🍽❓ Brand vs. Buzz: The Restaurant Industry's Identity Crisis

Welcome back to yet another edition of "On The House" the newsletter that gives you the same feeling as a new sauce taste you nailed on a first try.

Let's jump right in and whip up some excitement in the world of hospitality, shall we?
On today's quick and tasty menu:

Brand vs. Buzz: The Restaurant Industry's Identity Crisis

In today's bustling restaurant industry, it's no longer just about food; it's about being a buzz generator, a social media sensation, and even a news outlet of sorts. Restaurants are like attention-hungry celebrities, forever chasing trends. But let's face it, this trend-chasing craze has pushed some dining establishments to the brink of an identity crisis.

The Hype Chasers: Some restaurants have gone wild, trying to outdo each other in chasing the hottest trends. It's almost like a culinary game of one-upmanship, and in this race, the identity of the brand often takes a backseat. Imagine a classic steakhouse that suddenly decides it wants to be a vegan haven. It's like a carnivore trying to turn over a new leaf, and it isn't very clear.

The Watershed Moment: Classic and iconic restaurants, like Zuma or those Michelin-starred gems, got where they are by staying true to their essence. They're the restaurants that don't need a GPS to find their way home because they never strayed. Consistency is their middle name, and that's why they have a fan base that's as reliable as their menu.

The Media Outlet Paradox: Now, some restaurants seem more like media outlets, where the menu is the news, and every dish is a headline. It's almost as if the food has to be "newsworthy." But let's not forget, diners come to a restaurant for the cuisine, not for a headline unless you're offering the "World's Spiciest Burger" or "Bunless Burgers for Aliens."

The Bottom Line: It's not just an identity crisis; it's a financial rollercoaster. Diving into trends unrelated to your core expertise can be costly. It's like going on a shopping spree for clothes you'll never wear again. Sure, you may turn heads, but your wallet might suffer from shock.

Striking a Balance: Don't get us wrong; there's nothing wrong with a bit of trendiness. But let's keep it real. You can incorporate trendy elements without turning your restaurant into a reality TV show. Striking a balance is the key to surviving in the ever-evolving culinary landscape.

In a world where trends come and go faster than you can say "avocado toast," it's time for restaurants to find their balance. Be innovative, but remember your core, be the trend, and don’t chase it! After all, a restaurant's success should be measured not by how many trends it follows but by how many diners leave with smiles, full bellies, and an unforgettable dining experience.

The Restaurant Reminders Series #6

We have our rematch from the last series, do not worry waiters we did not forget your struggles - Waiters vs. Bartenders

1. Ignore Drink Orders: Bartenders shouldn't make drinks disappear like a magician. Serve what's ordered!

2. Overpour or Underpour: Avoid turning a drink into a mystery novel – too much or too little can leave waiters and customers puzzled.

3. Neglect Glassware Collection: Empty glasses shouldn't feel abandoned at the bar. Bartenders, return them to their rightful glassware home.

4. Disregard Order Priority: Don't scratch the order like a DJ at a nightclub. Serve drinks in the order they arrived.

5. Modify Orders Silently: Bartenders, it's not a covert operation. If you're changing a drink order, spill the beans to the waitstaff.

6. Leave the Bar Area Messy: Turning the bar into a tornado's playground isn't cool. Let's aim for 'Cleanest Chaos in the Cocktail Corner.'

7. Fail to Share Specials: Don't keep drink specials under wraps. Share the secret menu with the waitstaff, and we'll let the customers in on it.

8. Disruptive Behavior: A bartender's job isn't to win the 'Decibel Olympics.' Keep the volume down, and we'll all appreciate the quieter atmosphere.

9. Ignore Tip Sharing: You're not a tip magician, so don't let tips disappear. Bartenders, join the tip-sharing fun.

10. Forget About the Team: Remember, bartenders and waitstaff are a dynamic duo. Let's keep the humor flowing and the drinks pouring, together!

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Stay sharp and keep making waves!

Weekly Angry Chef Meme