There is no denying the pandemic has changed how people order food from a restaurant and fast-food outlets. The average spend per theme restaurant for dinner comes to $23 per person as per Eat App. This considers orders processed via their online platform for restaurants using their service. But regardless of how people are ordering from you, whether for delivery or to eat in the house, maximizing your profits is vital for your success. These tips can go a long way to supporting your cash flow and boosting sales.
Offer Website Ordering
Offering online ordering on your website is a great way to increase profits. This is because customers are more likely to order food when convenient. Take, for example, a customer who has children and does not want to leave their kids at home with the babysitter so they can go and pick up dinner. They would prefer to make their order on a website powered by a restaurant online ordering system, which would make it more convenient for them. Customers also like getting the convenience of having their food delivered to them from the comfort of their homes.
Optimize Your Menu
If you want to increase your restaurant profits, you’ll need to focus on the experience you provide your customers. If you’re not already doing this, you may need to re-evaluate your menu. For example, if people aren’t ordering alcohol at your restaurant, it may be time to offer more beer or wine options. Or, if people don’t seem interested in a particular dish on your menu, take it off and replace it with something else people are looking for.
Embrace Upselling
One of the easiest ways to increase restaurant profits is embracing upselling. Upselling is when a person orders a meal and the server suggests an additional dish or beverage that may complement their meal.
The process can be as simple as telling the customer that your restaurant has a delicious variety of salads and ice cream desserts or suggesting adding iced tea to their order if they don’t want coffee. The important thing is not to seem too pushy when you’re upselling. Instead, point out all of your options so that the customer feels like they have choices and give them time to think about what they want to order. The last thing you want is to say no because they feel pressured into ordering something else.
Partner With Local Businesses
One way to increase restaurant profits is through partnerships with local businesses and other restaurants. This means you will sell their products in your restaurant, and they will promote your business in theirs. For example, if you own a Mexican restaurant, why not partner with a tortilla factory? They can produce fresh tortillas for your restaurant, and in return, the factory can put your logo on their packaging.
This makes sense for two reasons: First, it’s mutually beneficial because you are making more money than you would have if working alone. Second, it helps your business stand out. You might have better food than the other Mexican joint, but they’ve got a lock on marketing. If you partner with them, you’re also giving customers a reason to come to your restaurant.
Offer Loyalty and Reward Opportunities
The easiest way to increase restaurant profits is to foster a loyal customer base. One of the best ways to achieve this is by offering loyalty and reward opportunities. You can offer incentives, like free food or drink offers, discounts, or points that can be redeemed for rewards—offering incentives to regular customers will help them feel valued and encourage them to keep coming back.