4 essential levers to keep your customers coming back to your restaurant

Attracting new customers is great, but keeping them coming back is even better! A loyal customer is someone who comes back regularly, spends more and becomes a true ambassador for your restaurant. Yet many restaurateurs put all their energy into attracting new customers without fully exploiting those who have already come. And that's a shame, because building customer loyalty costs much less than winning over a new one.

So how do you make your customers want to come back again and again? Here are four essential levers to turn your visitors into regulars.

Delivering a smooth, pleasant experience

As soon as a customer pushes open the door of your restaurant, their feelings play a key role. A long wait, a badly taken order or disorganized service... and you risk never seeing them again. Today, people want to get to the heart of the matter: eating well, without wasting time or suffering stress.

One of the solutions for streamlining the customer journey is the use of order terminals. They allow customers to place orders at their own pace, without pressure, and avoid mistakes. The result? Faster service, less overworked teams and a more pleasant experience for everyone. A satisfied customer is much more likely to come back!

Offer an attractive loyalty program

We all know: a good loyalty program can keep customers coming back for more. But for it to work, it has to be simple, accessible and above all... interesting!

Today, digital solutions such as Pongo, Como, Zerosix and Adelya automate all this. No more paper cards that get lost or forgotten! Customers accumulate points directly via their phone or their customer account, and can benefit from exclusive advantages: a discount after several orders, a free dessert for a birthday, a special offer for regulars...

The idea is to give customers a real reason to come back. If your program is well thought-out, they'll always want to take advantage of their benefits with you rather than elsewhere!

The great thing about order terminals is that they can be set to be visible with every order! So you can even win new subscribers.

Personalizing the customer experience

A customer who feels he's been remembered returns with pleasure. It makes sense: who doesn't like to be recognized and pampered? And thanks to digital tools, it's now very easy to personalize the experience.

Does a customer always order the same dish? Why not offer him a discount after several purchases? He hasn't been back for a while? A short message with a special offer may be enough to convince him to come back to your restaurant.

No need to overdo it: a simple "Happy birthday! Enjoy a free coffee today" or "We hope to see you soon! Here's a discount on your next menu" can make all the difference. It's that little touch that turns a simple visit into a real relationship of trust.

Reception and customer relations

Even with all the technology in the world, a good restaurant is above all a human affair. A sincere smile, a warm welcome, special attention... it's these little details that create a real connection with your customers.

A loyal customer is often someone who feels at home with you. They come back because they appreciate the atmosphere, the service and the attention. Learn to recognize your regulars, remember their preferences, and engage them in conversation. A simple "As usual?" or "Did you like yesterday's dish?" can be enough to create a stronger relationship.

If your team is freed up from time-consuming order-taking, they have all the time and energy they need to look after your customers!

Conclusion

Of course, the basis of everything is quality cuisine and a coherent menu. But what really makes the difference is the overall experience you offer your customers.

Order kiosks are an excellent way of optimizing the customer journey and integrating your loyalty program into every order, without any extra effort. By combining digitalization with a human touch, you create an experience that makes customers want to come back again and again. And in the long term, it's these loyal customers who will keep your restaurant alive and thriving.

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