Should High Profile Customers Be Charged for Dining at Your Establishment?

When a high-profile customer, such as a mayor or president, decides to dine at your establishment, it can be a moment of great excitement and potential opportunity. However, it also raises a question that many restaurant owners grapple with: should you charge them for their meal? While some argue that the publicity and potential business benefits justify comping the meal, others maintain that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of their status. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the pros and cons of each approach.

Benefits of Offering a Complimentary Meal

Offering a complimentary meal to a high-profile customer can have several benefits. Firstly, it can help to build a positive relationship with the individual, which could lead to future opportunities. Secondly, the publicity generated by their visit could attract new customers to your establishment. Lastly, it can be seen as a gesture of goodwill, demonstrating your appreciation for their patronage.

• Building Relationships: By offering a complimentary meal, you can foster a positive relationship with the high-profile individual. This could potentially lead to future visits or even partnerships.
• Generating Publicity: The visit of a high-profile customer can generate significant publicity for your establishment. This could attract new customers and boost your reputation.
• Goodwill Gesture: Offering a complimentary meal can be seen as a gesture of goodwill, showing your appreciation for their patronage and potentially encouraging them to return.

Drawbacks of Offering a Complimentary Meal

However, there are also potential drawbacks to offering a complimentary meal to a high-profile customer. These include the potential for perceived favoritism, the financial cost, and the risk of setting a precedent that could be difficult to maintain.

• Perceived Favoritism: Offering a complimentary meal to a high-profile customer could lead to accusations of favoritism, which could damage your reputation.
• Financial Cost: Depending on the size of the party and the cost of the meal, offering a complimentary meal could have a significant financial impact.
• Setting a Precedent: If you offer a complimentary meal to one high-profile customer, others may expect the same treatment. This could create a precedent that is difficult to maintain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not to charge a high-profile customer for dining at your establishment is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential drawbacks, and to consider the specific circumstances of each situation. Ultimately, the decision should align with your business values and long-term strategy.