(from "Outside Oversights")Inadequate or inconvenient parking
How often are you in your parking lot in the midst of the rush? Do you really know if your guests have trouble finding a place to park? If your guests can't park easily, eventually they won't try to park at all. After business hours, is there available parking space in the lots of nearby businesses? If so, make a deal with them to use the space. Don't just commandeer it! Often a trade for meals is enough of a gesture to maintain good neighborhood relations.
If your parking lot is a long way from the restaurant entrance, you also have a problem, particularly in cold climates. Inconvenient parking can discourage business and cause your guests to get in the habit of going elsewhere. To make it as easy as possible for your guests, you may want to consider valet parking. Let the valet run down the block. Don't ask your guests to do it. Consider making the valet service complimentary. After all, you don't make a cent unless guests come in to dine in the first place!
