 |
| Customer service is important |
I have been blogging about the restaurants I have visited, their dishes and the atmosphere. Customer Service of all three restaurants is my fourth blog. As a country which is highly dependent on tourism, anyone having face-to-face contact with tourists should always give a great first impression. The tourist should feel welcomed and comfortable. This must also be exhibited for local customers. In economic times like these, restaurants should be doing everything possible to keep customers coming back. That means the best customer service is necessary in all restaurants to all persons, whether they are tourists or locals, they should be treated at the same high standard.
 |
| Il Forno Ristorante and Pizzeria Logo |
The server at this restaurant was not at as professional as she could have been. Il Forno is one of many restaurants in Sheraton Mall and the server behaved as if she didn’t necessarily need the customer there. Her body language suggested that she just wanted to know your order so she could fix the plate and send you along to the cashier. I would understand if it was at a busy time and she was trying to cut down the waiting process, but it was a slow period and persons were coming in moderation.
The cashier however had a pleasant and polite personality . She did her job with ease and even asked a few customers if they enjoyed their meal. Being a fast-casual restaurant, when persons finished eating their meals, they left the cutlery and plates on the table. I found plates were quickly cleared from the table and that is commendable. The only thing I would suggest is they wipe the bits of food from the table.
 |
| Lucky Horseshoe's Logo |
This restaurant has a beautiful décor and attractive food presentation skills but all of this is swept away if the customer service is not as 'attractive' as the food. The maître d' (the person who assigns you to your seat) is the first face you see at the restaurant. If that person says “Good evening, welcome and how many persons will be dining with you” but is standing with the attitude of “I really don’t want to be bothered”, it doesn’t feel very welcoming does it?
The waiter who was assigned to our table did a reasonable job. She said her pleasantries and brought our meals and drinks. I found she was a bit robotic however and her sentences were as if she was trying to remember specific training skills she was taught. Also, our glasses of water were never refilled after the first glass. In the end she did apologise for each mistake she made immediately, which was good. Service at this restaurant needs to reach another two levels if it wants to be at the top of its game.
 |
| Brown Sugar's entrance |
The customer service at Brown Sugar was excellent. It was just on point with its customer service. From entry until exit, it was just impressive. The lady showed us to our table and double checked to see if it was correct while making friendly conversation. When the waiter arrived, the first thing she did when reaching the table was to greet us with ‘Good Afternoon’, then filled our glasses with water. She knew every drink that was being offered without having to check or read off a list. We were able to comfortably ask her any question concerning our meals.
Our water glasses were never empty. When it was almost empty, there she was with a pitcher in her hand ready to fill it back up. Not only were glasses refilled quickly, empty plates were removed just as fast. We did not even have to indicate that we were finished eating, but she was there excusing herself as she removed our plates from the table. While waiting on your receipt, you were also offered some mints, which was a nice touch. On exiting the restaurant, they sent you on your way with smiles and faces you wouldn’t forget. The staff at Brown Sugar restaurant was professional yet friendly and inviting at the same time. That’s the service we need to see daily in Barbados.
This is very true Reyda, the food could be wonderful but yet customer service sucks. Obviously customers are going to take there business elsewhere, because they're going to get the vibe that if "they" don't what to be bothered than why should we bother coming here.
ReplyDeleteThat is correct Phili, especially in these times of recession they should be at the top of their game. That would make customers want to go back to the restaurants. Treating them like they want them to go somewhere else wouldn't be helping their pay cheques at the end of the month.
ReplyDelete