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Loyaltyprograms are the secret sauce for keeping customers hooked, whether you're a cozy corner café or a massive restaurant chain. For starters, technology plays a big role: more than 60 percent of diners credit tech with making their restaurant experience better.
With customers streaming in for festive gatherings, teams work harder than ever to keep up, often feeling the strain of long hours and packed schedules. Bonuses with a Twist: Experiences and Perks Holiday bonuses are always a welcome way to show appreciation, but adding an experiential element can make them even more memorable.
Many restaurant operators have misconceptions about average order volume (AOV) and how it works, making statements like: I need more customers to make more money. or That sounds like something for big chains, not a small independent restaurant like mine. or Upselling feels awkward. Finding your AOV is actually quite simple.
Regular customers make up the backbone of any restaurants sales , but if you put a group of restaurant owners around a table, the conversation inevitably focuses on growth through new customer acquisition. But first, why is customer retention such a big deal? Thats huge! All you have to do is keep them happy. And when you do?
Restaurants collect a ton of customer data. Every online order, email sign up, and reward program interaction generates valuable insightsbut if that data just sits there, youre missing a major opportunity. Think about it: What if you could automatically send a special offer to a customer who hasnt ordered in a while?
How you approach restaurant marketing can be broken into two main categories: Attracting new customers to your restaurant Earning more from the customers you already have Most restaurant operators pour time and money into the first, but often overlook the massive opportunity in the second.
The real wins come from small, smart shifts; things like improving your online ordering system, highlighting your most profitable dishes, and giving existing customers more reasons to come back. Create Limited-Time Offers That Drive Action Limited-time offers (LTOs) give potential customers a reason to order now, not later.
If your business isnt keeping up with the changes, you risk falling behind and not meeting modern customer expectations. For operators, restaurant apps mean higher sales, greater customer retention, and smoother day-to-day operations. Online ordering and delivery apps.
If youre one of the thousands of restaurants that added online food delivery in recent years, you might be wondering: is it actually helping my business grow? The only way to know for sure is by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive business growth.
In the food service industry, branded apparel is a critical extension of your business's identity. The uniforms worn by staff, from kitchen to counter, represent your brand in every customer interaction, making apparel a strategic business decision rather than merely an operational requirement.
From improving your Google listing to leveraging customer reviews, these tips will show you how to boost your visibility and drive more traffic to your restaurant. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you could be losing out on potential customers. This way, you won’t need to code your site from scratch.
For a deeper dive into brand messaging, strategy, and authenticity, creating unified guest experiences, and the orchestration of physical and experiential touchpoints, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine reached out to The Plaid Penguin’s Founder and Sir Idea Man Joe Haubenhofer. A strong restaurant brand goes beyond a logo.
Understanding your target market is the foundation of making smart decisions for your menu, pricing, and overall guest experience. In this article, you will learn: How to define your restaurants target market to guide your business decisions. Key customer factors that influence dining preferences, from demographics to behavior.
Introduction Running a restaurant isnt just about serving great food; its about keeping customers coming back. Customer retention becomes vital for success. This is where restaurant loyaltyprograms shine. Loyaltyprograms offer dining rewards, creating a bond between customers and your business.
Email marketing might not be as flashy as social media marketing, but for restaurants, its possibly the most effective way to stay connected with customers. Unlike social media platforms, where the algorithm overlords dictate who will and will not see your posts, emails go straight to your customers inboxeswhich they check daily.
Your customer email list is your most valuable marketing asset, giving you an incredible ROI of $42 for every $1 you spend. You own it, it costs very little to maintain, and its a direct link to your customers any time youd like to reach themno complicated algorithms or third-party platforms getting in the way.
By the time you finish this article, youll know how to approach restaurant marketing the right way and not waste time doing guesswork, crossing your fingers, and then hoping you see new customers walking through the door. Customers have more choices, higher expectations, and countless ways to discover (or overlook) your restaurant.
In this guide, youll learn how to use ChowNow tools along with a handful of other effective strategies to increase order volume, boost your current customer traffic, and grow your overall sales. Email marketing is one of the most effective ways to stay top-of-mind with customers and remind them its time to order again from your restaurant.
By Kateryna Reshetilo, Contributor Are you a restaurant owner looking for ways to keep up with the fast-changing demands of your customers? Today, more than ever, restaurants are turning to custom-built apps to improve convenience, streamline operations, and foster customerloyalty. If so, you’re not alone.
It is atop the list for restaurants looking to modernize, differentiate, and elevate experiences. The question now becomes – how to make sense of that data and use it to elevate the dining experience. consumers now use digital wallets as they seek a convenient, contactless payment experience. Data, Data, Data.
For a long time, third-party delivery apps seemed like the easiest way to get your restaurant online and in front of new customers. This means customers place orders through your own website or appnot a third-party platform. This means customers place orders through your own website or appnot a third-party platform.
But getting customers to order once isnt enough. Repeat business is what drives real growth, yet many restaurants struggle to keep takeout diners coming back. With competition increasing and third-party apps controlling customer relationships, building loyalty requires a smarter approach.
The research found that businesses worldwide – particularly restaurants – intend to experiment more in 2025, especially with customer retention programs like loyalty, as they face the triple challenge of sustained high inflation, shrinking consumer wallets and the need to raise prices across the board.
From sizzling dishes to a vibrant dining atmosphere, video content allows potential customers to experience the restaurants ambiance and imagine the sounds and aromas before the even set foot inside. You can encourage customers to share their dining experiences through videos to amplify your reach and credibility.
Every day, youre juggling staff, food quality, inventory, customer service, purchasing, and moreall while trying to cultivate a dining experience that wows your customers enough to keep them coming back. Customer Service and Experience Great food and drink is only truly enjoyed when its coupled with a great service experience.
This doesnt mean cutting corners and sacrificing the customerexperience; its about knowing where your money is going, spotting leaks early, and fine-tuning whats already working. This includes your social media ads, loyaltyprograms , printed flyers, local event sponsorships, discounts, and PR.
When a restaurant participates in local events or partners with local businesses, it becomes part of the neighborhood’s fabric. 72% of American consumers prefer to do business with companies that share their values both in the retail and restaurant industries. Go to the Google Business page and claim your restaurant.
Loyaltyprograms offer a rare win-win for restaurant operators and guests alike. Guests get free food and operators gain a database of loyal customers, a tool for increasing sales, and a way to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Like most facets of the industry, restaurant loyalty is easier said than done.
If your restaurant profit margins arent healthy, it doesnt matter how busy you areyoull always be playing catch-up. From food costs and labor expenses to inflation and unpredictable sales volume, operating a restaurant business comes with constant, non-negotiable bills. What Are Restaurant Profit Margins?
Third-party delivery apps start out as a convenient way to reach new customers, but they always take a significant chunk of your profits. While these platforms do bring in orders, they also come with the price of high commission fees, loss of customer data, and a weaker connection between you and your guests.
One of operators most difficult challenges is balancing restaurant operating costs without compromising the food, service, and customerexperience that makes your restaurant unique. With the right strategy, you can reduce expenses and strengthen your business at the same time.
The next youre racing to keep inventory stocked while customers wait for tables. Whether youre a seasoned owner or just starting out, this advice will help you boost efficiency, keep your team motivated, and turn customers into regulars. Small perks go far too. That keeps customers coming back for more.
By Lindsay Lawrence, Contributor Relocating a restaurant is no small feat, as it involves managing the transportation of kitchen equipment, reestablishing the space’s atmosphere, and ensuring minimal disruption to your business. Programs like AutoCAD, SmartDraw, and RoomSketcher offer 3D modeling features.
Restaurant KPIs are numbers that go beyond basic accounting to help you see how every part of your business is performingfrom your profit margins to your guest experience. Instead of relying on gut feelings and guesswork, they give you clear, measurable data you can track over time to meet your key business objectives.
Some people stay home for the holidays, while others look for special experiences. Make the reservation process easier While some people stay home for the holidays, others look for special experiences or want to go out for dinner in larger groups. Use past data to predict busy times and adjust staffing levels.
Introducing new menu items is more than just adding dishes to your offerings—it’s about crafting an experience that captivates your guests and keeps them coming back for more. A well-planned new menu launch not only boosts customer engagement but also reinforces your restaurant’s brand identity.
Restaurant email marketing is your secret ingredient to standing out, creating memorable dining experiences, and significantly boosting revenue by nurturing strong customer relationships. Why It Helps Small Restaurants Email marketing is a budget-friendly, highly effective strategy ideal for small restaurants.
Choosing the best POS system for bars in 2025 is essential for streamlining operations, enhancing customerexperience, and maximizing profits. Whether you run a small pub or a high-volume nightclub, the right POS system can simplify operations and boost revenue. Pricing starts at $9.99/month.
Introduction Upselling techniques in restaurants are where servers suggest additional or premium menu items to enhance the dining experience. It helps increase revenue while improving customer satisfaction. Upselling means suggesting a better, larger, or additional item to increase the value of a customer’s order.
Finding the best restaurant POS system isnt just about taking ordersits about unlocking smarter ways to run your business. Square : Affordable and flexible, with a free plan and easy-to-use tools for smaller businesses. Whether you’re a small caf or a large restaurant chain, there’s a solution tailored for you.
They provide better flexibility, real-time insights, and improved customerexperiences. Enhanced Security: Built-in safeguards for customer and business data. Integration-Friendly: Easily connects with delivery platforms, accounting tools, and loyaltyprograms.
Fast casual restaurants offer customers a dining option between fast food and full-service restaurants. But it also provided customers with the luxury of going out to eat (and not having to do the dishes) without having to pay the higher price point during times when people had to cut back on discretionary spending.
In an industry that thrives on competition and customer expectations, success when starting a pizza shop is built on a foundation of core principles. We know what it takes to transform a local pizza place into a thriving community business. It leaves a lasting impression, creating memories that customers associate with your business.
Menu Optimization for Waste Reduction A thoughtful menu design can minimize waste while offering dishes that excite customers. Introduce Small Plates : Offer smaller portions to reduce leftovers. Test Before Launch : Conduct a soft launch to gauge customer interest. Promote Second Servings : Encourage taking leftovers home.
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