The entire experience, positive or negative, can be erased based on how you take care of the guest in their final moments.

How about selling the next visit with a free dessert.
It doesn't need to be anything extravagant, and it's more about the packaging.
Make it something that is easily taken out.
Make it something that your branding is on the packaging.
Include a manager's card and have it delivered by the manager at the end of the visit as a thank you for that guest coming in and inviting them to return.
Make it something unique and memorable.

Macaroons, mini-donuts, a bag of popcorn, house-made candy....the options are endless.

How are you creating a memorable experience and selling the next visit?

When someone walks into your restaurant, the internal sales process starts. The way your entrance looks, how guests are greeted, and even the smell can set the tone for the guest's upcoming dining experience.

Most restaurants got this figured out; they hire smart and enthusiastic people at the front to greet and seat. They give them scripts to ensure the table is properly briefed before the server comes over.

However, many restaurants forget about the goodbye. This is a very important part of service. Many times have great experiences been ruined by someone not being able to find their server to get the check, or even no one saying thank you as they leave the building.

You are always selling the next visit.
So there is no better time to sell the next visit than when a guest is leaving.

Three simple things you need to do.
Thank the guest for coming in
Ask them if they enjoyed their experience
Invite them to come back

Whether you are a 5-star fine dining restaurant or a small town dive, your bathrooms represent a lot about your restaurant.

No matter what style your restaurant is, keep them clean and new. It is one of the most critical public areas, and the guest always associates a restaurant's kitchen cleanliness with how they take care of the bathroom.

Please do not use this space for advertising for other companies no matter how much they pay you.

You have a captive audience in your bathroom and it's a great way to let people know about private rooms, feature items, or upcoming events.

You are always trying to sell the next visit.

Make sure any materials you put in are professional and a reflection of your brand image.

But even the bathroom itself can be a marketing tool. A "cool" bathroom is always talked about.

Sales and marketing go hand and hand. Marketing attracts the customer to your offer and sales, sells it.

So your servers, although they perform an essential part in the restaurant's operations, should be considered part of the marketing team.

Are you teaching your staff to take orders, or are you teaching them to sell? This doesn't just mean they sold another bottle of wine or upgraded to a lobster tail add-on, but are they selling the next visit?

Think about it; the guest is already in the building, they are already going to buy from you. So why not think about creating the best current experience to try and sell the next one? It's great if the guest says they enjoyed the experience as they walk out the door, but it's even better if they say, " I can't wait to come back."