Monday, July 29, 2024
Every restaurant needs a “mayor”. Not the political kind, but the small-town model of that individual that everyone knows. It's great if your staff develops a relationship with the customers in a way that they come back to see them specifically, but it’s best to have someone who everyone recognizes as the “personality” of the business. In some businesses, it’s the owner who is always on the floor greeting guests and treating everyone like an old friend.Sometimes it’s the grandmother who is there to give hugs and talk about her secret recipes. A fabulous Maître D who remembers everyone’s name and what they ordered last time. Years ago, I had one who would say, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith, so good to see you again. I think it’s probably been two months since you were in last. I believe you both enjoyed the rockfish. Let me take you to your table”. Priceless! Now that’s not to say that an efficient host can’t get guests seated, but there is no replacement for having the Mayor there to add a personal touch to the guests' experience.
Additionally, the mayor should be the lead at charity events, on the website, and at special community events. When we would do a Holiday event, I was always there and got to greet guests from the restaurants who were out in the community. I am the mayor of several of the restaurants and am very active in the community. Because we are very visible in our town, I see all kinds of people who have a positive experience they relate to seeing me. It has created amazing business opportunities over the years because we know so many people on a personal level.
I was always meeting people and getting to know who they were, collecting their business cards, and finding out what connection we could create that might benefit us both. I love meeting people so being the Mayor comes naturally to me. Find that person in your organization who loves meeting and greeting and put them to work. We have a dear friend and competitor who isthe Mayor of his restaurants. Every evening that he is in the restaurant, he sits at the bar and chats with all of the guests who come in and want to say hi to Gilberto. It can go on for hours and he doesn’t do anything but smile and chat. That’s his job…he’s the Mayor.
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Father of Five , married to the love of his life for over 40 years and a business Card that reads; “The Idea Guy”, Steve lives in a world of creativity. He attended the University of Maryland where he majored in mass communications that help to fuel that creative streak. His Foray into Hospitality and his creative ideas and concepts has allowed him to have fun all of his professional career. He has owned five award winning restaurants and that has fueled his passion for “thinking out side of the box”. His restaurants have received accolades including “Top 100 in America” and Steve was named the State of Maryland’s “Restaurateur of the Year”. Steve has a passion for Philanthropy and his Restaurant Group has helped to raise over 7 Million Dollars for Charities. He is passionate about writing, public speaking and Maine Lobster with drawn butter.