This is a partnered guest postYou want more than just delicious food when you visit your favorite restaurant. The perfect visit involves a lot of different things: a friendly and attentive server, the perfect atmosphere, quick service, and value. When you have a great experience it will be a night to remember, but this is not always going to happen. All too often, people who are not satisfied with their restaurant visit will take a break from the establishment and then return after this break, but without having any real influence on the restaurant. With online survey services like Valued Opinions, your voice can be broadcast directly to companies big and small.
There are number of different reasons why individuals compromise on their dining out experience, whether it be because the restaurant is convenient or they have a special for the night. If you are tired of handing over your hard-earned money for sub-par service, it is time to learn what you can do to ensure you have the best experience possible the next time you visit what was once your favorite restaurant. From changing your attitude before you get there, to learning how to express your opinion the appropriate way, here are some steps that you can take to make the most out of your visit.
The Steps You Can Take to Justify Spending Money at a Restaurant
The cost of a meal at a restaurant is inflated because the company needs to profit. If you do not feel like cooking at home, or you want to socialize, you are willing to pay the inflated price if you have an enjoyable experience. There are a few steps you can take to make your experience worth the expense.
Make Sure You Are Comfortable
Eating out is about vacationing from your everyday stresses. You get to sit down in a setting away from your home and talk about life with your friends without worrying about cleanup. One key to set the visit off on the right foot is to prepare to have a good time. If you are in a bad mood, you are setting yourself up for a less enjoyable time. You need to feel happy and comfortable. If you do not like the table you are seated at, politely ask for seating in another area. If you are not sure what to order, ask for recommendations. Give the restaurant an opportunity to accommodate you before you become dissatisfied.
Know What to Expect
Doing your homework can also prevent problems during a visit. Make sure the company accepts the payment method you plan on using, and find out what the dress code is. Is the restaurant kid-friendly? Do they serve beer, wine, and liquor? These are all questions you should have the answer to before you visit.
Become a Regular
There is no better way to get excellent service than to become a regular. If you go at the same time and on the same day of the week, you will likely get the same server. They will learn your name and your preferences and treat you like a friend. Become the sort of person who can order “the regular”.
Learn How to Have Your Opinion Heard
You might be afraid to complain, but when you are not happy with the service you have received the manager needs to know. If you do not like the food or your server was not polite, you should address your concerns calmly during the visit. They will likely resolve the problem so that you leave satisfied. If you do not like confrontation, you can make sure your opinion is heard by answering survey questions with Valued Opinions. This company conducts research so that restaurants can hear what their customers have to say.
You deserve to have a good experience wherever you go. Make an effort to make the most out of your visit, enjoy the food, keep good company, and you will look forward to the next visit and the next.
These are great tips to getting the most when we go out to eat.
I second the becoming a regular tip! No better way to make nice with the staff then to become a regular.
I’ve been a “regular” at a few places!
we have become regulars at a few restaurants.
These are great tips! I have a couple of places that would probably consider me a regular.
Great tips. We have a few places we go back again and again, but I enjoy trying new places too much to be a regular anywhere.
We don’t go to restaurants all that often. We usually order out.
Great tips. Also, if something is really not right, send it back. A good waiter/waitress will be happy to help!
I never eat at any restaurant where I feel like I have to dress up. Great tips!
After working in restaurants for so many years I don’t tend to find it as relaxing as some, but I do like not cleaning up 🙂
I order in because I don’t enjoy taking the kids to a restaurant. Great tips though.
Great tips! We often visit Restaurants.
Prior to moving to the farm, we ate out at least one meal everyday. We had our favorite places that we would visit regularly. Getting familiar with the staff was always a plus. You got to know them personally, learn about their families, what they were going to college for, etc. Plus I think they liked seeing us coming too…great conversations, pleasant customers, and good tippers. 🙂
We eat out every now and then so it’s always a real treat, especially for the kids. These seem like valuable tips!
I’ve eaten out so much lately that I’m just tired of it. I’m craving a home cooked meal.
These are really good tips!
Thanks for sharing these great tips!
We have a local pub we love and always try to get the best bang for our buck!
We don’t eat out often (too many kids, lol) but we’re enjoying it THIS week while our Kidlets are with their grandparents. We researched a few local faves and are trying them!
These are some wondrous tips! Thanks for sharing!
We tend to go out to eat for most of our date nights. These are great tips!
We like going to several over and over but we also like to explore new places.
I just had a terrible experience at a local restaurant. We waited over an hour for our food and three other families who were seated AFTER us were served BEFORE us. It was one of the worst restaurant experiences ever!
I am with you on the becoming a regular!
Well, they definitely know me at Panera. I don’t even have to order anymore. They tell ME what I’m getting, lol.