How to Increase Food Sales in a Restaurant

If you own or manage a restaurant, then you know that generating more sales is always a top priority. After all, revenue is what keeps businesses afloat. Restaurant sales can be increased in a variety of ways. One way is to offer discounts and special deals. Another way is to make it easy for customers to order and pay for their food. You can also improve the quality of your food and service, or market your restaurant more effectively. Whatever approach you take, make sure you are trying new things to keep customers interested.

I currently own and operate three Colorado Springs restaurants, and I understand that restaurants often run on tight profit margins. Increasing your sales isn’t just about a bigger paycheck for you and your staff members. It can actually be the difference between running a successful restaurant or having to close. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to bring in customers and keep them coming back. Keep reading for more strategies to increase your sales and your profit margin.

Offer Discounts and Special Deals

One way to increase sales at your restaurant is to offer discounts and special deals. This could include anything from a percentage off the bill to a free appetizer with purchase. You can also offer happy hour specials or other time-sensitive deals. Whatever you do, make sure the discounts are appealing enough to draw in customers. You don't want to devalue your food or service by offering too deep of a discount.

Another way to offer discounts is to partner with other businesses in the area. For example, you could team up with a nearby hotel and offer a discount to guests who show their room key. Or you could collaborate with a local tour company and give a discount to customers who book a tour through them. Partnerships like these can help you reach new audiences and boost your sales.

Make it Easy for Customers to Order and Pay

Make it easy for customers to order and pay for their food. The last thing you want is for a customer to leave your restaurant feeling confused or frustrated. One way to do this is to invest in technology, like a point-of-sale (POS) system. And don't forget about the little things, like making sure your menus are easy to read and understand.

You should also streamline the payment process by offering different options for guests. For example, you could allow customers to pay with cash, credit cards, or mobile payments. You can also offer a discount for customers who pay with cash. Whatever you do, make sure the payment process is quick and easy for both customers and staff.

Partner with Restaurant Delivery Services

If you're looking for new ways to increase sales, consider partnering with restaurant delivery services. Delivery services are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a convenient way for customers to get their favorite food without leaving home. And since most delivery services allow customers to pay online or with a mobile app, they can easily order and pay for their food.

Partnering with delivery services can help you reach new customers and boost your sales. Just make sure to choose a reputable delivery service that will promote your restaurant well. You'll also want to consider the fees associated with partnering with a delivery service, as they can take a percentage of each sale.

Improve the Quality of Your Food and Service

If you want to increase sales, you need to make sure your food and service are top-notch. Start by improving the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and source your meat and produce from reputable suppliers. You should also make sure your kitchen staff is properly trained in food safety and sanitation.

You'll also want to focus on improving the quality of your service. Train your waitstaff on how to provide excellent customer service, and make sure they're knowledgeable about the menu. You can also use technology to improve the service at your restaurant. For example, you could invest in a POS system that allows customers to order and pay for their food electronically. If you need help identifying areas for improvement, a restaurant consultant could help.

Maximize Your Table Turnover

You'll also need to maximize your table turnover. That means getting customers in and out of your restaurant as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are a few ways you can do this.

First, make sure your waitstaff is properly trained on how to take orders quickly and efficiently.

You can also increase your table turnover by offering guests different options, like counter service or takeout. And if you have a bar or lounge area, you can encourage guests to order drinks while they wait for their table.

Train Servers on Upselling Techniques

One way to increase sales at your restaurant is by training your servers on upselling techniques. Upselling is when a server recommends a higher-priced menu item or add-on, like an appetizer or dessert. It's a great way to boost your average ticket size and increase your sales.

There are a few things you can do to train your servers on upselling techniques. First, you can role-play with them to practice different scenarios. You can also provide them with scripts or cheat sheets that they can use when talking to guests. And finally, you can offer incentives for servers who are successful at upselling.

Try New Restaurant Marketing Strategies

Consider trying some new restaurant marketing strategies. There are a lot of different marketing channels you can use to reach potential customers, and it's important to experiment to see what works best for your business.

One channel you could explore is social media. Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to post mouth-watering photos of your food, and make sure to use relevant hashtags to reach potential customers. You can also use social media to run promotions and giveaways.

Another channel you could explore is email marketing. Use an email list to send out coupons and special offers to your loyal customers. You can also use email to stay in touch with past guests and let them know about new menu items or events.

Finally, consider traditional marketing channels like print ads, billboards, and TV commercials. While these channels can be expensive, they can also reach a wide audience and help you generate a lot of buzz for your restaurant.

Participate in Your Local Restaurant Week

If you want to increase sales at your restaurant, consider participating in Restaurant Week. This is a national event that takes place every year, and it's a great way to attract new customers.

Restaurant Week is typically held for one week in January or February, but some cities also have summer and fall events. During Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus at a discounted price. This is a great way to showcase your menu and attract new guests.

To participate in Restaurant Week, you'll need to register with the event organizers and create a special prix-fixe menu. You'll also need to promote the event to potential customers.

Develop a Restaurant Customer Loyalty Program

A great way to increase sales at your restaurant is by developing a customer loyalty program. This is a program that rewards customers for their business, and it's a great way to encourage repeat visits.

There are a few things you can do to develop a successful loyalty program. First, you'll need to decide what type of rewards you'll offer customers. You can offer discounts, freebies, or special perks. Then, you'll need to promote your program to potential customers. And finally, you'll need to track your results so you can see how well the program is working.

Try New Things to Keep Customers Interested

If you want to keep customers interested in your restaurant, it's important to try new things.

One way to change things up is by offering seasonal specials. This is a great way to promote seasonal produce and attract customers who are looking for something new. You can also offer holiday-themed specials or promotions.

Another way to keep things interesting is by adding new features or amenities. This could include anything from a kids' play area to live music. If you're not sure what would work best for your business, try surveying your customers to see what they're interested in.

Finally, you can also change things up by rearranging your dining room or redesigning your menu. Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference in the way customers perceive your restaurant.

DMD Restaurant Consultants can Help Increase Your Sales

If you feel like your sales are never as high as they should be, or your profit margin keeps shrinking, contact me today. I specialize in restaurant operations and concept development, so I can evaluate your cash flow and identify potential issues. I can also help you update your concept or menu to attract new customers and encourage past customers to try your restaurant again. These tips are a great place to start increasing your sales, but sometimes expert guidance can make all the difference.