The restaurant industry in the U.S. is a massive market, valued at a staggering $1.93 trillion in 2023 and projected to grow even more in the coming years.
In this fiercely competitive landscape, restaurant owners constantly strive to increase restaurant revenue and stand out from the crowd.
Fortunately, there are numerous strategies you can implement, from mastering Instagram marketing for your restaurant to optimizing your menu, to achieve this goal.
Ready to turn up the heat on your restaurant sales? Keep reading to discover proven strategies for success!
How Can Restaurants Increase Profits?
Here’s a comprehensive toolkit packed with proven methods to boost your restaurant’s sales:
Increase Restaurant Revenue by Attracting New Customers
#1. SEO Mastery
This is all about claiming your Google My Business profile and optimizing your website for local search using relevant keywords. Remember;
- A complete and updated GMB profile with great photos makes your restaurant appear higher in searches, so more people see it.
- A user-friendly website with online ordering or reservations makes it super convenient for customers, boosting sales.
It’s worth noting that 64% of consumers use Google My Business to find contact info for local businesses.
How to use GMB to increase sales?
Here are a few tips to use your Google My Business profile to boost your sales:
- Make sure every detail is accurate and complete, including Address, Hours, Website, and Descriptions.
- Post high-quality pictures of your best dishes, ambiance, and staff.
- Ask satisfied diners to leave reviews and respond to all of them, thanking happy customers and addressing concerns politely.
- Use the Q&A section to showcase limited-time offers or new menu items.
- Use Google My Business Insights to see how people find your profile and what actions they take. Use this data to tailor your approach.
#2. Social Media Savvy
Social media marketing for restaurants is a Must.
According to Gitnux, 63% of consumers use social media to find new restaurants or explore new menu items.
So, develop a strong social media presence on platforms your target audience hangs around most (Mainly Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok).
How to increase restaurant sales through social media?
Let’s dive into some effective tips to grow your sales through social media:
- People eat with their eyes first! Post high-quality photos and videos of your most delicious dishes and inviting atmosphere.
- Mix up your content with chef specials, menu updates, happy hour announcements, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your kitchen.
- Encourage customers to share photos of their meals using a specific hashtag (User-generated content). Repost the best ones to show appreciation and increase engagement.
- Make it easy for people to order directly through your social media page if you have an online ordering system.
- Run contests and giveaways and offer free meals or appetizers as prizes to generate excitement and attract new followers.
- Respond to comments and messages to show you care about your customers.
- First, research popular hashtags in your area and niche, and then, use relevant ones to help people discover your content.
- Based on your budget, target local demographics with social media ads to reach a wider audience and promote special offers.
- You can also partner with local food bloggers or social media personalities to reach their audience and gain exposure.
Leave your restaurant’s Instagram marketing to a team of experts, focus on your business, and save time.
#3. Online Ordering
Did you know that the U.S. has the second biggest online food delivery market after China? And, in 2024, the United States recorded an estimated $350 billion in revenue (Statista).
That’s why you should make online ordering seamless through your website and popular food delivery apps.
How to increase restaurant sales by online ordering?
Here are several tips to boost your revenue through online ordering:
- First off, choose an online ordering system that’s user-friendly on both desktop and mobile devices. Simple navigation and clear menus are key. DoorDash is a popular food delivery app, for example.
- Showcase your food enticingly with professional-looking photos that capture the freshness and flavor of each dish.
- To avoid confusion and ensure customer satisfaction, provide detailed descriptions of ingredients and portion sizes.
- Remember to offer multiple payment options like credit cards, debit cards, and even mobile wallets for a smooth checkout experience.
- If you want to increase the average order value, suggest complementary items like drinks, desserts, and appetizers, alongside popular dishes.
- Promote your online ordering system smartly through your website, social media, emails, or even social media ads.
- Also, set realistic delivery timeframes and stick to them. Customers appreciate transparency and knowing when to expect their food.
- Offer multiple delivery options like curbside pickup, delivery through third-party apps, or even your own delivery staff (if possible).
- Offering exclusive discounts and deals for online orders or personalized recommendations would encourage your customers.
Suggested post: Budget-friendly Restaurant Marketing Ideas
#4. Tempting Takeout
This idea is all about creating a takeout experience that’s just as appealing as dining in. Don’t worry. I’ve got ideas to spark your inspiration:
- Create a dedicated takeout menu: I mean, go beyond your dine-in menu and create one that’s optimized for travel or reheating.
- Consider travel-friendly twists: Offer menu items in portion sizes suitable for sharing at home.
- Don’t forget the sides & extras: Offer a selection of tempting sides like roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or coleslaw that can be easily added to takeout orders and boost the average order value!
- Add beverages: Make it easy for customers to add their favorite beverages to their takeout orders.
- Invest in attractive packaging: Presentation is key! So, ditch the boring styrofoam containers and opt for sustainable options like recyclable cardboard boxes or reusable containers that reflect your brand identity.
- Partner with delivery services: They can offer exclusive promotions or discounts for online takeout orders. This can be a great way to attract new customers and boost takeout sales.
Also read: Creative Marketing Ideas for Pubs & Bars
#5. Community Champion
Building bridges can lead to building your business! If you want to boost your brand awareness, attract new customers, and finally increase your revenue, partner with local businesses and organs.
Hopefully, you can leverage many ideas, like:
Local businesses that complement your restaurant but don’t directly compete, such as gyms, salons, wineries, and car washes.
For example, you can partner with a local winery to offer a discounted dinner package that includes an entree and a drink from their establishment.
Or check out this one: Offer referral rewards. For instance, a customer who gets a haircut at a partner salon could receive a discount voucher for your restaurant, and vice versa.
Just remember; the key to successful partnerships and sponsorships is building strong relationships with your partners.
#6. Eye-catching Exterior & Interior
Your restaurant’s interior and exterior design matters a lot. They can make first impressions. Besides, it can encourage customers to take photos and share them on social media.
Opt for: Interesting architecture, inviting & warm lighting, vibrant murals, comfortable seating, tasteful decor, high-quality furniture and materials, and strong thematic designs.
Source: Frontsigns
Increase Restaurant Revenue by Growing Customer Spending
#7. Menu Magic
This method is about regularly analyzing your menu to optimize pricing and profitability, highlight high-margin dishes, and consider strategic upselling opportunities. Try these:
A veggie menu with healthy dishes that caters to health-conscious customers without compromising on taste or profitability.
Highlight seasonal ingredients with creative menu changes. This showcases freshness, attracts locavores, and allows for potential price adjustments based on ingredient cost fluctuations.
#8. Small Plates Strategy
The “Small Plates” strategy means offering a selection of appetizer-sized portions at lower prices. This allows customers to try a variety of dishes and potentially order more.
Moreover, smaller portions can help minimize food waste, especially for indecisive customers or those with smaller appetites.
#9. Themed Menus & Events
Hosting special themed menus or events is a great idea to attract new customers and encourage repeat business. Think about seasonal dishes, cultural cuisine nights, or live music evenings. Check out the following ideas to get inspired:
- You can take your diners on a trip down memory lane with a themed menu featuring iconic dishes from a specific decade.
- This one is amazing! Invite a renowned chef from a different region to create a unique fusion menu with your own culinary team.
- Provide guests with wireless headphones offering different music channels, creating a unique and lively brunch atmosphere.
- Blindfold guests and have them taste different menu items, guessing the ingredients and origins. The winner receives a complimentary dessert!
#10. Dessert Delights
Don’t underestimate the power of dessert! Feature mouthwatering desserts and offer pairing suggestions with after-dinner drinks.
Remember; a delicious and satisfying dessert leaves a positive last impression, encouraging customers to remember their experience fondly and potentially return.
I’ve got some tips to make the most of your desserts:
- Variety is key! So, offer a selection of desserts for different tastes, like chocolatey treats, fruit-based options, and lighter choices.
- Be appealing: Invest in attractive plating and garnishes to make your desserts as visually tempting as they are delicious.
- Be fresh: Update your dessert menu seasonally with fresh, local ingredients.
Increase Restaurant Revenue by Boosting Repeat Business
#11. Email Marketing
Build an email list and send targeted email campaigns with special promotions, new menu item announcements, and birthday greetings, and guess what?
You can even increase your restaurant sales by 97%!
According to a case study, combining email engagement with point-of-sale data could help a restaurant track ROI and target customers effectively. Then, consider the following tips:
- Targeted Offers: Segment your email list and send targeted promotions based on customer preferences. This personal touch increases the chances of them engaging with your offers.
- Value & Exclusivity: Focus on providing value in your emails. Offer exclusive discounts, early access to new menu items, or birthday treats to incentivize clicks and visits.
- Compelling Content: Don’t just blast promotions. Include mouthwatering pictures of dishes, highlight upcoming events, or share interesting chef stories to keep your audience engaged.
- Call to Action (CTA): Make it clear what you want customers to do after reading your email. Include a strong CTA button directing them to your online ordering platform, reservation system, or website for more details.
- Track & Analyze: Monitor your email campaign performance. See which emails resonate most and adjust your strategy accordingly. This helps you send more effective emails in the future.
#12. Personalized Service
This is so simple! Just train your staff to remember regular customers’ names and preferences. This small touch goes a long way in fostering loyalty.
#13. Loyalty Love
A loyalty program is an important part of catering marketing. Rewarding regulars with points, discounts, or exclusive deals keeps them coming back for more.
You can use loyalty program apps to keep your customers engaged. Consider these points:
- Reward Smart Spending: Design your program to reward actions that directly increase revenue. Award points not just for visits, but for spending a certain amount or trying new high-margin menu items.
- Make it Easy to Redeem: Customers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to use their rewards. Offer a variety of redemption options, like discounts on future meals, free appetizers, or even exclusive merchandise.
- Targeted Birthday Treats: A thoughtful birthday reward, like a free dessert or a discount on their meal, can make them feel special and encourage them to celebrate at your restaurant.
Suggested Post: Social Media Marketing for Small Business
#14. Feedback Focus
Your customers’ feedback is much more vital than you imagine. You should actively seek their reviews mainly online.
Ask them to leave their comments on Google Reviews, your social media channels, or industry-related websites.
Address negative feedback promptly and in public. On the other side, promote positive ones on your social media accounts or website.
#15. Table Turnover Efficiency
This concept basically means getting customers seated, served, and paid in a timely manner, without making them feel rushed.
And hell yeah, it translates to higher revenue! Imagine this: If you can turn a table twice in one evening instead of just once, that’s potentially double the revenue from that table!
#16. Gift Card Genius
Gift card sales are perfect solutions for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. They can encourage future visits and pre-paid revenue.
Wondering if this still works in the digital age? Well, Yes! Think about digital gift cards that are easy to purchase online and send directly to the recipient’s email.
More Ideas to Increase Your Restaurant Sales
#17. Mobile App Mastery
Check this out:
“71% of consumers prefer restaurant-specific websites or mobile apps over third-party solutions due to lower costs, convenience, and personalized loyalty benefits”.
A mobile app offers a comprehensive platform for your restaurant, providing features like Online Ordering, Reservations, Loyalty Program Management, and Brand Communication.
If you’re developing a mobile app for your restaurant, just make sure it’s fast, responsive, and smooth for online ordering.
#18. QR Code Ordering
QR code ordering is a simple solution that utilizes QR codes displayed on tables or menus.
According to Restaurantdive, restaurants that have switched to self-serve QR code ordering see a 35% boost in sales.
Customers scan the code with their smartphones, which takes them to a mobile webpage for online ordering. This method offers several benefits:
- Minimize physical contact between menus and customers, which is a plus in today’s hygiene-conscious environment.
- Provide quick and easy ordering.
- Reduce the possibility of order mistakes that can happen when taken verbally.
Remember; if you can’t develop a full-fledged mobile app, try QR code ordering as it’s less expensive.
Source: Dotsignage
Also read: Top Social Media Marketing Companies for Small Business
#19. Inventory Management
An inventory management system (IMS) is like a digital assistant for your restaurant’s ingredients. It tracks everything you have in stock, from fresh produce to cleaning supplies.
IMS allows you to minimize waste and ensure you have enough of the right ingredients on hand to meet customer demand.
There are two main types of inventory management systems: Manual systems that are suitable for small restaurants and software, perfect for larger ones.
#20. Staff Training
Don’t miss this one! Invest in staff training programs to ensure excellent customer service, efficient operations, and upselling techniques.
#21. Data-Driven Marketing
To increase your restaurant’s profit, you should focus on your customers. One effective way to understand your customers is through data analytics (collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to extract valuable insights).
This data comes from point-of-sale systems (POS), online ordering platforms, and customer relationship management systems (CRMs).
Here’s what you should do:
- Gain a deeper understanding of your customers’ preferences like what they order the most, What time of day they typically order, What their average order value is, and their preferred delivery or takeout options.
- Once you have these insights, use them to target your marketing efforts more effectively. For example, offer personalized promotions, run targeted social media ads, or design a loyalty program.
FAQs
What Is Restaurant Revenue?
Restaurant revenue is simply the total amount of money your restaurant brings in before any expenses are deducted. It’s like your restaurant’s gross income.
How Can You Increase Your Restaurant’s Profit?
There are many avenues to boost your restaurant revenue including growing your online presence, using QR code ordering, optimizing your Google My Business profile, encouraging online reviews and loyalty programs, and hosting local events.
How Can I Increase Restaurant Sales Without Advertising?
To increase your restaurant revenue without ads, you can craft a tempting takeout menu, reward loyal customers, and partner with local businesses for cross-promotion.
Upsell strategically to boost order value, and prioritize exceptional customer service to create a memorable dining experience.
What Is a Good Average Restaurant Revenue Growth Rate?
Well, it depends on different factors like your restaurant type and size, location, and economic conditions. However, Owner considers a monthly growth rate of 3-4% and an annual growth rate of 36-48% as commendable for well-managed restaurants.
