The Power of Greeting Every Guest Like a Regular

Danny Meyer was struggling to find his edge.

It was the early days of Union Square Cafe in New York, and he knew he wanted something different. Not just another restaurant, but a place that truly felt special.

Then he noticed something across the street.

The Italian Restaurant Owner's Secret

There was a busy Italian restaurant that always seemed to be buzzing. Night after night, it was packed whilst other places nearby struggled for custom.

Meyer watched the owner carefully. Every single guest - whether they'd been coming for years or had never set foot in the place before - received the same warm greeting. The same genuine smile. The same sense that they belonged.

This wasn't just knowing names or remembering orders. It was about treating every person who walked through the door as if they were already part of the family.

That observation changed everything for Meyer. It became the foundation of what would make Union Square Cafe legendary.

Why This Matters for Golf Clubs

We're into the busiest time of year. The course is packed, the clubhouse is heaving, and your F&B team is under pressure.

It's tempting to slip into survival mode. Get the orders out, keep the wheels turning, worry about the niceties later.

But here's the thing… this is exactly when hospitality matters most.

Every golfer walking into your clubhouse, whether they're a founding member or a first-time guest, deserves that same warm greeting. That same sense of belonging.

The Difference Between Busy and Successful

Busy restaurants come and go. Successful ones build communities.

When you greet every guest like a regular, you're not just providing service - you're creating an experience. You're saying "you matter here" without speaking a word.

Your members notice. Your guests remember. And they both keep coming back.

Making It Happen When You're Rushed

The busier you get, the more important this becomes. Train your team to:

• Make eye contact - even when rushing past with plates

• Use genuine greetings - not scripted responses

• Find micro-moments - a smile whilst taking an order, a "how did you play?" whilst clearing plates

• Read the room - match energy to what guests need, not what's easiest

The Long Game

That Italian restaurant owner understood something fundamental. Hospitality isn't about grand gestures or expensive fit-outs.

It's about making people feel valued. Every time.

Danny Meyer built an empire on this principle. Your golf club can build lasting loyalty the same way.

Because when the summer rush ends, it's not the speed of service people will remember. It's how you made them feel.

This kind of thinking is what separates thriving golf club operations from those just surviving.

Quick one — if you’ve not done this yet, my scorecard helps you spot gaps across guest experience, costs, and day-to-day ops. Takes a few minutes and you’ll get a proper report at the end.