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Blog main :: Recent posts :: The Refreshed Appeal of Spiritualism :: Enhancing the Travel Experience by packing less :: Community Concierges :: Meteorologists in Demand by Destinations, Retailers... :: "Green" Wedding Rings ::
Thumbs Up :: Building Restaurant LoyaltyIn lean times, the luxury dollar is more treasured than ever before, and consumers who spend them are a rarer breed. To build loyalty and keep these important patrons away from the competition, hotels and restaurants are re-energizing their efforts to reward loyalty and retain their customers. Restaurants, for example, have taken a page from the most successful luxury hotels by empowering front-of-house employees to exercise good judgment and flexibility, as well as budget, to make patrons feel appreciated.Case in point: Recently at Miami's The Palm, a friend and I were lunching. Thirty minutes after we placed our order, the waiter apologized for the delay and proceeded to invite us to be the restaurant's guest for lunch - preempting any complaints from us. The waiter had obviously been empowered by management to make the call, and did. In another instance at New York's La Goulue - a hotspot for its food, people watching and its energy - where we happened to strike up an animated conversation with a nearby table, who were regulars. When it was time to settle the bill, the captain said we were a guest of the house. When I subsequently asked why, Steven Jauffrineau, managing director of the restaurant, said that they'll sometimes reward patrons who contribute to the liveliness to the establishment! I'd call both gestures solid investments on the restaurants' part, wouldn't you? |
