As a restaurant franchise owner, you’re constantly looking for ways to increase revenue and grow your business. After all, you didn’t open your business to work for free! With the next quarter approaching, now is the perfect time to implement some strategies to boost your sales and attract more customers. Most of these strategies won’t take you a ton of time to implement. However, they will make you think outside of the box a little, as you determine which ones are best for your business. Here are some tips to help you achieve your business goals:
1. Menu Optimization: The first thing you should do is take a closer look at your menu. Identify the items that are most popular and profitable. Then consider adding new items that complement your existing offerings and appeal to your target audience. If you cannot think of any new items that will complement your existing menu items, start talking to your regular customers. You will be amazed to hear what they may want you to offer on your “new” menu!
Additionally, consider offering daily specials, or weekly specials, to keep your menu fresh and exciting. This can be something as simple as special entrees. You may even want to create a theme night, where all of the specials revolve around a single theme.
2. Online Presence: Having a strong online presence is crucial in today’s digital age. Make sure your website is user-friendly and up-to-date. Your social media pages should be active too.
Consider investing in online ads to reach a wider audience on social media. Especially if you realize not a lot of people are following you on these platforms. If you are not ready to invest in ads, make sure you are actually engaging with your customers. Add new social media posts regularly. Then respond to anyone who comments on those posts. Avoiding the engagement part may lead you to lose followers and that is the last thing you want.
3. Loyalty Programs: Offering rewards for customer loyalty can be a great way to incentivize repeat business. Consider implementing a loyalty program that offers discounts, free items, or special promotions to loyal customers.
This can be as simple as implementing a program where you add the customer’s phone number to your computer system. They can then use their phone number to have you add points during every visit. When they reach a certain amount, you can let them know those points are available for redemption.
You don’t need to make a loyalty program difficult. Make it simple, so both you and your customers know, and remember, what the rules and guidelines are.
4. Upselling: Encourage your staff to upsell to customers by suggesting additional items or upgrades. This can increase the average order value and boost your revenue.
The most common upsells are appetizers and desserts. Most people will be willing to add an appetizer to share. When it comes to desserts, always make sure your staff states that the desserts can be taken home. This will ensure all those customers, who are full from their meals, know they can indulge in the deliciousness at home. I practically guarantee you will sell more desserts this way!
5. Catering and Delivery: Expanding your reach by offering catering services and/or delivery options can help you tap into new markets and increase revenue streams. Consider partnering with delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash to expand your reach.
Most customers love the flexibility of getting food to take home to eat or having their favorite foods delivered. If you haven’t tapped into this new way of eating out yet, your restaurant is going to lose out to your competition. So, try to at least offer delivery through DoorDash or Grubhub for a couple months. Then see if this option is truly increasing your revenue to make it worthwhile.
As for catering, you may need to hire extra staff, depending on the size of the catering orders you get. I recommend starting small and then if you really see this side of your business taking off, plan to expand in the future.
6. Special Events: Host special events, such as themed nights or live music, to create a unique and memorable dining experience for your customers. This can help you stand out from the competition and attract new business.
This goes with the themed menus I recommended above. However, you may also want to consider closing your restaurant for the night, or a certain section of it, so you can host special events for companies and other businesses. You may make enough to more than cover the revenue you lose for closing to the public. Plus, you may gain new customers from each special event you host.
You may even want to consider holding those special events on days your restaurant is closed. Then you won’t lose out on regular revenue. But you will gain revenue in a big way! The best part is you won’t need to do these every week. Once a month will be enough to add revenue in your business.
7. Online Ordering: In today’s fast-paced world, many customers prefer the convenience of online ordering. Consider implementing an online ordering system on your website or through a third-party platform to make it easier for customers to order from your restaurant.
This will free up an employee’s time since they won’t need to answer the phone as much. Mistakes won’t be made as often either, unless the customer enters the wrong information. If you notice that DoorDash, or other delivery services, are popular when you start them, it may be worth it to invest in your own online ordering system for people who come into the restaurant to pick up their food.
Remember, these are just a few tips to help you increase revenue. Be creative and think outside the box to find new ways to grow your business. With the right strategies in place, you can achieve your goals and take your restaurant franchise to the next level.