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6 Ways to Increase Restaurant Sales

Posted by on 8/12/2015



When a restaurant needs to increase revenue , many owners look to quick, surface solutions like charging more money or extending business hours. By overlooking the reasons why a restaurant isn't making the profits it should, it only digs them into a deeper hole. Read on for six unexpected strategies to help increase restaurant sales and keep them up for good.


1. Have daily team meetings.

Either you or your manager should be holding a daily meeting with your staff. It doesn't have to be a dragged out discussion, just a quick powwow where your team has the opportunity to bring up any questions or concerns and also receive the low down on the shift ahead. Make your staff aware of the number of reservations and any large parties that are coming in. Brief them on specials and menu items that you like highlighted. Let them know the sales goals and if they are being met. Educating your staff prepares them and allows them to better serve your customers. Good dining experiences result in return customers, and increased sales.


2. Keep track of what food is costing you.

Some of the more upscale restaurants can see food costs as high as 40% but this number is not realistic for most establishments. Keeping your number at or above 28% is ideal but not at the risk of your menu. Find a middle ground between quality and cost, where you are able to deliver your customers a great dining experience and still make the revenue you need to be in business. Routinely managing your food costs will give you a clear perspective of how much you are spending and keep you alert to rising prices. Don't brush it off when your vendors up their prices. Always ask why and find out what alternatives are available to keep your costs where they are.


3. Capitalize on uniqueness.

It's so easy to see competitors doing better than you and wanting to be more like them. But when you change the foundation of your business, you are inevitably losing what makes you great to begin with. Rather than try to fit the cookie cutter mold, take what makes you unique and adapt it to fit a demand. For example, does your community have a lot of vegetarians? Test out ways to make some of your most popular dishes vegetarian friendly and highlight these options with a special section on the menu. Giving the customer what they want while staying true to your roots is a win-win all around.


4. Create a strategic sales plan.

Going forward with a change here or there without having a fully thought out plan can negatively impact your business. It's more beneficial to take an honest evaluation of where your business stands and then create a plan with developed sales strategies. Changing up your menu, implementing new marketing efforts, adding a calendar of events to pick up business on off nights hone in on a few ideas that could potentially boost sales and work out all the kinks before you move forward.


5. Go back to basics.

What inspired you to start your restaurant? What's the history behind the name? Whose recipes created your menu? Rather than leaving your inspiration behind, go back to it and share it with your customers. Today consumer wants more. Provide them meaningful entertainment by finding interactive ways for them to get you know better. Whether it's through your marketing, the dcor in your restaurant or snippets on your menu. Your transparency can lead to trust and by sharing your story it encourages your customers to be a part of it.


6. Find ways to build relationships.

With social media, forming bonds with your customers is easier than ever and it's personal relationships that help turn a now and then diner into a loyal regular. There are many different outlets you can take to share with your customers. Take advantage of the opportunity social media presents by posting content that spikes interest and always responding to comments. Starting a simple conversation on social media now can lead to a long lasting connection down the road. If younot tech-savvy, join a local business group such as your local Chamber of Commerce.







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