Scratching The Service Podcast

Sherane is back with an exciting special guest, Bruno DiFabio, renowned restaurateur and business consultant. Bruno got his start in New York City, opening his first restaurant at a young age, then quickly expanded to multiple locations as his business took off. He's here to share his wisdom and offer some pointers on expanding your restaurant. It's a juicy episode full of insider tips, including Bruno's current business model and how he juggles managing locations that span multiple states. He goes into detail on how he chooses his locations, hires and trains new employees, creates consistency with systematic recipes, and delegates for a better work-life balance. If you're looking for in-depth knowledge on how to scale and sustain multiple locations, tune in for tried-and-true strategies that have catapulted Bruno to international success.  You'll Learn: How Bruno navigated restaurant ownership at a young age Why you should pick a community based on your customers The importance of building consistency across locations Bruno's current business model How you can hire and train the right people Bruno's top 3 tips for expanding to multiple locations Connect with us on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantownerscollective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/theroccompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurantownerscollective/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantownerscollective TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@restaurantownersco Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/restaurantownerscollective/ Join our premium facebook group subscription for restaurant owners dedicated to helping current and aspiring restaurant owners learn the in's and out's of effective business launches, restaurant marketing, operations, employee management, and beyond: https://www.facebook.com/groups/547062692974998

Reviews are a vital component of a thriving, successful restaurant. Getting customers to leave positive reviews can be challenging, but focusing on a few easy key strategies can help. In today's episode, Sherane takes on the topic of reviews, the psychology behind getting customers to leave them, and her favorite tactics for increasing your review library. Sherane covers how frequent repetition encourages customers to leave a review, but underscores the importance of asking in different ways so as not to fatigue your clientele. She discusses strategies that can help, including email campaigns, offering incentives, featuring reviews on social media, and using table tents. Sherane reminds restaurant owners to keep their techniques simple when seeking reviews. Make the process as easy as possible, and the reviews will come to you. You'll Learn: The psychology behind the importance of repetition How to couple email campaigns with incentives How to craft a strong subject line Ways to highlight your positive reviews on social media The importance of consistency in posting How to leverage your website The uses of table tents and how to optimize them Episode Timestamps: 00:58 - Asking people for reviews 01:22 - Research behind asking the same question 16 times to get what you want 02:40 - Different ways you can achieve the 16 different touchpoints 03:06 - Using email campaigns and offering incentives for reviews 03:54 - Make your subject line really enticing 04:48 - Highlight your good reviews on social media 06:11 - Offer to feature reviews on your social media accounts 06:56 - Be consistent with posting testimonials 07:17 - Pushing reviews on your website 08:14 - Marketing with table tents 09:26 - Using a QR code 10:30 - The biggest takeaway   Connect with us on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantownerscollective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/theroccompany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurantownerscollective/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantownerscollective TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@restaurantownersco Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/restaurantownerscollective/   Join our premium facebook group subscription for restaurant owners dedicated to helping current and aspiring restaurant owners learn the in's and out's of effective business launches, restaurant marketing, operations, employee management, and beyond: https://www.facebook.com/groups/547062692974998

In today's episode, Sherane talks with Tricia Timney. Tricia is the founder of SLNG (Spread Love Not Gluten) which aims to help eateries become more inclusive and retain more customers by adapting gluten-free menus and best practices. The episode opens with Tricia explaining her career journey and how it eventually coincided with her celiac disease diagnosis. She explains how the autoimmune disease required her to completely remove gluten from her diet, which made it very challenging to eat out anywhere. Sherane and Tricia then discuss what restaurants are leading the charge when it comes to creating accessible gluten free dining experiences.  Sherane follows up by asking Tricia what she would want restaurant owners and staff to know about providing truly gluten free options, and what might be holding back their progress. Tricia and Sherane then talk about what kind of marketing strategies restaurant owners can utilize to promote gluten free options. Sherane closes the episode by asking Tricia if she has any last words of advice for restaurant  owners, and what results they can expect when they embrace gluten free options for patrons.   To learn more about Tricia and SLNG, visit https://slngconsulting.com/

An email goes a longer way than you may think. As some may make assumptions about emails and say that no one checks them, they can actually scale your business! This week’s episode teaches you 4 ways to utilize email marketing for your business and make it an extra touchpoint for your customers in addition to using social media platforms. It’s easy and efficient to set up to reach people with different preferences, and Sherane will teach you how to earn more with email marketing strategies that are easy to execute!   Are your ready to turn your email list into a profit machine? Check out this episode!     Connect with Sherane:   Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting Twitter: @sheranechen   Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training every week. This community is filled with other like-minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their restaurant brand. We can’t wait to see you there!

Need some tips on Facebook ads for your restaurant? If you have mixed feelings about them or don’t know the potential of online Facebook ads, this episode is just for you. In this episode, I talk about how Facebook ads could be a huge asset for your restaurant. I will share with you 5 ways to utilize the power of the ad to potentially reach new customers.

Do you have a go-to food photographer?   If you are looking to hire a food photographer for the first time or you realize you need to hire a new one, this episode is for you! Food photography is so in demand right now, and if hiring one has been on your list for time, the time is now to pull the trigger!    In this episode, I’ll be sharing five things you NEED to know when you are hiring your food photographer. I’m giving you the inside scoop and some key things you need to know before you go and hire someone!    Check out the full episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there!   

Having your menu done is something ESSENTIAL as you create your restaurant business.    As the seasons change and holidays come and go, revamping your menu can not only get you the spirit and can help showcase your seasonal items and specials! In this episode, I’ll be breaking down some easy tricks and tips you can use to design your menu or revamp for the upcoming season.    These tips are going to help guide your customers to those seasonal items and get them excited to come back next time! Check out the full episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

This is a question I get all the time!    Should I do all my marketing in-house or hire an agency? Now, there is no right or wrong answer. You have to do what is best for YOUR  business.    In this episode I want to break down the pros and cons of each type of marketing source and help you make that decision on which one is right for YOU.    Make sure you listen in! !Check out the full episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

What is one way you can get people to come back time and time again to your restaurant? Incentives them!    A key marketing strategy that most restaurant owners sleep on is setting up a loyalty program for their customers. What is a loyalty program? It’s rewarding your customers for each time they come into your restaurant. A lot of places will do the traditional punch cards or some will offer a discount each month for when customers do come in.    In this episode, I’m going to break down three key marketing strategies for how to get more people to know about your loyalty programs and what trends we are seeing!    Make sure you listen in! !Check out the full episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

In the year of 2020, you might think the only way to market your business would be online. Social media, Facebook ads, and Instagram posts seem to be the most popular however, there are still PLENTY of traditional marketing strategies you can use.    In today’s episode I’m going to be sharing 7 different ways traditional marketing can get more people in the door. Even while in a global pandemic, people are still opening restaurants. There is still a demand for gathering around a table and enjoying the company.    Check out the full episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Sharing your story is POWER.   If you run a family-owned or independent restaurant, you know that your story is an integral part of who you are and how you run your business. But have you ever stopped to think about the power of marketing your story? Or the story behind your dishes? Today we’re going to explore how storytelling is an important part of your brand.   In today’s episode we are breaking down different strategies you can implement to share your story to build that connection with your customers. From family recipes to sharing stories, I’m going to break down how you can build links between your restaurant and your brand.    Click here to listen to the full episode!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Have you ever heard of a restaurant from simply looking at Instagram or looking at a hashtag?   Believe it or not, there is a strategy around getting more people to post and talk about your restaurant. It’s called word-of-mouth marketing.    Word-of-mouth marketing means taking direct action to encourage others to talk about, suggest, or otherwise promote your business. This differs from organic word-of-mouth, which occurs without the action of your business. By taking action to influence the word-of-mouth surrounding your restaurant, you can take short-term actions that lead to long-term results.   In this episode I’ll be breaking down specific strategies around how to implement this and give you some idea on how you can do this with your own restaurant.    Click here to listen to the full episode!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Are you using Geotags on Instagram when posting for your restaurant?   Using Instagram Geotags is a great way to promote your restaurant, and helps customers find you online. Some of you are probably wondering what a Geotag is? One of the many features Instagram offers is location tags, AKA Geotags. When someone uses a location tag, other users can tap on it and engage with that location.    On this week’s episode we are going to be breaking the basics of Geotags, how you can set it up and why it’s so important to use them to promote your restaurant on Instagram. Make sure you listen to the very end of this simple strategy!    Click here to listen! Listen to the episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

As a restaurant owner, you might not be thinking too much about who your ideal target market is.    However, you are leaving money on the table!! Knowing your ideal target market is not just for those marketing wizards. If you know who comes to your restaurant, how much they make, how old they are you can better spend your advertising dollars to attract the RIGHT people.    In this episode I’m breaking down not only how you can find your ideal target market but why it’s so important. I’ll be using real life examples and truly paint the picture for you how to use this as a strategy for your restaurant!    Listen to the episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Are you always thinking of ways to incorporate local ingredients into your restaurant?   According to the National Restaurant Association, one of the ​top three ​culinary trends of 2020 will be scratch made items. This means that consumers are looking for fresh, high quality meals with few premade items on their plates.     In this episode, I’m breaking down three ways you can incorporate those local farms into your restaurant and how to build up excitement so more people come to eat at your restaurant! This episode is a can't miss! Check to listen!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Let’s be honest, we all enjoy playing with our food sometimes. What do I mean by that? Interactive Dishes.    An interactive dish is when you get to be part of the cooking experience. This could be anything from pouring melting chocolate over your dessert or getting to build your own bloody mary drink instead of just getting something standard.    Creating interactive dishes and adding interactive elements to your restaurant can keep customers coming back for more. In this episode I’m breaking down 3 easy ways you can add interactive dishes to your menu and how it can have a long term effect to your restaurant!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

This week we are talking about one of my favorite strategies. Soft Launches.    One of the reasons I love this strategy is because it can be used for new restaurants and establishments already in business. A soft launch is an event where you showcase the best of your menu and solicit customer feedback ahead of launching a new menu, or staging a grand opening.   This episode is going to break down how to use soft launches and some key strategies you need to be doing when you do a soft launch! Check out the episode here!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Are you getting engagement on your Instagram stories?    Instagram stories are the best way to increase engagement on your page from the community and potential customers. Stories are one of my favorite things because it brings your followers together and builds your community.   In this episode I’ll be breaking done three ways you can build up your engagement on Instagram. This is going to be a gam changer for you and I can’t wait for you all to start using these strategies! If you enjoy this episode, let me know! I’ll be able to create more content around this!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

You may have heard the term plant-based diet and been wondering, what exactly does this mean? Who exactly is adopting this diet? And how should my restaurant be prepared to serve these customers?   Plant-based diets are different from vegetarianism and veganism. Someone eating a plant-based diet is eating most of their nutrition from plants, but may still consume animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Decidedly different from veganism, those eating a plant-based diet are likely to do so for the known ​health benefits​ rather than ethical quandaries .    In this episode I’m going over exactly what each diet is and how you can incorporate these diets into your restaurant to get more people into your establishment. Make sure you listen all the way to the end!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

What is Wifi Marketing?   Some of you may know this term, and most of you might be new to it! Wifi Marketing in the Food and Hospitality industry is a really great way to get your customers email information to send out digital promotions and emails in exchange for FREE wifi!   Now, the biggest question I get with this strategy is does it even work and do I need to use it. Well, in this episode of Scratching the Service I’m breaking down exactly what this strategy is and how you can use it in your industry TODAY. With what is happening in the world right now, this strategy could be a game changer for you!   Make sure you tune in and subscribe for new episodes each week!  Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Believe it or not, when I first started in the food/restaurant marketing space I started out as a food blogger. I was living in north Florida and myself and some friends really enjoyed going out and eating at really amazing restaurants. From there I was able to get partnerships and sponsorships from some of the top restaurants.    In this episode, I’m breaking down the key strategies on why you should partner with food bloggers, just like my younger self. Food bloggers can be a great way to not only get new eyes on your restaurant and food but also allows you to open up your restaurant to new opportunities on social media.    Collaborating with food bloggers will be a game changer for you and your business! Make sure you check out the newest episode!    Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

“What should I be tracking in my marketing?”   This question comes up A LOT when it comes to marketing your restaurant effectively! There are specific KPIs (key performance indicators) you should be tracking so can have consistent traffic coming into your restaurant and showing up online.    In this episode, I’m going to be breaking down four key KPIs your restaurant should be tracking so you can have success and bring more people into your restaurant. You would be surprised how the smallest tweak in your strategy can make a huge impact for your establishment.    Make sure you check out this week’s episode!  Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there! 

Welcome to the Scratching the Service Podcast! I’m your host, Sherane Chen! This podcast is all about helping restaurant owners just like you build and market your brand online. Every Monday I will be dropping strategies, expert interviews and trainings on how you can skyrocket your success. The first official episode of the podcast will be dropping August 3rd and until then, make sure you follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! I can’t wait for you to take your restaurant brand to the next level!  Connect with me: Instagram: @sheranechen Facebook: @sheranechenconsulting  Twitter: @sheranechen Want to keep the conversation going?! You can head over to www.sheranechen.com/community and get free restaurant marketing training each and every week. This community is filled with other like minded restaurant owners who are looking to scale their online brand. I can’t wait to see you there!