Easy Ways To Increase Your Restaurant Customers Spend-Per-Head

With restaurants and pubs reopening around the world, there is a lot of excitement for a return to “normal”, but also trepidation. Customers remain cautious and some regulations may still impact the amount of covers you can have in any one evening.

Now is the time to really sell to those guests coming through your door, gently and respectfully, of course.

Upselling Is King

Re-train your service staff to “romance” the heck out of everything you have - bottles of wine, cocktails, sides and post-supper coffees and desserts. Make sure they know your products inside and out. With potentially less customers in your spaces, your team needs step up the game and behave almost as sales representatives for your dishes and drinks to get more spend per head.

Offer Takeaway To Guests That Are Already Dining

Couples that have finally gotten a chance at a date night might want to bring a dessert or treat back for the kids at home. Make sure they are aware that this is an option, and perhaps offer up lattes or cappuccinos for them to grab on the way out. If they particularly enjoyed wine or cocktail with supper, ask them if they want a secondary bottle or a make-at-home cocktail kit to take home with them to enjoy later on.

Keep Your Guests At Their Tables For Longer

For later reservations, try creating an atmosphere that encourages guests to stay and have post-dinner drinks. The easiest way is to turn up the music or change it to something more upbeat, dim the lights and drop off a cocktail menu back to the tables. You could also hire a live musician, a DJ or something creative like a fortune teller that will keep guests seated, entertained and ordering.

Add On At The End Of The Meal

Make sure that customers are very aware of your gift card options. You could include a note on the bill, or a small, tasteful flyer saying “Enjoyed your meal? Treat someone you love to join us. Gift cards available to add to your bill.” Include this messaging in your internal marketing as well (posters in bathrooms, brochures, business cards) and have a display at your entrance/hostess stand.

Make It Memorable With Merchandise

If it suits your brand and venue, consider selling merchandise. Concertgoers often buy a memento t-shirt at the their favourite gig, and your customers might want to grab a top, a baseball hat, a keychain or a bottle of your legendary pasta sauce to take home as a souvenir. Check out our article 5 Retail Product Ideas To Sell At Your Restaurant for more ideas!

Incentives to Return

Offer guests a little treat for coming back in to support your business. It could be a discount card, a complimentary dessert or glass of wine for their next visit, or something as simple as a thank you card personally signed by the manager/owner. These little touches will undoubtedly positively impact on their experience and encourage them to come back sooner than they may have previously.