Philadelphia, PA—The restaurant industry is one of the most challenging businesses to enter. Yet thousands of restaurants have been popping up all over the country year after year with various cuisines and food business concepts.
Running a Successful Restaurant in Philadelphia
As of 2018, there were 660,755 hotels in the US, which keeps growing. With so much competition in the industry, it’s no wonder an overwhelming number of restaurants close up shop within the first year. Studies show that 60% of restaurants fail within the first year. Still, you can ace it with the correct information and strategy. In this guide, we’ll share some golden tips to help you successfully run a restaurant in Philadelphia.
Choose Location Wisely
With a restaurant, location is everything! The location of your hotel plays a critical role in your business’s success. You need an area that is easily accessible, draws crowds, and has growth potential.
Researching the area where you intend to open your restaurant is vital. Avoid any area that has a history of crime or violence. You’ll also want to avoid locations that are sparsely populated or without any landmarks that may attract crowds. However, with the stiff competition and the skyrocketing rental prices, be prepared to pay an exorbitant price for the ideal spot.
Invest in Your Guests
A great customer experience is pivotal to your restaurant's success. Studies show that 77% of customers who experience a positive experience are likely to recommend the brand to their peers and colleagues. Want your business to thrive? Invest in your guests (aka customers). If served well and given the VIP treatment they yearn for, they will become your brand ambassadors, spreading good vibes about your restaurant to their friends.
72% of customers share it with at least six people when treated with a positive CX. But how do you invest in your guests? Start by buying qualitative hotel equipment. Train your restaurant staff on hotel etiquette so they will serve your customers better. Additionally, look for ways to give all your guests a memorable experience.
Invest in a Dedicated Website
We’re in the 21st century, right? Any business without a dedicated website is losing a lot to the competition. That said, a well-crafted restaurant website can go a long way in growing your business. A hotel website will not only give you an online presence; it will also create awareness about your brand. But a restaurant website isn’t enough! For your business to stand out in a crowded marketplace, you must add some golden nuggets to distinguish it from the competition.
From the looks to the design of your website, everything should shout professionalism and elegance. Add some eye-catching food stock photos to make your customers and site visitors want to try your cuisine. Next, ensure the website has an online ordering and payment portal so customers can order and complete everything online. Lastly, offer discounts and coupons occasionally and publish them on your website.
Hire Great Chefs
Make sure to hire chefs with years of experience preparing signature dishes that will set your restaurant apart from the competition. Chefs are like superstars. People will visit your restaurant because it has the services of a chef reputable for preparing unique dishes. So, consider hiring talented chefs to satisfy your customers’ taste buds.
Market, Market, Market
Last but not least, market your restaurant extensively. Don’t shy away from installing billboards about the new restaurant in town. Instead, utilize every marketing channel to create brand awareness. Because no matter how great your restaurant is, people will not visit it if they don’t know it exists. As such, you’ll want to deploy both inbound and outbound marketing techniques to create brand awareness and reach a wider audience.
Wrapping Up
The hotel industry is one of the most challenging industries to break into due to the tough competition, high rentals, and increasing labor costs. But with the correct information and strategy, you can ace it. To succeed in this competitive industry, choose your location wisely, build a dedicated restaurant website, invest in your guests, hire great chefs, and market your restaurant extensively.
