Do you know who your customers are?
You may have many different types of customers, are they:
- Regulars
- Families
- Tourists
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you tend to attract a younger crowd?
- How often do they come in?
- When are your quiet and busy times?
- Why do they choose to come to your pub over the others down the road?
Talk to your customers and understand what they want. Leaving comment cards on the tables is a good way of collecting customer feedback, give them an incentive for completing them, such as a free glass of wine with their next meal.
The more you get to know and understand your customers, the more successful you will be in determining the right menu for attracting these customers and gaining repeat business from them in the future.
Catering for kids and families
Welcoming families and children to eat in your pub can help to increase footfall particularly at lunchtimes, early evenings and during school holidays. Make sure the kids are happy and they will persuade mum and dad to bring them again!
Top tips when catering for kids & families:
Have a designated eating area for families with children if you have space, think of room for pushchairs
Have a couple of high chairs or booster seats available for toddlers (keep them clean)
Consider health & safety for children, eg glasses on tables, remove sharp knives, avoid hot plates
Serve kids’ drinks in a bottle or carton with a straw rather than in a glass; offer an alternative to fizzy drinks
Have a separate kids menu and /or offer half portions for kids from your main menu; be clear about the age range this applies to
Don’t over-portion on kids meals, think of profits and train your staff!
Invest in some smaller plates and cutlery for children – it will help with portion control
Think about kids under 2 eating for free as an enticement for families
Ensure you always include nut allergy warning on your menus
Have some healthier options on your kids menu to please the mums! Try and include some fresh fruit, yogurts or fromage frais, maybe some sandwiches; avoid having all fried food
Activity placemats or goody bags are a great way to keep children at the table. For details of suppliers click here
How about having a small box of building bricks (the large chunky type) or a few children’s books available
When serving a family, serve children’s meals first before adults
Run events for families and kids throughout the year eg Easter, bank holiday weekends, Christmas, always include a child’s price on your special menus
If you have a beer garden have kids activities and eating outdoors in fine weather
Think about catering for kids birthday parties
Let your local mother and toddler groups know you cater for children
Make sure your staff are good with children, and have fun!
When clearing the table after children, remember to check the floor for debris!
Catering for OAP's
Offer a discount off the menu during the week or free tea or coffee with any main meal, or offer free re-fills
Have half bottles of wine available, not everyone will want tea or coffee!
Set up a senior citizens’ loyalty scheme
Have a separate senior citizen’s lunchtime menu with larger print
use smaller portions and nothing too spicy
Have a selection of board games, cards and dominoes available free of charge – this will help to extend their visit and establish a regular social gathering
Run a Bingo session during the week or a regular sing-a-long
Let the local Age Concern / elderly know you cater for senior citizens
Advertise locally with leaflets in groups or clubs for the elderly, church halls etc
Consider good access for the elderly
Think about the type and level of background music you are playing (if any)
