i have a small deli business, and ive had it for 4 months. but business is slowing down most of my customers work out doors. i have alot of subs and a lunch special, can anyone give me some ideas what i could cook for the people who work out doors, with it being so hot!!!!!
2006-06-12 15:17:29 · 9 answers · asked by bondablegreeneyes2000 3 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
Ask them what they want! The only way to find out what your customers want is if you ask them. If you listen to their suggestions, hopefully they will come in more often. You can also offer a frequent customer/loyalty discount card to entice them to come back in. Every time someone purchases a sandwich or lunch plate, you stamp their card. After 5-10 return visits, they get a free lunch.
2006-06-12 21:54:56 · answer #1 · answered by jp 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am curious to know, how do you know most of your customers work "outdoors?" Do you really believe your business is slowing down because it is hot or could there be other factors? For instance, are there less workers to begin with, in which case it wouldn't matter what you served. The heat could be the cause but there could be any number of reasons that are beyond your control. (major layoffs and job declines; project completions, etc.) It is definitely important for you to rule any possibility out in order for you to adjust your business strategies. That may mean adding "outdoor" food or it may just mean increasing your marketing efforts to attract and retain a sufficient customer base.
I don't want to be mean but have you tried gauging your customer's satisfaction? Does the menu offer enough variation to keep your customers returning, etc.? It may not be the food but your customer service. Are they being served to begin with. A rude employee can go a long way to turning customers off. Is your store clean and inviting? Are your prices in line with your competition?
If after all that and you still think it is a menu problem and the food quality and customer satisfaction is not an issue, then try asking customers what they would like to see on the menu. It might be that they would like to see fruit or maybe a milk shake or other "cold" food selection. If I worked outside as you say then I would patronize the establishment that offered me the biggest value on my drink purchases. (free refills, oversize to go cup) etc. You could do like Disney and all of the amusement parks do and offer a cup the customer could bring in for refills at reduced prices.
I can't help thinking that you are jumping to conclusions about the weather. People eat what they want to eat when they want to eat it. If that wasn't the case, Baskin-Robbins, Ben and Jerry's and every other similar operation would cease operation at the start of winter! I don't doubt that they experience a slow down during those winter months but I don't think a deli serving "hot" lunches is nearly affected in summertime as an ice cream store in winter.
Again, I don't mean to sound cruel, I am just playing devil's advocate so that you don't waste your time and energy trying to fix something that is not the true cause of your dilemma.
P.S. Did you just buy the business four months ago or is this a startup? If you bought the business, you may want to contact the previous owners or at least research the financial documents you should have received to find out if they experienced a similar decline during hot weather. If that was the case it should show up in the documents.
GOOD LUCK
2006-06-13 00:01:07 · answer #2 · answered by Sam B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pasta Salad. my mom loves it and its light enough for when it gets hot.
fresh fruit is a great idea. Pack a few chunks of cantelope or watermelon along with the sandwich and offer a side of fruit salad as an extra.
good luck!
2006-06-12 22:22:42 · answer #3 · answered by sarahliz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think about what people in hot climates eat. Spicy food is very common in hot climates (India, Mexico, SE Asia).
Also, check out the sandwich recipes at the link below:
2006-06-13 14:50:48 · answer #4 · answered by antjones9 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking construction, landscaping, or other laborers, then you need some "less healthy" food. I have worked in these type of jobs, and I can tell you, noone really is watching calories! Fried chicken, big burgers, and fries, and HUGE drinks are always good.
2006-06-13 19:30:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fruits are good, maybe a lemon ice or a smoothie also.
Cold pasta salads
chicken salad, tuna sald, egg sald sandwhiches
2006-06-12 22:45:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make daiquiris or get an Icee machine.
2006-06-12 23:45:00 · answer #7 · answered by KAI 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
picnic foods--potato/macaroni salad, hot dogs and vegetarian hot dogs, hamburgers/meatless burgers, baked/vegetarian beans, BBQ, chips, lemonade, place foods in little boxes.
2006-06-12 23:08:08 · answer #8 · answered by ianthra2010 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gazpacho!
serve up chilled slices of watermelon with your sandwiches.
2006-06-12 22:23:25 · answer #9 · answered by littleantietamcreek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋