18 Need to Know Ways You Can Increase Restaurant Sales

It’s common to worry about your restaurant’s bottom line and look for ways to increase restaurant sales. After all, running restaurant operations and managing your sales and profitability is a large responsibility. Attempts to cut food and labor costs and manage margins may not provide the desired results. But there are lots of ways you can positively impact your restaurant sales numbers.

No matter which growth tactics you choose to adopt, consider Tripleseat and its world-class features to make large group, private dining, event, and catering management easier for both your customers and your restaurant staff and to boost your restaurant sales quickly. Let’s talk about some specific steps you can take to grow your restaurant’s success.

1. Get Efficient with Tech

We understand that right now one of your hardest challenges as a restaurant is staffing. Utilize technology to impact your operations positively and keep details in one centralized place. Consider Point of Sale (POS) systems, QR code pay at the table, kitchen display screens, not to mention event management software can help your existing staff be the most efficient and find opportunities for more sales.

Remember that when details slip through the cracks, so can restaurant sales. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to stay organized. If you tend to do a lot of large groups, private dinners, and event business over the phone or with an ineffective platform, consider the leader in technology Tripleseat to help you make the most restaurant revenue.

2. Offer Signature Packages

No matter what kind of restaurant you have, offering special menu items and a clear private dining, event, and/or catering package will entice new and loyal customers. Showcase your beautiful and delicious offerings with clear digital and printed materials with professional photos and well-researched pricing. Remember that customers are willing to pay more for food and beverages for special occasions and events. During a recently commissioned study, Tripleseat learned that venues that offer private dining and events see 30% of revenue come from that business.

3. Get a Handle on Inventory

To keep track of your restaurant’s earnings and losses, you need full visibility into what’s coming in and going out of your restaurant — at all times. Food costs are still high so making sure you are on top of your inventory is a must. A POS system with smart inventory tracking can provide this much-needed visibility. From low-inventory warnings to detailed sales item reports, you can breathe easy knowing you’re able to pinpoint when that last bottle of pinot went out or if it’s time to order more cuts of steak.

4. Make your Menu Shine

Is your menu cohesive, or has it become a mishmash of apps, mains, and desserts? If so, it may be time to freshen up your restaurant menu. The deliciousness of your menu items doesn’t mean a thing if the overall design is poor or if the menu items are not profitable. Your menu updates could be as simple as a refreshed look and design, renaming some items, or even changing the menu placement of your highest-margin items. Use prominent spots on your menu to market high-profit dishes, and use some high-quality, professional images to entice your customers. It is a best practice to revisit your menu at least a couple of times per year and opt to place in some seasonal dishes. Make sure to promote your menu on social media and other marketing channels.

5. Themed Events Attract Customers

There’s no shortage of special events your restaurant can pull off. Whether it’s a father-daughter night, a wine and cheese tasting, or a workshop, putting a theme around your restaurant’s offerings makes for a great way to increase sales and do wonders for customer loyalty as well. Leverage the right technology to ensure your event’s success.

If you currently offer private dining or events or are considering expanding, let event management software help. You can easily manage these events and streamline communication with your staff and customers. Want to try out ticketed events? From wine tastings to cooking classes and live entertainment, position your venue into the best place for gatherings that everyone remembers. Demo Tripleseat Tickets today to learn how this platform makes it easy!

Target events during times when business is usually slow. There are plenty of creative events your restaurant can host to get an influx of new customers through your doors. Reach out to a local businesses to create a partnership, such as a yoga studio, artist, or florist, for example. 

6. Engage on Social Media 

There is no doubt you’ll find new leads on social media. Restaurants with a strong social media presence will be top of mind when people look for restaurants to eat at and to plan an event at. Think photos, videos, and personality.

Make sure you’re set up with a Facebook business page, LinkedIn, and an Instagram account. These are great places to promote your events and appeal to party planners. 

7. Sell Branded Products

Do you run a restaurant with your own beer or coffee? Package your product and sell it. 

Selling something you’re known for as a branded product is one surefire way to generate a secondary revenue stream to increase restaurant sales. Or, if you invested a lot into your design and branding, simply printing T-shirts could boost business (and serve as a free promotion by the people sporting them!). Not only is this a way to diversify your revenue, but also is a wonderful way to market your brand.

8. Increase Speed of Service

You know the more tables you turn per hour, the more money you make. So why not provide your staff with the tools they need to increase the speed and efficiency of service?

For example, a mobile Point of Sale (POS) device allows servers to send orders directly from the POS to the kitchen. This way, they don’t have to race to and from a stationary terminal bottlenecked by other servers.

9. Online Ordering and Delivery Services

Implementing online ordering and delivery services opens up a significant revenue stream for restaurants by catering to the growing demand for convenience and accessibility in dining. In today’s app-driven environment, convenience is king. By establishing an online ordering system, either through a proprietary website or mobile app, or by partnering with popular food delivery platforms, restaurants can tap into a wider customer base beyond their traditional dine-in clientele. This not only increases sales but also boosts visibility in a competitive market. The convenience of browsing menus, placing orders, and making payments online appeals to a broad spectrum of customers, including busy professionals, families, and individuals seeking quick and easy meal solutions. Furthermore, delivery services enable restaurants to continue serving their customers when dining in, such as inclement weather or health-related closures, may not be possible or preferred. By providing a seamless and efficient online ordering and delivery experience, restaurants can enhance customer satisfaction, encourage repeat business, and drive higher revenue.

10. Embrace the Power of Upselling and Cross-selling

Suggestive selling, or upselling, involves persuading customers to buy pricier or higher-profit items and additional offerings. Train your servers to be better salespeople by mastering the art of upselling. “Bottled water or Perrier?” “Would you like to add chicken to your Caesar salad?”

Like upselling, cross-selling allows for creativity by suggesting to your guest an item that complements their initial choice. For instance, recommending a glass of red wine to pair with their rib eye.

This is another great use for your technologies. Suggested upselling and cross-selling can help to increase average check size and build restaurant sales by prompting servers to suggest add-ons and highlight priced modifiers to the customer.

11. Try New Marketing Strategies

Sure, email marketing is a tried and true way to reach potential customers. But why not give text marketing a try? With the high open rates of text messages, it only makes sense.

Create an offer to get customers to subscribe, like “Get Free Dessert,” then send weekly specials to your growing list of subscribers. Your customers will look forward to receiving these deals, and you can look forward to the increased restaurant revenue from repeat visits.

12. Add Large Groups, Private Dining, and Events

Incorporating large groups, private dining, and events into your restaurant’s offerings is an excellent strategy to boost revenue. To start, consider designing versatile spaces within your restaurant that can easily be adjusted to accommodate large groups or private events, ensuring a comfortable and exclusive experience. Develop specialized packages and menus for these occasions, providing options that range from corporate meetings to personal celebrations like birthdays and weddings. Promoting these services through your website, social media platforms, and local event-planning websites can attract attention. Additionally, offering incentives, such as custom menu planning or complimentary champagne toasts for large bookings, can further entice customers. Training your staff to handle the unique demands of large groups and events will ensure smooth execution and enhance the guest experience, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. By effectively marketing and managing these specialized dining options, your restaurant can tap into new revenue streams and build a reputation as a go-to venue for memorable occasions.

Not sure how to advertise a program like this? Here are some ideas on how to market private dining at your restaurant.

13. Create a Restaurant Newsletter

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: good restaurant newsletters work! The potential return on investment in creating a newsletter is huge. It’s one of the most effective ways to increase sales in a restaurant. Newsletters have been reported to outpace social media in terms of effectiveness. They also give you more control when it comes to your target audience.

Whether you’re looking for the right email platform, tips for building an audience, or good examples of layouts that’ll get people to keep scrolling, this article about restaurant email marketing has it all.

14. Host Pop-up Experiences

It’s official: pop-up bars and restaurants are trending. Whether they’re promoting a new television series or highlighting a touring chef, these limited-time experiences have proven to be a bonafide crowd draw.

There are a few different ways to make them work for your business, depending on your bandwidth. You could start hosting regular events like Tiki Tuesdays, complete with a special cocktail menu of tropical drinks. You could also partner with a visiting or emerging local chef who wants to set up in your space one night a month.

15. Participate in your City’s Restaurant Week

If you’re not taking part in your city’s annual Restaurant Week events, now’s the time. Not only does this give your space extra exposure, but it’s an effective way to get more customers in your restaurant.

Restaurant Weeks are a great opportunity to show off signature dishes, and even experiment with new ones. You can also leverage them to get the word out about your private event offerings. Include details about your program in check presenters, and consider offering a special deal if someone books an event within a certain time frame.

16. Adopt a Loyalty Program

Looking to inspire happy customers to keep coming back? Incentivize them! There are plenty of options for incentivizing repeat clients for their continued business. Choosing the one that’s right for you often depends on things like your budget, the type of business you run, and your personal preference.

Casual eateries can opt for things like punch cards or coupons. More high-end establishments, however, may rely on app- or email-driven programs. No matter which avenue you take, the key is to keep the process simple on the customer’s end, so that they actually participate.

17. Create Promotions for In House

To attract more guests, restaurants can create enticing in-house promotions that offer unique dining experiences or value to customers. For example, a restaurant could launch a “Taste of the Season” week, showcasing a special menu with dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients at a discounted rate. Another effective promotion might involve a “Buy One, Get One Free” offer on certain days of the week to encourage visits during slower business hours. Additionally, themed nights, such as “Jazz and Dinner” evenings, can provide a distinctive atmosphere that not only draws in music lovers but also offers a memorable dining experience. Leveraging social media and email marketing to spread the word about these promotions can increase visibility and interest. It is an essential strategy for restaurants looking to boost their guest numbers.

18. Add More Hospitality

Enhanced customer service can significantly boost sales for a restaurant. By providing exceptional service, restaurants create positive dining experiences encouraging guests to return and recommend the establishment to others. For instance, training staff to be attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and quick to address customer concerns can leave a lasting impression on guests. Personal touches, like remembering regular customers’ names or favorite orders, make diners feel valued and more likely to become loyal patrons. Moreover, responsive and personalized service can lead to positive online reviews and social media mentions, attracting new customers. In essence, investing in superior customer service not only satisfies existing customers but also acts as a powerful tool for word-of-mouth marketing, ultimately driving increased sales.

Let Tripleseat Help You Bring in More Money

Dining for large groups is a real moneymaker! We’re talking about those parties that are too big for a regular table but not huge enough to count as an event—think 10-20 people, where everyone knows each other. These gatherings are often for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate parties. These are opportunities to boost your income since such groups tend to order more—extra starters, lavish desserts, and plenty of drinks. By welcoming these celebrations, you’re not only raising your average bill but also significantly boosting your profits by making it easier to host and handle these larger parties!

With TripleseatDirect and Large Party Reservations, let’s make your restaurant the place where big parties and big profits are always on the menu.

If your venue isn’t using Tripleseat yet, and you’d like more information about the platform and the Large Party feature, please book a demo.