Families make up an important part of a restaurant’s customer base, and catering to them can mean the difference between a one-time visit and a loyal customer base. By offering a family-friendly environment, you create a welcoming space that appeals to parents and kids alike. Want to know how to achieve this? Here are four tips for making your restaurant more family friendly.
Offer a Kid-Friendly Menu
When families come to dine, they’ll often look for options that their children will enjoy. A kid-friendly menu with items like chicken tenders, sliders, mac and cheese, or mini pizzas can make dining out more enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, consider offering smaller portion sizes and healthy options, such as fresh fruit or veggie sticks.
Fun menu designs with crayons for coloring can also keep young diners entertained while they wait. A well-thought-out kids’ menu shows families you’ve considered their needs, encouraging them to return.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
The ambience of your restaurant plays a huge role in attracting families. Setting up a designated play area or providing entertainment options like board games, coloring books, or table toys can keep children occupied and happy.
If providing a play area isn’t feasible, consider incorporating warm and bright decor that feels inviting to families. Background music that isn’t too loud but appeals to all age groups can also create a friendly vibe. Families will feel at ease knowing you’ve gone the extra mile to make their visit enjoyable.
Provide Family-Friendly Amenities
Practical amenities like highchairs, booster seats, and extra napkins go a long way in creating a positive experience for families. And don’t forget about the bathroom facilities!
If you’ve ever done a diaper change in public, you’ll understand why baby changing stations are essential in restrooms. Having access to clean and convenient changing stations when dining out will put parents at ease. Equipping your bathrooms with changing stations, along with adequate space for strollers, demonstrates care and understanding for your guests. Thoughtful amenities can turn your restaurant into a go-to spot for local families.
Train Staff To Interact With Families
Having a team that knows how to interact with families effectively can make all the difference. Train your staff to demonstrate patience, friendliness, and attentiveness when engaging with both parents and children. Encourage them to prioritize speed when serving families with young children, as quicker service can ease mealtime stress. Small gestures, like offering kids a straw for drinks or providing extra napkins without being asked, can have a big impact on patrons.
Making your restaurant more kid-friendly improves the dining experience for parents and children. Plus, it’s a smart business move that encourages repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth. By implementing these practical tips for making your restaurant more family-friendly, you’ll build a loyal customer base and position your restaurant as the go-to spot for families in your community.
