Beyond recommendations about food & beverage, there are many other questions that locals and tourists ask. Use this list to build your 'fact file' for staff, and quiz them regularly to check they're offering correct answers.

#1 issue for most managers is 'staff motivation and attitude'. The interesting thing is, when staff are helpful to customers, they receive positive feedback and reinforcement. Food & beverage knowledge is one thing, but local information and recommendations can really make a difference to the customer experience. Build up staff local knowledge and their ability to assist, and everyone will smile more.

Make sure your staff can respond to questions like these:

• When did the business start, and who were the first owners?
• If there have been other owners since, what has changed?
• This place is unusual - what's it about?
• Do you do takeout, catering, functions etc?
• What's the website, phone number, fax number and email address?
• I want to come by local transport - what bus, train etc do I use?
• Phone number and website for transport information.
• Are taxis easy to find - what number do I call to make a booking?
• Best place for parking - long and short stay (including insider tips that only the locals know).
• How much does it cost - described in a way that makes it sound affordable.
• If parking is difficult, best way to tactfully advise this without losing the booking.
• If they are worried about security for their car, what would you advise?
• Where is an ATM teller machine?
• Where is a local bank and when is it open?
• Where is the post office or where can I buy a stamp? How much does postage cost on a postcard or letter?

Local attractions and points of interest:

• Places that would appeal to a family with young children.
• Places that would appeal to people that like shopping.
• Places that would appeal to a group of seniors who are out for the day.
• Places that would appeal to a group of sport players who are staying locally for a competition.
• Places that would appeal to people who like walks and outdoor activities.
• A well-known tourist attraction - hours of opening and costs etc.
• Local bookshops, fashion shops, music shops, gift shops and department stores for browsing.
• Where's a shop nearby where I can download the images from my computer onto a CD?
• Is there an internet café nearby?

• Two of your customers have finished their meal and tell you they would like to go for a stroll. Describe a walk they would like lasting about 20 minutes.
• Draw a map on a napkin for a customer who wants to get from the restaurant to a location.

There are many more - you have staff who would love to prepare this information for the business.

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