"It amazes me when people can’t believe a restaurant is closing & when they find out it is they are all like “OMG” & “not another one” & “I love that place, but haven’t been in...” GO support all the places you don’t want to fucking disappear cause we are all dying without YOU"
--A Tweet from Chef Alex Sáenz of BISq
I've espoused the sentiments found within Chef Sáenz's tweet before, multiple times on my blog, and I'm likely to continue doing so in the future. It is something that needs to be constantly repeated, to ensure that people listen and understand. It's clear that not everyone comprehends these issues because every time a restaurant closes, you hear the same words, the same disbelief at the closure.
However, it is actually a very simple idea. Unless a restaurant has a sufficient number of customers, it won't be able to earn a sufficient income to stay in business.
This past weekend, I dined out at a local restaurant and it was relatively empty. There are a number of reasons why that might have been the case, from the time to the weather. It is a high quality restaurant, with plenty of delicious food and much to offer its guests. It would be a terrible tragedy if it had to close, and would leave a large hole in the suburban culinary scene. So, I'm bringing back this article, to once again remind everyone that you need to support your local restaurant. I can't repeat this sentient enough.
With the recent spate of restaurant closures, there has been lots of speculation as to the reasons for the closures. Most closures are likely due to a myriad of factors, some the public may know about and others of which they have no clue. At their most basic, the reasons are usually economic and a large part of that equation is the number of customers that dine at the restaurant. No restaurant can survive unless they have enough customers. The winter can be a tough time for restaurants as not as many people dine out during this season. Plus, bad weather, such as a snow storm, can keep customers away.
So, unless you want your favorite restaurants to close, you need to be active in your support, just as Chef Sáenz said.
First, you need to dine at your favorite spots, as much as you can. Dine out during the winter. Dine out in bad weather. Dine out during the week, when the restaurant may be at its slowest. Dine out at their special events, from wine dinners to pop-ups. They are one of your favorite restaurants because you love their food, so make the effort to dine there more.
Second, recommend your favorite restaurants to your friends and family, as well as anyone else you might encounter. When you talk to these people, relate your experiences at your favorite restaurants. Put the bug in their ear that they should dine there too. This is very important, as the word needs to be spread about these restaurants, so that others patronize it as well. And if they spread the word as well, then even more people will dine there.
Third, spread the word through social media, from Twitter to Facebook, tagging the restaurant. Show photos of your food, tell others about your positive experience, share your thoughts. Your reach will extend to others that you may not speak to on a regular basis and hopefully bring even more customers to the restaurant.
Fourth, write reviews on the restaurant's Facebook page, Yelp, Trip Advisor, or elsewhere. It doesn't have to be a lengthy review, just sufficient to show your passion and love for the restaurant. It can make a difference, and could be sufficient to convince someone to dine there too. Just keep spreading the word, far and wide.
I implore you to take action today, to make a reservation for one of your favorite restaurants. Make plans to have lunch, brunch or dinner. And then, make plans to spread the word about your dining experience, to let many others know about one of your favorite spots.
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