When business is booming restaurateurs often take the opportunity to invest in their premises. These days, it is easy for bosses to stock up on all the resources they need. For example, they can head online to buy new table menu holders. By smartening their eateries up, managers can help to ensure they attract customers through their doors.
There is no denying the fact that consumers have been feeling the financial pinch over recent years. Since the banking crisis, wages rises have remained depressed and the cost of living has been steadily increasing, leaving people with less disposable income.
However, there are some indications that things are looking up, and this could be good news for those in the catering sector. According to figures released by Barclaycard, consumer spending is on the rise. It revealed that spending grew by three per cent in September.
Meanwhile, people seem keen to enjoy meals out. The firm found that spending in restaurants increased by 11.2 per cent over the 30-day period. This was the strongest result so far this year and was much higher than the 5.3 per cent recorded during the same month last year.
Barclaycard suggested that the popularity of meals out may have been boosted by the pleasant weather.
Commenting on the findings more generally, chief executive of Barclaycard Val Soranno Keating said:
“Consumer spending was up again in September, growing three per cent year-on-year and out-pacing inflation for the sixth month in a row.”
She added: “There’s been a lot of debate over the scale of the economic recovery and whilst we’re not quite out of the woods yet, the fact that consumer confidence is at a six-year high, economic growth is up and spending continues to grow clearly shows that we’re on the right path.”
These days, consumers expect high standards when they eat in restaurants. As well as top-quality food and drink, they want to experience impressive surroundings. This means that in order to be successful, restaurant bosses must pull out all the stops.
As well as choosing attractive and comfortable furniture and opting for design schemes that perfectly reflect their ethos and that appeal to diners, managers have to pay keen attention to the finer details. For example, it is important that they select attractive menu holders. Luckily, it is now easy to buy perspex menu holders that look and feel the part. Managers must also select the right cutlery, crockery and glassware.
Although all of this costs money, it should prove to be a savvy investment. After all, it could lead to increased levels of repeat custom and more word-of-mouth advertising.
If bosses are stuck for design ideas, they can take inspiration from other dining establishments. For example, they can wander into local eateries or head online and take a look at images of restaurants located further afield. Of course, they cannot simply copy these looks, but they can take elements from them to use in their own dining spaces. Whether they choose contemporary looks or traditional design schemes, restaurateurs must ensure that the finished results appeal to their target market.
