transparency is key.Â
Best practices include:Â
Dishes served in unconventional ways—on shovels, inside light bulbs, or hidden under excessive smoke—often prioritize spectacle over substance. While creativity is important, guests want food that tastes as good as it looks.Â
To strike the right balance:Â
A drawn-out payment process can leave a negative last impression on an otherwise great dining experience. If guests have to wait too long to pay, they may be less likely to return.Â
Instead, implement contactless payment options for faster transactions, and use tableside POS systems to streamline the checkout process. It also helps to integrate all-in-one restaurant management software to track payments.Â
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See why more than 40,000 restaurants use Restaurant365
Trends should enhance—not hinder—the guest experience. By eliminating these outdated practices and leveraging all-in-one restaurant management software, your restaurant can create a more welcoming, efficient, and enjoyable atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.Â
The right technology helps streamline:Â
By focusing on what truly matters—seamless service, great food, and an inviting atmosphere—your restaurant can stay ahead of the competition and build lasting customer loyalty.Â
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