Restaurants claiming they have a casual format to justify slack standards just doesn’t cut it with me!

I want to get some thoughts off my chest regarding no restaurant or cafe in particular but following on from some adverse reviews of some restaurants recently and the reply from the restaurants.

I have been to many cafes and restaurants recently and in the next few weeks I will try and get these reviews online. I have noticed lately that many cafes and restaurants are charging what I consider expensive amounts for entrees, main courses and deserts – $30 upwards for mains, $20 upwards for entrees and $15 upwards for desert. Personally I consider these prices expensive and in return I expect a quality experience with terrific food and quality service. At some places I am disappointed to say that I have been let down and been disappointed.

It seems that some restaurants and cafes put forward the excuse that they are casual as an excuse to try and justify their lower service and quality standards. Bluntly put this is just not good enough!! You can have a casual atmosphere but if you are going to charge expensive prices then I expect quality. You can be casual but still professional.

I know that many restaurants and cafes use University students as waiters and waitresses who don’t want to make a career out of their waiting skills. However they can still take pride in their job and do a professional service. Professional waiting is a skill that takes experience and training. If you are a business owner then invest in your staff and business and ensure that your waiters get appropriate training. It will pay off in better reviews and better customer satisfaction which in turn leads to word of mouth recommendations which are the best form of marketing.

So if you own a restaurant then don’t think you can get away with sloppy service just by claiming you are a casual establishment – even casual cafes and restaurants can provide great professional service and quality food.

Alternatively you can lower your prices to more accurately reflect your standards and attract a different market. I personally believe there is a great demand for cheaper quality food and service. Even so many pubs are now pricing themselves at the same level as restaurants and wondering why they aren’t doing so well.

What are your thoughts? What do you think of restaurants lowering their standards by claiming they are casual?

Thanks for reading and remember to follow me on Twitter,

Dale.