If You Own a Local Restaurant, You Should Read This
Local Restaurants are the heartbeat of our communities. They are where we celebrate birthdays, gather with friends, and create cherished memories. But in today’s challenging economy, many of these beloved establishments are struggling to keep their doors open.
Thankfully there are online communities like the Dine LI Facebook Community led by Alyssa Guidice, that are always finding ways to support our Local Restaurants. Recently, Alyssa was asked to create a post asking the members what they would like to see more of from our restaurant owners. The response was incredible, with over 340 comments pouring in!
The suggestions were too valuable not to share. So, for restaurant owners reading this, here are some actionable tips straight from the mouths of your customers.
Suggestions from the Community: What Customers Want from Local Restaurants
1. Be Accessible and Transparent Online
• Post your menu online with up-to-date prices and allergy information (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, or nut-containing items).
• Share daily/weekly specials and what your Happy Hour deals are on your website and social media.
• Make online reservations available—many diners prefer booking without calling.
2. Offer Unique Experiences
• Bring back buffet brunches on weekends—many customers miss the social aspect of sharing a meal buffet-style.
• Incorporate live music or fun events like trivia, jazz brunches, music bingo, or wine and pasta tastings.
• Feature seasonal menus or signature dishes that customers can’t find elsewhere.


3. Cater to Families and Health-Conscious Diners
• Offer family takeout meals beyond pasta dishes.
• Include kids’ menus with affordable, elevated options.
• Add health-conscious sections for gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly meals.
4. Improve the Dining Atmosphere
• Ensure seating is comfortable—customers notice when chairs aren’t suited for a long meal.
• Keep noise levels manageable so guests can comfortably chat.
• Train staff to provide fantastic service, including allergy-awareness and personalized hospitality.
5. Focus on Quality and Creativity
• Don’t compromise on food quality to cut costs—it will hurt your reputation in the long run.
• Use fresh, homemade ingredients, like house-made dipping sauces and fresh fruit for cocktails.
• Experiment with mocktails and food flights (e.g., wine, desserts, or small pasta tastings).
6. Build a Warm, Welcoming Environment
• Train your host/hostess to deliver a friendly, warm welcome—they set the tone for the experience.
• Share behind-the-scenes content on social media—customers love to see how their meals are made.
• Highlight nearby parking options to reduce stress for visitors.
Advice from a Pro: The CORE System
One community member, Patrick White, shared his tried-and-true method for running successful restaurants. His system, CORE, emphasizes:
• Community: Be active in local events and causes.
• Order: Provide exceptional hospitality and meet customer needs.
• Regulars: Aim to build relationships and turn first-timers into loyal customers.
• Extra Mile: Personal touches matter. Introduce yourself to new guests or offer thoughtful gestures like a logo-branded onesie for a regular expecting a baby.
Rallying Behind Our Local Restaurants
This outpouring of ideas from the Dine LI community is a testament to how much Long Islanders value their local eateries. Restaurant owners: take these suggestions to heart. Customers are telling you exactly what they want—use this opportunity to evolve and grow.
For the rest of us, the message is simple: let’s keep showing up for our favorite spots. Dine out, spread the word, and support your local restaurants in every way possible. Together, we can ensure they continue to be places where memories are made.
Thank you, Alyssa Guidice and the Dine LI community, for reminding us all of the power of local support!
Looking for a Local Restaurant to support? Check out the EATS section HERE!