My wife often has to remind me when we go out that we are not the target market of many of these places.  It can be difficult to keep that in mind when I watch someone saddle up to the bar and order something like Jägermeister and Red Bull.  With a straight face.  Usually I am reminded under the table by a sharp kick in the shin–my wife’s subtle way of telling me to wipe that smirk off my face.

It’s not my place

I wonder how the bartender keeps a straight face sometimes.  However, if you happen to be in a spot where customers order Jäger and Red Bull–you better be sure to have a lot of each of those on hand.

Know your customers

It is important in this business, (as in any business–but more so in the hospitality business), that you know who your customers are and what they want.  Or you will lose those customers.

I consulted at a café in town recently and had to remind the owner, on more than one occasion, that they are not the customer of the place.  It doesn’t really matter what you want, or what you think your friends want, if they are not the ones coming through that door.

Look at who is coming through the door, see what they are ordering, and then be sure to provide it.