| A signature item is a particular food or drink that a | | | | business and more repeat business as well. |
| restaurant has created and is very well known for. | | | | One particular experience of mine was when |
| Every establishment needs a signature item which | | | | balsamic vinegar first came on scene many years |
| becomes the mainstay for regular patrons, and, in | | | | ago. I was working in a restaurant where the Chef |
| turn, keeps the establishment in business for a very | | | | had created an unbelievably delicious mustard |
| long time. | | | | balsamic vinaigrette dressing. People came from all |
| This menu item could be anything such as a specially | | | | over town to taste this salad dressing. And, the |
| made sandwich, a pancake filled with a choice of 100 | | | | menu offered a huge selection of giant sized, tasty |
| different items, a dessert, or even a cocktail. You've | | | | salads that this vinaigrette dressing would |
| seen it; a restaurant that serves such a delicious dish | | | | complement. |
| that people will literally drive hours and hours, over | | | | This is brilliant marketing and highlights the importance |
| state lines, just for a taste. Once they arrive at a | | | | of adding a signature item to your menu. While |
| restaurant that serves such a dish, the most | | | | adding a signature item is the first step, you must |
| important thing they must know is where the line | | | | also find a way to feature your signature dish for |
| forms at the front door. | | | | best results. |
| A signature item can actually keep a restaurant afloat | | | | This can be achieved a number of different ways: a |
| because it's the one reliable item that puts their | | | | well-designed table-top display, adding positive |
| numbers over the top. If a signature item is really | | | | customer remarks to the menu, or by simply having |
| that good, it can become quite famous such as the | | | | the waitstaff highlight this signature item during their |
| California Cobb Salad or Buffalo Chicken Wings which | | | | initial contact with your customers.. |
| are both still finding their way onto menus after | | | | In the beginning, you may consider offering the new |
| many, many years. Then, there is a restaurant that | | | | signature item to your best customers for free. This |
| will actually name a dish after the patron who | | | | will improve your reputation with these customers |
| concocted it and add it to the menu permanently! | | | | and will allow you to gain valuable feedback. After all, |
| A great signature item has the potential to bring your | | | | this technique will only help to grow your restaurant's |
| restaurant significant growth as your customers will | | | | business if it is loved by the majority of those who |
| tell their family, friends and co-workers about their | | | | have tasted it. |
| experience at your establishment. This | | | | What is your restaurant's signature item? |
| word-of-mouth marketing will result in more overall | | | | |