Saying goodnight is just as important, if not more important, than greeting them when they arrived. It is the last thing they remember about your restaurant.
At lunch you can use a more relaxed tone such as, ‘thanks for coming” but at night a more formal approach like, ‘thankyou, and good night’ will work well.
Don’t forget to return any items such as coats or bags. It is also a good opportunity to hand them any information regarding menu changes or upcoming events.
It is important to remember that the customer must always feel well looked after by you. Saying goodnight has the same effect as remembering their name and favourite table.
#1 by teleburst at February 15th, 2010
| Quote
Unless it seems wildly unappropriate for some reason, I always shake the host’s hand (person paying the bill). To me, it completes the professional commercial transaction that we have just consumated. I always use their name off of the credit card as well unless it’s just too tricky, and even then, sometimes I make the effort with a questioning tone. If you nail it, you’re a hero, especially if everyone else in the known universe gets it wrong.
#2 by Shaun Cooper at February 15th, 2010
| Quote
teleburst - shaking the hand is a great way to end the evening and a good strong shake is important! Also using the name off the CC also works very well - it’s funny to see the guest reaction when you thank them using their name - their face goes from surprise to acceptance to respect in a matter of seconds and they leave the restaurant feeling like a god - especially if you have managed to let their friends hear it too!