How to Be More Confident During an Economic Crisis

When you own a restaurant, you’re in a leadership position with workers and customers alike. It’s important to reassure customers and workers that you’re committed to their health and safety at all times.  As a confident leader, you demonstrate and model pride in how you operate your business. 

A health and economic emergency is the time to fight for what you’ve worked so hard to build.

Here are a few tips to get you on the right track.

Be Consistent with Messaging and Marketing

Now isn’t the time to go dark.  If you want your business to survive, you must invest more time and resources in constant and caring communications. 

If you haven't figured out how to pivot yet, there are dozens of ideas you can try to keep your restaurant afloat.  Check out this list of ideas for keeping your restaurant operating and brainstorm with your staff and partners to figure out what works in your market and with your offering.

Maintaining consistency makes  your  brand familiar and your restaurant more recognizable.   When people are ready and able to begin going out again, be ready with specials and a manageable schedule for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that your customers can look forward to. If you have a special breakfast restaurant, advertise all of your specials as well as your regular menu items for customers who come in every day.

Understand Your Market

Look to the area where your restaurant is in and make changes to your menu, takeout offerings, and design if you feel it’s necessary. A young demographic is more likely to share appetizers with friends and enjoy cocktails while older generations will take advantage of senior discount specials and early breakfasts. 

Try out different menu items to see what sells and ask your customers to give feedback on what they like or would prefer for you to do differently. Another option is to do daily specials and promotions to keep customers coming back for more.

Many restaurant owners know their POS system is the lifeline of their restaurant, and those that have online food ordering and mobile ordering in places are able to serve more customers even when their phones are busy.

Gain Respect From Your Workers and Community

In order to be a strong leader in the community that people turn to, you need to inspire  your employees and the people you serve at your restaurant.

No matter the age of your audience, your customers look to you as a business owner and a friendly face who care about them as neighbors and customers.  That’s what makes your restaurant a favorite, even when people can only order takeout.

Successful  business owners know the ins and outs of their restaurant and are willing to learn more in order to provide the best experience for all.

Your employees should be paid fair wages and treated with the respect that will show your customers they enjoy working for you. With great customer service and delicious food, your restaurant can continue to grab attention that may end up with glowing reviews and rewards to gain new customers.

Your confidence as a leader in your community and restaurant owner will grow when you show your community that you have pride in your business and in the community where your restaurant is located.

Don’t be afraid to make changes to improve your restaurant and keep your customers and employees happy and coming back when the economy reopens.