Nothing keeps customers coming back like a fresh experience.  To stay relevant in your market—aim for a cutting-edge—and then aim to continually evolve.

Make your restaurant a place to remember:

• Awaken their senses—Periodically change up the music, lighting, décor and tabletop to create a memorable dining experience with theatrical ambiance. 

• Communicate in current terms—Update your website and allow customers to reserve a table online. Participate in social networks and blogs as relevant ways to “chat up” your service and establish “must-try” ratings.

• Present well—Back up stellar food service and selection with what you serve it on. Play around with new tabletop products that will get noticed.

• Cater to the core—Your regular patrons are special—keep them feeling that way by offering them a free dessert or wine upgrade (through online or in-store promotional offers).

• Sell the seasons—Highlight menu specials with seasonal flavors and flair. Hone in on holidays, too—even some unique ones—just for fun.

Restaurants are emerging with more personality and individual style. Learn about our emerging tabletop, geared for this new era, at: www.cardinalcatalogs.com 

Test your Cardinal Newsletter/Website knowledge and put yourself in the winner’s circle. Just read, retain, and be among the first to respond. For this issue, the first five respondents who correctly answer the following three questions will receive a $20 dollar gift card to Blick® Art Materials so you can get innovative! Winners can only win once in any 12-month period.

1. ________ networks are the current communication vehicles to “chat up” your restaurant. 

2. Which plate prevents you from doing a balancing act?

3. Which two Grands Chefs bowls have silicone foots?

Please send your responses to Janice.Douglas@arc-intl.com. Include your name, address and email. Winners will be notified by email.