• Smell and sight are the first indicators of whether or not you will enjoy the next 45 minutes—the buffet room must present yummy food in a pleasing manner.
• The feel of silverware, plates, tables, and chairs should be quality, clean, and comfortable.
• The taste of food should have a mixture of known, dependable, and delicious flavors with a variety of new, unique, and even surprising options—healthy, freshly prepared meals should have balance, good taste, and be bountiful.
• Provide an atmosphere of cozy fellowship, easy sharing, storytelling, laughing, and enjoying the company of others—friendships should be built in your dining room.
• The serving team should help folks discover new things, deal with their unique issues, and provide an expectation that in this place they can relax, refuel, and rejoice.

Opening Question

1. What about a restaurant makes you slow down and relax or speed up and leave?
2. All your senses and perceptions are involved in making these choices; it’s usually a culmination of several factors and not just one big one.

Closing Thoughts

• Once you leave the kitchen you are on stage—people watch servers.
• Your attention to detail will be most appreciated in your bathroom cleanliness and ingredient choices.
• Pay attention to where people wait to start the meal and how people would like to finish it.
• With so many ingredient combinations, God has given us the ability to have a “house” offering—make your own dressing, salsa, etc.