The restaurant business is harsh; there are several reasons why some restaurants succeed and many fail. Not setting up the restaurant correctly is one just one reason for failure. Increased competition and top restaurant guides determine whether a restaurant can “make it.” In addition to serving exquisite food and fostering a pleasant atmosphere, it is imperative to take care of everything on the organisational side. What is obvious to note, is that people go to a restaurant to try the food but return thanks to the excellent customer service. How do restaurants increase customer satisfaction and what role does CompuCash play in aiding a restaurant’s customer satisfaction in the UAE?

1. Kitchen and dining area not “talking” to each other

The communication between cooks and waiters should be as smooth and quick as possible. Thus making it possible to inform customers concerning any possible delays in serving food or an item is not available on the menu, possible due to missing ingredients. CompuCash kitchen display system shows the made orders to the cooks at once, and they can keep the waiters updated about the order’s progress.

2. Incorrect orders are taken or getting mixed up

It is disappointing when after waiting unacceptably long time customers are served the wrong meal. It is inconvenient for both the customer and the restaurant and wastes resources on both sides, and in the process severely damaging the customer’s view of the restaurant. To avoid this happening restaurant owners and managers must utilize a well-functioning ordering system that allows restaurateurs to take orders straight from the tables, note special client wishes and send the orders quickly to the kitchen. CompuCash can offer restaurant POS software as a mobile solution for receiving such requests for Android and iOS users. To activate the mobile app, please contact [email protected]

3. Waiting too long

Long waiting times whilst waiting for food when visiting a restaurant always irritates customers. Restaurant and food waiting times can be dramatically shortened if the waiters can take orders from several tables at once without the need to go back and forth to the kitchen and dining areas. Simultaneously the cooks can plan and prioritize better in preparing the dishes. Using the CompuCash mobile app and the kitchen display are one way in which restaurateurs can drastically cut waiting times and ensure the process is smoother for both the kitchen staff and customers.

4. Payment etiquette

It is considered inappropriate and bad restaurant etiquette if the waiting staff present the customer’s bill as soon as the customer has finished their food. However, paradoxically it is also frustrating when customers have to head off in search for waiting staff to bring them their bill so they can pay. It would be best if restaurant owners and managers correctly assessed when customers wish to separate the bill amongst themselves or use different payment methods to settle it. CompuCash not only can support restaurants and cafes in combining various payment methods but can also print and display bills in different languages, providing a higher level of customer engagement.

5. Lack of a personal touch

An excellent waiter will serve each customer with a personal touch, paying attention to him/her and questions customers on how they liked the food and their visit. Not only does this leave a lasting impression but it also provides invaluable information on how the eating establishment concerned can better improve their service and food for future customers. One excellent way of rewarding customers with a more personal touch is to grant them a customer loyalty option with a customer loyalty card.

6. Misunderstandings can leave a bad impression

Sadly, there will come a time when a customer and restaurant staff disagree on something. To avoid such misunderstandings, restaurant owners can install video cameras within their restaurants, to replay the situation and better diffuse the situation. Restaurant video cameras can be integrated with CompuCash point-of-sale system, and then managers can monitor the action in real time, even for example, through their smartphones or tablets.

7. Utilising data to make better decisions

Although customers understand during busy periods, that restaurants get it wrong and delays are inevitable. However, it is not their problem. It is the eating establishments themselves who are responsible for getting it right. Using the CompuCash dashboard, eating establishments can discover periods when they have the most significant number of visitors and can plan for more staff to work those hours. Of course, even better, restaurateurs and cafe owners can obtain a quick overview of their sales numbers through the dashboard or detailed sales reports in compucash5.com. Each visit to a restaurant should be a little luxury; where the food, atmosphere and service are not just about eating, but a lifestyle experience. The experience itself is essential for not only increasing customer service but ensuring those same customers return and not to a competitor.