Are you looking to take your restaurant business to the next level? If so, you’re not alone. Many restaurateurs strive to stand out in a crowded and competitive market by offering unique experiences and services that delight their customers.
Running a restaurant requires hard work, dedication, and strategic planning, especially if you want to get more customers to eat with you. If expanding is your top priority, here are four tips to help you grow your restaurant business and compete with the best.
Help You Grow Your Restaurant: Offer Takeaway
Offering takeaways is an increasingly popular trend in the restaurant business, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes from a restaurant they love at home.
The takeaway business is estimated to be worth billions in the US alone, with many businesses seeing big increases in profit from offering takeaway services. This has only escalated with the coronavirus pandemic, during which many restaurants offered takeaway for the first time to keep themselves open and afloat during uncertain times.
There are several steps you need to take to get started with offering takeaways, such as acquiring the necessary containers and packaging materials, ensuring that your staff is trained in safe food handling practices, and setting up technology like epos and online ordering for takeaways so that customers can take advantage of your new service.
Additionally, you’ll need to take special care regarding pricing. Takeaway services tend to be more expensive than in-restaurant dining due to the added cost of packaging and delivery. You’ll need to consider this when setting your prices for takeaway items and offering discounts or loyalty programs so customers feel incentivized to keep coming back.
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Revamp Your Menu
One of the best places to start when looking to attract more customers is with a revamp of your menu. Not only will this give customers something new to try, but it also allows you to show off your culinary creativity and imagination.
When creating a new menu, think outside the box and consider incorporating dishes inspired by different cultures and cuisines. Try adding some locally sourced ingredients to your recipes as well, as this will create a unique flavor that can’t be found elsewhere. You could also offer specials incorporating the best seasonal ingredients.
Of course, you should ensure your existing customers don’t feel alienated by the new menu. After all, they have been key to your success so far and will continue to play their part in the future. Ensure that your new menu offers familiar favorites and exciting options for diners looking for something unique to broaden their culinary horizons. If this is proving difficult or you’re not sure where to begin, employing the services of a food and beverage consultant could be a valuable venture.
They will be experts in their field and will likely have prior experience dealing with a restaurant postured similar to your own; by utilizing consultancy services, you can express your desires or thoughts, and they will be able to provide constructive and meaningful advice or feedback to help you develop the best menu possible. You should factor in their input and data you’ve gathered as a business to make the best possible decision.
Offer Entertainment
Since food is such a social thing, why not take it to the next level and consider offering entertainment in your establishment? Entertainment can come in many forms, from live music nights and trivia nights to comedy shows and karaoke.
By providing an engaging and fun atmosphere for your customers, you can create an experience that will keep them returning for more. Events may also bring new customers who initially come because they are interested in the entertainment but love your food and return even when there isn’t an event!
Adding themed entertainment nights to your restaurant business is a great way to keep your customers returning for more. For example, if a big sports game is coming up, you could provide special discounts for patrons attending the event and offer fan merchandise or souvenirs for those who purchase food.
Halloween is another great opportunity to add some extra fun and spookiness to your restaurant with a themed event, with decorations, costumes, and special food and drinks all adding to the atmosphere.
Refurbish The Dining Area
Refurbishment is one of the most effective ways to transform an outdated or unappealing space into a modern and inviting atmosphere that will bring new customers in, while giving existing customers a change.
Remembering the atmosphere you want to create with a refurbishment is important. Good lighting can help to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere, while strategically placed furniture can provide comfort and encourage socializing.
Specific colors can directly impact customers’ moods, meaning choosing colors that will create the desired atmosphere is essential. Color psychology studies suggest that warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow can be used to evoke feelings of excitement and energy, while blue creates a calming effect.
Once the refurbishment is complete, don’t forget to get the word out. Hosting a Grand Opening event can help to give your new-look restaurant the ultimate launch.
The event should be well-advertised and made visible to your target audience, with strategic use of online and offline marketing tactics. Consider launching new menu items, special offers, or hosting a celebrity or special guest to excite the occasion.
Grow Your Restaurant: Final Thoughts
You can take your restaurant business to the next level by following the above steps. With careful consideration of customer wants and needs and a commitment to consistently providing a great atmosphere, you’ll be well on your way to success.
Don’t forget that technology also plays an essential role in today’s restaurant industry. Investing in the right technology solutions is key to stay competitive and grow your business over time. Ultimately, with hard work and dedication, there should be no limit to how far your restaurant can go!
