Smart Phone Makes Everyone a Food Critic
Many restaurants continue to struggle through the pandemic. Restaurants that did survive the initial impact of the pandemic still must contend with staffing shortages, supply chain issues, increased prices, and new food critics.
While we need to be empathetic for their struggles, we shouldn’t let them take on the victim mentality, or get away with questionable actions, they still need to be held accountable.
With smartphones in almost every hand, anyone who walks into a restaurant is a food critic.
What this Means
Think of it this way. Let’s say you go to a restaurant in downtown Colorado Springs, and you order a meal. Maybe it was expensive. And it wasn’t made correctly, or your requests were not honored. You bring this up to the staff, who gives you some attitude. They might fix the order, but they still gave you an attitude over it. Sure, you might not return, but you can also share with others the experience you had.
The restaurant goer can tell their friends and families about the experience, and they might tell others about it. Restaurants will notice the impact of these personal reviews. And that’s just word of mouth among friends and families.
Online Reviews
Now consider the incredible power and reach of online reviews. Instead of telling a few friend and family members, you are writing a review online with the potential to reach untold number of people. Not only do people look at these before trying something new, but they will listen to what you have to say. More restaurants have begun perusing these reviews and acknowledging them, but there are still times when they chalk it up to nonsense and continue with their day.
So, strongly consider leaving reviews when you visit a restaurant, whether it was a good or bad experience, not only does the restaurant need to see that, but so do other potential customers. But – and this is a big but – consider talking to the restaurant manager or owner before you write post review. Your comments, both positive and negative, will strengthen the restaurant and make future visits more enjoyable.
You aren’t dogging on them and spouting stuff that no one needs to hear, but businesses should acknowledge that everyone who walks in, with a cell phone in hand, is a potential a food critic and can either benefit or hurt their business.
Moving Forward in Today’s New Reality
As we recover from the pandemic lockdowns, supply chain difficulties, and staff shortages, a new reality has emerged in the restaurant world. Today, restaurants struggle to maintain high quality and excellent customer service with one hand tied behind their back.
As we return to normal, customers are either grateful for their newfound freedom or demanding of a better experience.
Either way as a restaurant owner, provide the best experience you can to your customers and staff. As a customer, think before you write a review. One bad review, in this economy, can close a restaurant and is that your goal or do you want to improve the experience for future visits?
