How to have a successful restaurant soft opening
A restaurant opening can be a daunting task, and it is important that the opening is done correctly to ensure the success of the restaurant. A soft opening is one way to refine and define restaurant operations, and it can provide valuable feedback before a grand opening. This paper discusses how to have a restaurant soft opening and the benefits that it can bring.
What is a Soft Opening?
A soft opening is a trial run for a restaurant before the grand opening. It is often done to test out the menu, service, and operations before opening the doors to the public. Soft openings can be invitation-only or open to the public, and they can last for a few days to a few weeks.
The Benefits of a Soft Opening
There are many benefits to having a soft opening for a restaurant. One of the main benefits is that it provides valuable feedback from customers. This feedback can be used to refine the menu, service, and operations before the grand opening. A soft opening also allows the staff to work out any kinks in the system, such as timing between courses, staffing needs, and ordering processes.
Another benefit of a soft opening is that it can generate buzz and create anticipation for the grand opening. This can be done by inviting food bloggers, social media influencers, and journalists to attend the soft opening and share their experiences on their platforms.
How to Have a Successful Soft Opening
To have a successful soft opening, it is important to plan ahead and be well-organized. Here are some steps to follow:
Define the Purpose - Determine the purpose of the soft opening and what the goals are. Is it to test out the menu, service, and operations? Generate buzz? Get feedback from customers?
Create a Checklist - Create a checklist of everything that needs to be done before the soft opening, including hiring staff, ordering supplies, and setting up the restaurant.
Set a Date - Set a date for the soft opening and send invitations to customers, food bloggers, social media influencers, and journalists.
Train the Staff - Train the staff on the menu, service, and operations before the soft opening. Make sure they are comfortable with the equipment and know how to handle any issues that may arise.
Test the Systems - Test out the ordering and payment systems to make sure they are functioning properly. Ensure that there is enough inventory and staff for the expected volume of customers.
Get Feedback - Collect feedback from customers during and after the soft opening. Use this feedback to improve the menu, service, and operations before the grand opening.
Conclusion
A soft opening can be a valuable tool for refining and defining restaurant operations before a grand opening. It allows the staff to work out any kinks and receive feedback from customers, which can be used to improve the restaurant for the grand opening. By following the steps outlined in this paper, a successful soft opening can be achieved.