Andrew Stevens
Posted in
For Restaurants
tags:
Restaurant Management
by Andrew Stevens
I have seen a lot in the news lately about some establishments hiring policies that are not entirely fair for the majority of the population that do not fit the criteria.
Okay, so a company wants to have a certain image or even atmosphere and part of that is the kind of staff they hire. But does it really need to be the way a staff member looks. Surely the vibe can be generated by décor, music and food?
The best thing about entering an eating establishment is a friendly welcome. Customers immediately feel at ease, that they are welcome, and even valued as a customer. So the customer is feeling happy to be there and this positive attitude translates to spending more money in the restaurant.
So what makes a friendly welcome? - A genuine smile.
Now don’t barf but a great smile is a great asset. You can get away with a ‘hell of a lot’ when you smile and apologise. And that is taken from my own experience.
There are always days when it is very difficult to smile and stress is a major contributing factor. I was shocked to the core one day when my other half was observing me running the restaurant. He informed that I was not being very welcoming as my smile had gone. Surely not, I thought but on reflection I realised I was having a very stressful day.
In a forum about longevity, Mark Stibich, Ph.D., outlines the ‘Top 10 reasons to smile’:
1. Smiling makes us attractive
2. Smiling changes our mood
3. Smiling is contagious
4. Smiling relieves stress
5. Smiling boosts your immune system
6. Smiling lowers your blood pressure
7. Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin
8. Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger
9. Smiling makes you seem successful
10. Smiling helps you stay positive
With all these benefits who the hell wouldn’t smile, especially if it is going to make you look younger.
~ Andrew Stevens, Restaurant Management Expert