Why Banning Networking Groups Backfires
Turning away networking groups is a mistake for restaurants. These professionals bring loyalty, referrals, and repeat business—don’t lose them!
Networking Matters
Vancouver, BC - March 11, 2025 - For many restaurants, attracting customers early in the morning is a challenge. Yet some establishments are turning away a built-in, loyal customer base—business networking groups. The Kitsilano Connectors from the World Referral Network know this all too well. They’re already on their third restaurant venue after being turned away twice.
The reasons? No minimum spend, members taking work calls at empty tables, and the occasional unoccupied seat. Some restaurants even claimed future promotions would bring a rush of customers—except that rush never came on Tuesday mornings at 7 AM.
Short-Sighted Decisions Hurt Businesses
Restaurants that reject networking groups fail to see the long-term value. These meetings bring in a steady stream of professionals who, when treated well, can become repeat customers. Even if some attendees don’t order during the meeting, they’ll return with friends, family, and business associates. But if they feel unwelcome, they’ll take their business elsewhere. In today’s economy, with inflation rising and tariffs looming, restaurants need all the goodwill they can get.
The Reality: You Need Every Customer
Even if networking groups aren’t always the easiest customers to manage, they offer something invaluable—consistent business, word-of-mouth referrals, and a network of professionals who can become loyal patrons. Yes, some members might take calls at empty tables, linger a bit too long, or not always make a purchase, but the overall value they bring outweighs these minor inconveniences.
During the pandemic, hundreds of restaurants shut down, and those that survived did so by adapting. Now, with rising inflation, increasing tariffs, and an unpredictable economy, pushing away any source of steady business is a risky move. Networking members are not just one-time visitors; they are decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and community influencers who remember where they felt welcomed—and where they didn’t. A restaurant’s reputation is built not only on food and service but also on how it treats its customers, especially those who bring consistent foot traffic.
These groups may not seem like a goldmine at first, but their long-term impact is undeniable. A single positive experience can lead to return visits, business lunches, client meetings, and personal recommendations that bring in new diners. On the other hand, a restaurant that dismisses them too quickly may find itself not only losing those professionals but also their friends, family, and wider business network. In today’s challenging restaurant industry, short-sighted decisions can have long-lasting consequences.
Think Long-Term
Restaurants should embrace networking groups, not push them out. A welcoming atmosphere today can mean a thriving business tomorrow. However, this relationship is a two-way street. Networking groups should also respect that they are guests in a business that exists to make money. It’s reasonable for a restaurant to expect patrons to make purchases, follow house rules, and be mindful of their impact on staff and other customers. A well-run networking group understands this and ensures its members contribute to the venue’s success, whether by ordering coffee and breakfast, tipping staff, or keeping noise levels respectful.
That being said, when restaurants focus only on the short-term inconveniences rather than the long-term benefits, they risk losing a steady, influential customer base. A networking group that feels unappreciated or unwelcome will simply move to another location—one that understands the power of word-of-mouth marketing and the value of consistent foot traffic. When that happens, the networking group continues to grow and thrive elsewhere, while the restaurant may struggle to fill empty tables during slow hours.
In a competitive market, where restaurants need every advantage to survive economic fluctuations, forging strong relationships with loyal customers should be a priority. Networking groups offer a unique opportunity to turn casual visitors into regulars and advocates for the business. Those that recognize this can create a win-win situation: networking groups get a reliable meeting space, and restaurants gain returning customers who bring in new business. Those that don’t may find themselves losing out—not just on one group, but on the ripple effect of lost referrals and goodwill.
#Networking Matters #Support Local Business #Business Connections #Kitsilano Cafes #Morning Meetings #Smart Marketing #WBN News Kitsilano #WBN News Vancouver #Downtown Vancouver #Elke Porter
Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788
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