Top 15 Tips for Growing Your Restaurant Business

“Quick Summary” The restaurant business is one of the most demanding businesses to be in. There are so many things that can go wrong with even more ways to lose money. However, it is possible to turn a profit if you make intelligent decisions. If you're a restaurant owner, whether you are just starting or have been around for a while, it's crucial to understand how to grow a restaurant business. 

With the explosion of options available in the foodservice industry, it can be hard to identify how to improve the restaurant business. In this article, we've provided 15 actionable tips that should help you grow your restaurant and get more customers through the door.

15 PROVEN WAYS TO GROW YOUR RESTAURANT BUSINESS

1. Think out of the box when it comes to your marketing strategies.

When you think of something innovative, don't just think of something new. Creative can also mean finding a new way to do something already known. A good example would be using social media as a tool for marketing your restaurant. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of innovative marketing strategies, it has proven effective and can work wonders for your business.  

2. Take part in local events.

This will help promote your restaurant and to generate some excitement about the restaurant in the community. There are many ways to connect with your local community and get free advertising for your business. 

3. Host events.

Your restaurant can be the venue, and you can donate a portion of your proceeds to the organization. It is an opportunity for your business to gain exposure and community support while supporting local causes. The advantage of these events is that they attract people who wouldn't usually come into a restaurant.

4. Reward your clients' loyalty.

A loyalty program is a great way to thank your regulars for their support. Reward them with points that they can redeem for food, gift cards, or other special offers. This will attract them more to eat at your place when they know they have an advantage over other customers!

5. Strengthen your Social Media Presence.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more. Also, get involved in forums like Facebook Groups or Q&A Sites. This is a great way to discover what people think about your restaurant and what they would like to see you do next.

Use QR codes to allow customers to share their experiences with others. This is a very effective way of advertising because it can reach thousands of people at once through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

6. Consider the location of your restaurant.

Make sure your restaurant is located in a prime location. When choosing the right place for your restaurant, there are many factors to consider. Consider what will bring in more customers and how it will affect your business.

The cost of real estate and the surrounding area is also a factor. Your menu will have to be appealing to your local community for you to succeed. It would be best to keep up with what the people around you want, or else they will not support your business.

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7. Hire employees wisely.

Your employees, with their exceptional services, can greatly satisfy your customer.  So if you have good employees, they will make your restaurant grow. Employees can also be the best marketing tool for your small restaurant business plan. They are your representatives, and therefore, it is imperative to hire employees who positively represent your business. 

Moreover, it is essential to hire staff that will work as a team. Teamwork helps complete the assigned tasks and increases the staff's overall productivity.  

To get new customers, try the following: 

1. You must train your employees to treat them properly.
2. You can hold workshops and seminars on dealing with foreign customers.
3. You can send your staff abroad for training courses.

8. Ask for your client's feedback.

Find out what your clients like and dislike about your restaurant. Ask them to fill out a feedback form, or better yet, set up a formal focus group. This will help you pinpoint problem areas that need attention. 

9. Create and maintain high sales by big orders.

Invite your clients to a small dinner, or offer them special discounts if they purchase the entire stock of food products. This is an excellent way to increase sales. You can also:

1. Use high discount coupons to encourage large orders.

2. Offer free products and services in return for big orders.

3. Offer higher rebates on bulk purchases.

4. Set a minimum purchase requirement, such as $50 or $100 per customer per visit to the restaurant.

10. Offer entertainment.

Most people don't want to spend a night out at a boring restaurant. So entertain them with live music, trivia nights, and other fun activities. This will result in a fulfilling experience for your customers!

11. Offer happy hour promotions.

They also come for the food, the company and even make a few business connections. Happy hours are a great way to attract customers who are not in the market for your main product but are still interested in buying something from you. 

You can have different types of happy hours, such as half-priced appetizers or drinks during certain times of the day (like late afternoon). 

You can also use satisfied hour promotions to introduce new menu items or seasonal dishes. It's essential to have a happy hour that is advertised well and makes customers feel special. Happy hours can also introduce new menu items or seasonal dishes. It's essential to have a happy hour that is advertised well and makes customers feel special.

12. Offer food delivery and online order options.

Are you still looking for the answer to improving the restaurant business? Try the food delivery option because food delivery is the fastest-growing segment in the restaurant industry. Offering delivery options to customers can help increase sales and customer loyalty.

A website with an online ordering option is a great way to attract new customers and increase sales, especially if you offer takeout or delivery. With more than 50% of people using their smartphones to search for restaurants, it's important to have an online presence that makes it easy for people to find your business.

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13. Offer free Wi-Fi.

This will be a great way to help your customers get online while at your restaurant. A free Wi-Fi option will please the customers who wish to work on their laptops or have a meeting before dinner. This will promote your business and increase sales from returning customers.  

14. Organize your finances.

Get organized with your financial records and have an accounting system in place to keep track of all your money. It will ease your things when you look back at the end of the year or even mid-year.  

What are your top-selling items? How much do they cost? Do you want to change them up, lower prices, etc.? Keep track of how many you sell and what is the price. This will help you determine whether to keep them on your menu or change them.

15. Take a business loan.

For small restaurant business plans, you can take a business loan to help your restaurant expand or remodel. You can also use the money to buy new equipment, marketing materials, and staff training.

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Conclusion

These easy and affordable steps will help you turn your restaurant into a destination place where people will love to come back again and again. If you're looking to grow your restaurant business, by adopting one or more of the above strategies, contact OVVI today at (800)-767-9585 or drop in your requirements to [email protected] and our team will be delighted to help you.