how can I increase my sales in my restaurant?

Question

we have just re-modeled the restaurant inside and out, we have live entertainment now every weekend, changed the menu, and all, but the business just is not pouring in at night, there has not been a profit for 2 months now!

Answer 1

Of course, any business advice would need to be tailored to your specific establishment, but here's some general input:

Your question posed "how to increase sales", but you ended with "has not been a profit".

Sales and profits are two completely different things.

Increase Sales: General thoughts

1. Market Saturation: Does your area have restaurants similar to yours? If so, you may have too much competition. Check out your competition and see what they're doing. Compare/contrast to your operation.

2. Staff: Is your staff the best they can be? Are they knowledgeable? Do they know the menu inside and out? Are they loyal? Do you have rewards/incentive programs in place above just tips? Do you drive them to succeed?

3. Menu: Obvious question; is your food good? Is it new, different, and unique? Does it cater to your target audience? When coming up with new menu ideas, how much outside input do you get; family, friends, etc.? Do you keep it fresh? One client of mine rotated 20% of his menu (between apps, entrees and desserts) every 5 weeks; keeping the most popular items and experimenting with new. Do you offer a variety of dietary choices on your menu?

4. Pricing: Are too expensive? Too cheap? Cheap prices are not necessarily a benefit, it can imply cheap quality. Price accordingly.

5. Network: Join any local organizations, starting with the Chamber of Commerce. You can host events (monthly meetings) at your establishments. Get involved with local events in town, become a sponsor for events, etc.

6. Marketing: Don't just throw money into advertising, especially if you're cash-poor (2 months no profit). Be selective with your advertising avenues. Don't saturate, be smart. Determine your target audience and go after them.

Maximize Profits:

1. Check expenses: Where (if anywhere) is the excess spending? Are you over-staffing? Are your utilities in line with your volume? Do you have an inventory control system in place?

2. Increase Efficiency of operations: Not only does this increase revenues (because it improves the customers' experience) it also decreases costs (hence improving profits). Efficiency can be achieved in a number of ways. Take a look at your business and see where things can be improved; customer service, order processing, staff training, even physical operational set-up.

3. Product quality: You can actually increase profits by spending more on ingredients.

For example: For example: A previous client of mine was operating a pizza stand. To watch his cost he bought inexpensive sauce and dough (the two main ingredients of Pizza) and had a price too high for the quality of product he was selling. When my company stepped in, the first thing we did was get him a better dough and a better sauce. We also adjusted his price down. His sales went through the roof! Because more people came back to purchase again because he had a good product. He ended doubling his revenues.

4. Income statements: Many small business owners don't invest the time in creating monthly income statements. If you don't, you should. By seeing your business' operation in black and white on a monthly basis you will able to see specifically where your revenues are coming from (drinks, dinners, desserts, etc) and where your costs are going.


There is so much more you can do. Drop me a line if you'd like some more advice.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I was in the bar and restaurant business for nearly 30 years. What I learned is that your staff is what can make or break your business. If you treat them special, because they are, you will see business pick up. Not only are they your front line, but they will either encourage or discourage business.
I used to ask my staff daily how their day was, asked questions about their family and made it very clear that I valued their input. We ran a tight ship. Had excellent lunch specials daily where people could get in and out within 1/2 hr, always a tasty soup and sandwhich combo, as well as an entree special. We ran out every day. We made happy hour as fun as possible for people by running little contests and encouraging people to drop in after work. Had upbeat music that wasn't too loud. Then we had a dinner special every evening, followed by live entertainment or karaoke (yech)..lol. I personally didn't like karaoke, but once a week we would fill the house with people dying to show off how great they could sing!
If you have more of a restaurant atmosphere, then it comes back to your serving staff. If they are happy, the customers are happy. People remember the dining experience just as much as they remember a good meal. If everyone is having fun they will encourage others to go there for a good time.
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

With the automatic Digital Menu App, one can definitely experience an increase in total sales in the business. It improves the place's services.

Answer 4

Try putting out some flyers in the mail that have coupons for purchasing meals (buy one meal get the 2nd half off, $15.00 off food purchases of $50.00 or more, children eat free on Mondays)

Also with the coupons, advertise the attributes you just listed such as newly remoldeled, live entertainment etc.

Answer 5

2

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Lots of advertisements. Flyers in your neighborhoods.
Advertise FREE something on the 1st, and then say April Fools!
No, really, word of mouth is your best bet. Ask your customers their input, and see what they tell you. What type of clientele are you aiming for?? Then, aim something at them in particular.
Open Mike night, sporting event parties, The Purple Hat Clubs........find out from your local community what is out there and target them.

Answer 8

Well, make something that's exclusive to your place. Afterall, why would anyone go to your business when they can go somewhere else? Make a signature, exclusive dish, book an exclusive band, basically, make it so that only this place can offer such an experience and no where else.

Answer 9

try word of mouth living thing up with karaoke it seems every drunk loves to sing also promote it by handing out VIP card and things like that if it's a night club and have special night you know like bring a date night singles night band night things like that also dunks love to dress up and have fun be creative and your will come up with a great answer and don't be afraid to try something different

Answer 10

1. quality and taste of the food. 2. hospitality 3. something complimentary without letting the customer know in advance. we all love surprises