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The average restaurant operating a sit-down dining experience can miss 15-30 percent of incoming calls on average, with that number possibly being even higher during busy hours. menu, hours, etc.), Operational Efficiency : No constant interruptions for staff to focus on what matters when an AI phone host is available 24/7 3.
For restaurant operators, the summer months present both exciting opportunities and operational challenges. The seasonal surge in foot traffic can drive significant business, but without proper preparation and training, teams can quickly become overwhelmed.
For restaurant operators, these challenges underscore the importance of thoughtful decisions that boost efficiency and drive customer retention. Data-backed loyaltyprograms, in particular, present a key opportunity for marketers to foster deeper customer connections in 2025.
percent menu-price inflation rate. Restaurants must now navigate a razor-thin margin between maintaining customer loyalty and managing escalating costs. With households increasingly treating dining out as a luxury, every menu item and service interaction becomes a potential make-or-break moment. At the same time, U.S.
. "If I had the opportunity, I would encourage them to employ voice analytics, not to automate ordering, but rather to analyze customer/employee conversations for insights into customer experience, operational efficiency, marketing effectiveness, safety compliance, employee engagement, and more, he said. "The
A customer in Miami should bite into the same perfectly seasoned burger that delights diners in Seattle. Reliable experiences build brand loyalty, and systemic processes lead to reliable profit margins. Elevate Operations from Adequate to Excellent Over a third (38 percent) of operators say their restaurant was not profitable in 2023.
These include: Food Costs Labor Costs Occupancy Costs Operating Costs Marketing and Promotions Expenses Every successful restaurant owner knows that tracking these isnt just a bookkeeping exercise; its how you spot opportunities to save money, collect data for better decision making, and run more efficiently.
consumers not only spurring inflation but lowering overall consumption and slowing the economy, cautioned Ben Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Kapitus, a small business lender and marketplace. "U.S. "The menu implications are here and are impacting consumer demand," he said. "The
Every online order, email sign up, and reward program interaction generates valuable insightsbut if that data just sits there, youre missing a major opportunity. When used strategically, customer data can help you personalize marketing, streamline operations, and create a better dining experience for your guests.
In this guide, youre going to learn: The key components of effective restaurant operations management Common challenges restaurant owners face (and how to solve them) Best practices to run a more efficient and profitable restaurant Lets explore what it takes to manage restaurant operations like a pro.
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.
Your menu plays a vital role in your business marketing. So, let's dive deeper into the steps on how to turn your menu into a marketing tool. Optimize Menu Design for Customer Behavior A menu is often one of the first things a guest interacts with when entering a restaurant, right after taking in the atmosphere and interior.
The right restaurant newsletter doesnt just share updates; it keeps customers invested in your brand, your menu, and your next move. Its your chance to turn casual diners into consistent regulars, promote new menu items before they even hit the table, and build a real sense of community around your restaurant.
Photos of your menu items, ambiance, and even happy customers will give potential guests a glimpse of the dining experience you offer. Use it to share updates, special events, or new menu items. For example, you can promote your seasonal dishes or happy hour specials. It's an active marketing tool.
Think seasonalmenu items, weekend-only bundles, or one-day-only discounts; the urgency motivates guests to take action soon. The best part is these promos don’t require big budgets or deep discounts, but they consistently boost restaurant sales while keeping your menu new and exciting.
Most of the restaurant technology tools operators use every day were first introduced years ago, but it wasnt until the 2020 Tech Boom, brought on by COVID-19, that widespread adoption became essential. If customer retention is a priority consider a digital loyaltyprogram or automated marketing tools. Consider your budget.
For a deeper dive, Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine reached out for insights from Frances Alvarez, Senior Vice President of Brand Management at Beanstalk, a global brand extension licensing agency operating in the F&B space. What current retail trends are influencing licensing strategies in the F&B industry?
One of operators most difficult challenges is balancing restaurant operating costs without compromising the food, service, and customer experience that makes your restaurant unique. The Three Types of Restaurant Operating Costs Before you can start paring down expenses, you have to understand what youre actually spending and why.
This includes hours of operation (including holiday updates), your website link, phone number, and menu. Build a Rewards Program to Encourage Repeat Visits Getting first-time guests through the door is the hard partbringing them back is much easier. Why rewards programs work. Upload high-quality photos.
When business slows down, its easy to blame the season, the weather, or people not going out like they used to, but sometimes all customers need is a good reminder or the right reason to show up again. Figure out your goal, then match it with a promotion that fits your restaurants operations and venue.
10 Online Food Delivery Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Monitor Next, well break down the essential food delivery KPIs every restaurant should trackand how each one impacts the success of your online ordering operations. How to improve it Streamlining kitchen operations is key to reducing prep time. What Impacts Order Volume?
Customers expect to browse menus, place orders, and pay for their meals with just a few taps of their phones. For restaurant operators, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge: how to implement an online ordering system that maximizes revenue while maintaining control over their customer relationships.
Many operators worry about wasting money on the wrong strategies or not seeing a return on investment, making it tempting to avoid marketing altogether. Drive repeat business through loyaltyprograms, email campaigns, and promotions. Increase sales by promoting high-margin menu items and special offers.
A well-crafted email can remind a past guest to stop by again, encourage reservations for a new seasonalmenu, or even boost online orders with a limited-time discount. A well-timed email with a special offer, new menu item, or exclusive promotion can be the nudge they need to place another order.
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.
PLNT Burger further incentivizes plant-based purchases by turning that data into a loyaltyprogram, rewarding customers with free food for amounts of water or land “saved.” On its website, the restaurant describes itself as a place that “strives to source local, sustainable and organic when possible,” and lists its farmers on the menu.
A spike in food costs, a drop in sales volume, or one slow season can wipe out months of hard work. That includes the ingredients and packaging for your menu items, but not things like rent and payroll. This gives you a sense of how effective your menu pricing is. Your cost of goods sold (ingredients, beverages, packaging, etc.)
Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine asked restaurant industry experts for their views on what trends and challenges owners and operators can expect to see in 2025. And the digitization of operations over the past few years means that the industry is getting better at capturing that data. Data, Data, Data.
Leveraging engaging and authentic video content allows restaurants to showcase their menu offerings, build a recognizable brand identity, and create a loyal base of regulars and word-of-mouth referrals. Showcasing New Menu Items and Specials While many aspects of a restaurant shape the experience guests have, the most important is the menu.
Although ambiance , narrative, and menu diversity drive choices just as much, convenience and quickness remain critical. A significant part is also played by tech integration ; loyaltyprograms, app-based ordering, and QR code menus are not innovations but necessities.
As a restaurant operator or owner, youre no stranger to the challenges of running a successful business. From improving customer satisfaction to managing inventory, every day presents a new opportunity to optimize operations. In 2025, one of the most powerful tools at your disposal will be your Point of Sale (POS) system.
will be roughly 80 options, from meats, seafood, noodles and vegetables—including seasonal options, which in Canada have included things like abalone, snow crab legs and spot prawns. stores, and the menu will evolve as they see what works. The menu also includes boba, fruit teas and other drink options.
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. From smarter hiring to prepping for busy seasons, were sharing strategies that work across small bistros and bustling chains alike. Operational Efficiency 3.
The holiday season is just one blink of an eye away. Thankfully, you still have time to strategize for the holiday season so your restaurant runs smoothly and your guests and employees are happy. Here are six ideas to help capitalize on the holiday season. For the restaurant industry, it can be challenging to manage.
Building a restaurant email marketing list might be the single most underrated move an operator can make to grow their business. Theyve either dined with you, placed online orders, or want to hear about upcoming events and menu items. You dont need a hard sell here, just a friendly heads-up about your offers or loyaltyprogram.
Personalized restaurant marketing using POS data is a powerful way to drive sales and foster customer loyalty. POS data can transform restaurant marketing by personalizing customer experiences and boosting loyalty. Analyze menu performance (best/worst sellers, seasonal trends). Here’s how: What is POS Data?
This final edition of Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine's Research Roundup for 2024 features news of operator challenges and priorities, delivery trends, wages and hourly worker considerations. Those priorities include increased marketing and sales efforts alongside new benefits and programs to attract and retain staff.
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.
POS systems do more than just process payments they enable restaurants to personalize menus by analyzing customer data. Learn more in our latest post: How POS Systems Enable Menu Personalization. Real-Time Updates : Adjust menus instantly for accuracy and relevance. Improves Operations : Smarter inventory and menu management.
Many restaurant operators find themselves stuck between urgent cost-cutting needs and essential growth investments a position that often leads to reactive decisions rather than strategic planning. Smart operators recognize when to trim expenses and when to invest in growth opportunities.
A well-designed POS system improves restaurant operations by streamlining order management, speeding up transactions, and delivering real-time insights that help optimize every aspect of the business. In this post, we’ll explore how a restaurant POS system works and the specific ways it transforms daily operations for long-term success.
Whether you’re connecting loyaltyprograms, online ordering, or inventory tools, open APIs make it possible to tailor your POS to match your exact operational needs. Flexibility and customization in a POS are possible through an open API (application programming interface).
How POS data improves customer loyalty isnt just a trending topic its a strategic advantage for modern restaurants. By capturing real-time insights into customer behavior, preferences, and spending habits, POS systems empower restaurants to deliver personalized experiences, reward loyalty, and increase repeat visits.
Here’s what you need to know: Sales Reports : Track revenue, peak hours, product performance, and staff contributions to refine pricing, menu, and staffing. Product Mix Reports : Identify bestsellers and underperforming items to optimize your menu and reduce waste.
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