In the 18 months since it was established, The Courtyard Restaurant based at Brogdale Farm has already secured a loyal, regular customer base. Co-owners Gloria Parkinson and Bob Giles lead a team of 18 staff members to offer customers wholesome traditional food at reasonable prices; which is complemented by outstanding customer service.
Gloria spoke about how successful the restaurant had been since it opened in September 2015: “One major factor in our growth has been word of mouth. While we attract some new customers through Facebook and other social media, as well as local media advertising, we have certainly found that a high percentage of new customers come from recommendations by existing customers. It is definitely a wonderful way to get more people through our door, because if customers recommend us to their friends and families, then we must be doing something right!”
It is clear that the restaurant is doing something right, as they recently underwent their annual Health Hygiene and Food Safety Inspection, where they achieved a 5 Star Rating.
Bob discussed this achievement “Given that we are a new business to be informed that we achieved a 5 Star Rating was incredible. What was even better was that exceptionally for a ‘first timers’ we achieved this with no recommendations or rectifications. This is very good confirmation for us as owners that we have things in the right order and is a reflection on the quality of our staff.”
So why has The Courtyard Restaurant been so successful? According to Gloria it is because they listen to both staff and customers. “Both my partner and I are not from catering backgrounds but have taken the risk to enter this field using our previous skill sets. We have learned and listened to our staff and other caterers and have developed a must-visit venue. We will continue to improve and better ourselves, our staff and to enjoy the fact that our regular customers are now friends.”