Creative Ways to Drive Incremental Business to Your Restaurant

In an ever-evolving foodservice landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for restaurant owners aiming to drive incremental business and for operators looking to grow profits. Before tracking growth, it’s essential to root these goals in current benchmarks. According to the National Restaurant Industry’s 2023 forecast, the industry will account for just shy of $1 trillion for the year, employing over 15 million people.

These are significant numbers that we expect to see grow in the coming years, even as the industry faces a series of challenges. Let’s explore innovative strategies backed by industry research as we identify creative ways to drive incremental restaurant business and increase profits.

Embrace Sustainability Initiatives in Your Restaurant

Studies show that today’s diners, especially the younger demographics, are willing to spend 20 percent more on meals if they know the operation is engaged in practices that promote sustainability. For consumers, this can mean eco-friendly packaging, environmentally-conscious ingredient sourcing, or even employing foodservice equipment that helps reduce an operation’s environmental footprint. From IoT solutions that help create maximum efficiency in commercial kitchens to water- and energy-saving initiatives, “green” foodservice practices will not only help reduce overhead costs but also entice customers who are more likely to frequent sustainable-minded restaurants.

Leverage Technology to Reduce Friction in Ordering and Pickup Processes

Whether it’s dine-in or takeout, leverage technology to make processes like ordering and pickup more accessible for customers. Whether it’s an online ordering platform or a QR code that leads to a digital menu with purchasing capabilities, reducing touchpoints in dining is a trend still flourishing since the pandemic. Today, it maintains its appeal because of the convenience it provides customers. Consider a unit like the Carter-Hoffmann Pick-Up Cabinet. The PUC allows for temperature-controlled holding of takeout food orders. When the order is ready, customers are notified via SMS, prompting them to use a QR code to open the cabinet door upon arrival. Operators can reallocate labor while providing a seamless, quality-preserving way for customers to receive takeout orders.

Diverse Menus for Broader Customer Appeal

Consumers are increasingly seeking diverse and inclusive menu options beyond traditional offerings. This trend is driven by a desire for more inclusive dining experiences that accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and culturally diverse choices. After all, if there’s one thing today’s foodie culture has taught us, it’s that we can travel with our tastebuds. Menus that incorporate global flavor trends, expand on dietary needs and requirements, and highlight ingredients that are local, artisan, and sustainable will ultimately attract a wider audience. This approach aligns with evolving consumer preferences and positions the restaurant as inclusive and adaptable in a competitive market.

Promote Health and Wellness with Food and Beverage

Going a bit deeper into one aspect of menu diversification, it’s essential to consider the health-conscious nature of today’s consumers. Whether driven by dietary restrictions like allergies or committing to overall good health, consumers are increasingly mindful of their dietary choices, opting for nutritious and balanced meals when dining out. This trend has gained momentum as people prioritize well-being and look for restaurants that offer healthier options to align with their lifestyles. Emphasize the use of heart-healthy oils and cooking techniques that minimize the need for excessive fats or oils in dishes. While ingredients are certainly part of the equation, so are cooking processes. Highlight cooking methods, such as grilling, steaming, or roasting, that retain the nutritional integrity of ingredients.

Because Middleby provides a complete suite of commercial foodservice equipment solutions, we present the perfect opportunity for efficient procurement and seamless operation upon installation.

Sources:

National Restaurant Association

Simon-Kucher