SELLING MORE DRINKS | RESTAURANT TIPS & TRICKS

Summary

In this video, Ginnie Mae, the intergalactic supreme goddess of guest service, shares her tips on offering drinks to create a memorable guest experience. She emphasizes knowing what's on your drink menu and offering tailored suggestions based on the situation, like suggesting a hot beverage on a cold day or a celebratory drink for a group. Using descriptive language, like calling a drink 'ice-cold' or 'steaming hot,' helps guests visualize the experience and make quicker decisions. Ginnie encourages servers to provide excellent service through thoughtful, personalized drink recommendations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by offering a great experience to your guests with your drink options.
• 😀 Avoid asking guests 'Do you want something to drink?' and instead be prepared with suggestions.
• 😀 Think about what drinks you have available, similar to how you'd offer drinks when hosting friends at home.
• 😀 Be mindful of your drink offerings based on what’s available on your drink menu or restaurant card.
• 😀 Offer at least two drink suggestions based on the time of day and the mood of the guest (e.g., a lighter drink for lunch, a stronger drink for Friday evenings).
• 😀 Consider the weather and occasion when recommending drinks (e.g., hot tea on a cold day, ice-cold beer on a hot day).
• 😀 Use descriptive words to help guests visualize the drink, which helps them make a decision more easily.
• 😀 Describing drinks with words like 'ice-cold beer' or 'nice hot cup of tea' creates an image that influences decision-making.
• 😀 Suggest drinks that match the guest's preferences and meal choices to enhance their overall experience.
• 😀 The goal is to help guests make quicker and better decisions with your guidance and drink suggestions.

Q & A

Why is it important to offer a drink in a way that enhances the guest's experience?

Offering a drink in an engaging and thoughtful way helps create a memorable experience for the guest. It's not just about serving a beverage; it's about making the guest feel valued and attended to, which ultimately improves their overall experience at your restaurant.

What is a better way to offer a drink than just asking if a guest wants one?

Instead of simply asking if a guest wants a drink, consider offering specific options based on what’s available in your menu. Provide two suggestions that match the situation, and use descriptive language to create a mental image that helps the guest make a faster, more informed decision.

How should you approach offering drinks in a social gathering, such as at home?

When hosting friends at home, think about what's in your fridge and offer them drinks that you have available, just like you would in a restaurant setting. Offer them a selection of choices, like a cold beer, wine, or water, to ensure they have options that fit the occasion.

Why is it important to consider the situation when suggesting drinks to guests?

The situation plays a big role in determining what drink would be most appropriate. For instance, if it's a cold day, guests may prefer a hot drink, like tea or coffee, while on a warm day, they may be more inclined to choose something refreshing, like a cold beer or soda.

What role do descriptive words play when offering drinks to guests?

Descriptive words help to create vivid images in the guests' minds, which can influence their decision-making. For example, describing a drink as an 'ice-cold beer' on a hot day or a 'steamy cup of tea' on a cold day helps guests visualize and connect emotionally with the beverage, speeding up their choice.

What should you do if you want to sell drinks quickly or help guests make decisions faster?

To help guests make quicker decisions, provide them with two drink options based on the situation, and use descriptive language to help them visualize the drink. This combination of suggestions and imagery can help guide them to make a faster choice.

How does using imagery affect the guest's decision when offering drinks?

Using imagery allows guests to mentally picture the drink, which influences their mood and decision. For instance, describing a hot beverage as 'warm and comforting' or a chilled drink as 'refreshing' helps them imagine how the drink will make them feel, which aids in decision-making.

Why is it important to know what drinks are available before suggesting them?

Knowing what's available on your drink card allows you to make informed suggestions that are aligned with your inventory. It ensures that you can offer options you actually have, avoiding disappointing the guest by suggesting drinks you can’t provide.

How can offering just two drink suggestions improve the guest experience?

Offering just two options prevents overwhelming guests with too many choices. It simplifies the decision-making process and makes it easier for them to choose something they'll enjoy, which enhances their overall experience.

What could be the benefits of offering a drink with more personality and descriptive language?

Offering drinks with personality, through descriptive language, adds a layer of excitement and anticipation. It draws guests into the experience, making them feel special and cared for, which can increase their satisfaction and likelihood to return.