Running a restaurant is a rewarding and exciting endeavour, but it’s not without its fair share of challenges either. When it comes to growing your business and increasing profitability, one of the most frustrating challenges is sales.
I’m sure you’ll agree…this industry is a competitive one. Even the most mouthwatering menu won’t guarantee your business success. Instead, you’ll need a few secret tricks up your sleeve that help you stand out from the crowd and keep those restaurant sales sizzling.
Fear not. In this blog, we’ve got 12 proven tips and tricks to transform your restaurant into a sales superstar.
1. Host Events at Your Restaurant
If you have the space and location for it, why not consider hosting events at your restaurant? This could be anything from weddings, themed dinners, cooking classes led by your talented chefs, wine tastings featuring local vineyards, or live music nights with genres that cater to your target audience.
Events not only boost sales during off-peak hours, but also create a buzz and attract new customers who are eager for a unique experience.
2. Make Sure You Have Visibility and Control of Your Inventory
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your inventory. Regular stock checks with an inventory management system ensure you always have what customers crave - all while minimizing waste and maximizing those profit margins.
The data you get from better inventory control will help you track trends in customer preferences and adjust your stock accordingly. For example, if mocktails are becoming increasingly popular, ensure you have a well-stocked selection of fresh fruits, juices, and creative non-alcoholic ingredients.
3. Leverage Modern Technologies
Investing in modern technologies may seem like a huge upfront cost for your business, but technology can actually help you save money and become more efficient. Technologies like handheld POS, inventory management software and kitchen displays can all streamline your processes and free up your team to focus on truly valuable tasks.
4. Build Out a Restaurant Marketing Strategy
Don't underestimate the power of a good marketing plan. Utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can help you showcase your mouthwatering dishes with high-quality photos and videos, while targeted online advertising can help you reach potential customers.
Not sure where to start? Check out our blog, Your 10-Step Guide to Restaurant Marketing.
5. Optimize Your Menu
Your menu is your silent salesperson, so make it sing! A good place to start is by analyzing customer data to see which dishes are the all-stars and which ones rarely get ordered. In addition, it’s important to consider portion sizes and pricing strategies – sometimes a slightly smaller portion at a slightly lower price point can be more enticing. Keep descriptions clear, concise, and mouthwatering – use descriptive language that highlights the fresh ingredients and unique flavours of your dishes.
Learn how to create the perfect menu in our blog, Restaurant Inventory: How Menu Engineering Can Boost Your Profits.
6. Up Your Social Media Game
Visuals are key in the food world! Post photos of your dishes from multiple angles, showcasing not just the food itself, but also the plating and table setting. Today’s customers don’t just want good food, they want an experience. Running engaging contests on social media - like asking followers to caption a photo of your latest dessert creation for a chance to win a free slice - can give you a better way to connect with your audience and build a buzz for your brand.
7. Branch Out With Online Ordering and Delivery Services
It’s not all about walk-in sales today. Online and delivery can represent a huge opportunity for your business to drive up profits. Online ordering and delivery platforms - like Uber Eats - allow you to reach a wider audience and cater to different types of lifestyles. This expands your reach and opens new revenue streams, but remember to factor in the additional costs.
For more information, check out our blog How to Create an Online Ordering Strategy for Your Restaurant.
8. Use KPIs to Boost Profit Margins (cogs, pour cost and include others)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are your financial compass. Track your cost of goods sold (COGS), labour costs, and even your pour cost (liquor cost per drink) to identify areas for improvement. Small adjustments can make a big difference to your profit margins.
9. Market Promotions to Bring Patrons Through Your Doors
There’s no better way to bring customers through your doors than by offering them a good deal. This could be anything from happy hour deals with discounted appetizers and drinks to attract the after-work crowd, lunch specials with limited-time menus or themed menus for holidays or special occasions. You could even partner with local businesses for cross-promotional opportunities.
10. Implement Up-Selling & Cross-Selling Techniques
Train your staff in the art of suggestion selling, but remember, it should be genuine and not pushy. Recommend appetizers, desserts, or beverage pairings that complement the main course without being overly aggressive. For example, if a customer orders a steak, suggest a side of roasted vegetables or a glass of full-bodied red wine that complements the flavour profile.
11. Implement a Loyalty Program
Reward your regulars! A loyalty program with points for every purchase makes customers feel valued and encourages repeat business. Loyalty programs not only incentivize repeat visits, but also provide valuable customer data that can be used for targeted marketing campaigns.
Offer tiered rewards based on the number of points accumulated, with benefits like exclusive discounts, birthday rewards, early access to new menu items, or even free meals after reaching a certain point threshold.
12. Go a Step Beyond for Your Customers
Small gestures leave lasting impressions. Celebrate birthdays with a complimentary dessert or a sung greeting from the staff, depending on your restaurant’s vibe. Go one step beyond and personalize the dining experience by remembering regular customers' preferences and making them feel special. Excellent service and a memorable experience are key ingredients for success in the restaurant industry.
Need help improving those all-important profit margins? Get in touch with the Sculpture Hospitality team today. Our inventory management experts would love to show you how you can use data to grow your business.
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