
Being on the road all the time can get to be a grind, but
one of the benefits of traveling is being able to experience a diverse range of
restaurants. And those who have experienced a broad cross-section of what a
good restaurant can be have learned to distinguish the good from the merely
average.
The most important factor for any restaurant, hands-down, is
whether the food is any good. That single attribute trumps everything else;
it's the thing that will keep people coming back. But there is much more to the
dining experience than just food, and so an establishment with entrees that are
less than four-star can mitigate that with other qualities.
A good restaurant is going to provide its customers with a
clean environment and good service. The wait staff that interacts with guests
should always be positive and cheerful, while at the same time have an ability
to "read" guests; some are not as inclined to engage in conversation
with employees beyond what is necessary, and this must be respected. What
defines necessary conversation includes a comprehensive knowledge of the menu.
The staff should also be efficient with delivering the guests' food and drink
orders, and in addressing any issues that may pop up during the guests' visit.
There is a lot of competition among restaurants, and in many
the food quality is excellent and comparable. So it comes down to the little
things making a big difference in satisfying customers and bringing them back
for more.
Frank Zaccanelli is a
successful Dallas businessman who travels a
lot, and loves to discover the best new restaurants in the places he travels
to.