Courtland Jackson
Owner and Founder, 255 Tapas Lounge
On creating an optimal customer experience
In a little less than a year, Courtland Jackson, founder and owner of 255 Tapas Lounge, has carved a niche in the busy Castleberry Hill district. Located on Peters St., the trendy spot where urbanites hang out to eat, drink and socialize, 255 Tapas Lounge is easily one of the most frequented restaurants in area.
“The vision was to create a casual dining restaurant experience that was also a social and entertainment destination as well,” Jackson says. With an open-air, yet upscale vibe, the lounge’s posh décor and comfortable atmosphere subtly affects the mood of patrons who enter. Jackson shares the keys to building a successful restaurant from the ground up.
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Create an environment where people can have a good time.
“Really make the people who visit your establishment feel good about coming back again and again. You could’ve [gone] anywhere, it’s tough economic times, but we want you to know that we truly appreciate you coming here.”
Embrace organic growth.
“When we opened we didn’t do any marketing or promotions. The idea was to make this a place of discovery.” Provide an exceptional customer experience.
“Make the customers feel good about entering the space, you have to create a mood.”
Work as a team.
“It’s important to have team work, regardless of your position. If I see a napkin on the ground, I don’t leave it and go tell my server to pick it up, I do it. We’re working as a team to make the customer’s experience the best one possible.”
