ELECTRONIC HOUSE CALL - April 9, 2004

Well here I am again. By now I hope you all have realized that "Royal Burger" was a figment of my overactive imagination -- a patch of playful perversity for April Fool's Day. So it looks like you are stuck with me for the forseeable future. Still, I was moved by the notes wishing me well in my new career. That sort of support is really touching. Who knows? One of these days ... for the right opportunity ...

The project of the moment is getting everything organized so that I can spend three weeks in France without causing undue upsets to my clients, most of whom will NOT be having their corporate meetings on the other side of the pond. We leave on the 26th, so if you plan to order books or need anything else from me, you have about two weeks left ... or wait until June.

More Tips for Tips
Here are a few additions to the ideas in my book, "50 Tips to Improve Your Tips."  Kick them around with your service staff and see what happens.

Always talk TO someone -- Look at your guests when you talk to them or serve them anything. This seems almost too basic, but notice how often a server will fail to make eye contact or have their attention elsewhere when serving. When this happens, it causes guests to trust you less. They are less likely to believe what you tell them or to take your recommendations which can cost you sales (and tips!) Lack of personal connection when serving makes the food seem less impressive and that won't help you either.

Watch faces as well as tables -- You have to watch the tabletop so you will know where the guests are in the meal and what they might need, but that is only part of the job. Watch faces as well. It will help assure that you notice the guests who are trying to get your attention and will let you see if they are enjoying the meal. Scanning faces is a lot like keeping an eye on your speedometer when you are driving. If you catch any hint that a guest wants you, step in and handle it. Too many servers seem to feel that, "If I don't look at them, I won't have to do anything about them." Wrong! Unlike fine wine, irritated guests do not improve with time.

For more information on "50 Tips to Improve Your Tips, click here

Are You Ready for More Business?
I want to invite you to attend a unique seminar where you can learn how to double your business in 180 days (or less). In fact, the secrets that will be revealed at this seminar will teach you how to increase your business to any size you want! The session will be held close to McCormick Place in downtown Chicago only one time in 2004 -- on May 22, just before the NRA Show.

I am excited to partner with Rory Fatt and Michael Attias to bring you some proven approaches that can help you make more money and put the fun back in the hospitality business! I have known Michael and Rory for years. They have been outrageously successful restaurant marketers and even subscribe to my Management Insight Series.

You could be the absolute best restaurant in your area, even in the world, BUT you'd go broke without a steady stream of new customers. All of your excellent cooking and superior hospitality means nothing if you don't have anybody to feed. Come to this seminar and learn how to get all the customers you want, using proven methods that are working today for savvy operators all over North America.

I will also show you how to get the right people ... the first time ... so you can be sure that your new guests have the sort of experience that will bring them back again and again. You will never find the material we will teach you anywhere at the NRA Show. The cost is minimal and we guarantee you will be delighted. But space is limited and this program is sure to sell out. Click on the link below to get the whole story ... before your competitors claim the last seats!

Click here for the whole story on the Chicago Marketing Seminar.

Restaurant Doctor Forums
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The Perpetual Question
What did you learn from your staff today?

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