BEST Practices for Running a Top Restaurant in India, 2023

Embrace Digitalisation

• Reservation Systems: Use online booking systems for reservations. This is especially important for hotels.
• Digital Payments: Offer multiple payment solutions including UPI, credit/debit cards, and mobile wallets.
• Social Media: Engage with customers through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Share behind-the-scenes content, special offers, and gather feedback.

Prioritize Staff Training

• Regular Workshops: Organize training sessions on customer service, handling grievances, or new culinary techniques.
• Soft Skills: Emphasize communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities.
• Frequent Team-meetings: A quick stand-up before a lunch or dinner service can be a great way of preparing your staff beforehand.

Cultural Sensitivity

• Diverse Menu: Include vegetarian and non-alcoholic options, considering India’s diverse dietary practices.
• Festivals: Recognize and celebrate local festivals. Special menus or themed events during Diwali, Eid, or Christmas can attract more patrons.

Maintain Impeccable Hygiene Standards

• Regular Checks: Implement daily health and sanitation checks.
• Pest Control: Regularly schedule pest control activities, especially in the kitchen area, and customer proximities.
• Knowledgeable Staff: It is essential to keep your staff informed of your hygiene standards, especially kitchen workers. Topics like food safety should not be ignored.

Offer Authentic Experiences

• Local Collaborations: Collaborate with local artisans, musicians, or chefs to offer exclusive experiences.
• Sustainable Practices: Adopt eco-friendly measures, from waste management to sourcing local organic produce.

Efficient Resource Management

• Inventory Management: Use software tools to track inventory, especially in kitchens, to reduce wastage.
• Energy Efficiency: Adopt energy-saving measures like LED lights or solar panels, which are both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Active Feedback Mechanism

• Feedback Forms: Keep them short and digital if possible.
• Online Reviews: Monitor platforms like Google, TripAdvisor or Zomato. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, showing you value customer feedback.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations

• Licensing: Ensure you have the right licenses in place, especially if you’re planning to serve alcohol. FSSAI certification is a must for eateries.
• Taxation: Stay updated with the GST (Goods and Services Tax) norms specific to the hospitality sector.