Every sale counts in the restaurant business, and modifying your menu to maximize the amount each customer spends is a great way to increase revenue. There are several items that make for easy upsells and other dishes that may just need a simple upgrade to make them more appealing. Here are five menu categories that will increase revenue at your restaurant.
Plant-Based Options
Consumers seeking healthy alternatives are turning increasingly to plant-based dishes. According to Technomic’s 2021 Center of the Plate: Seafood & Vegetarian Consumer Trend Report, 42% of consumers say they eat a vegan or vegetarian meal at least once a week—up from 34% in 2018. And that number is likely to go up. For operators looking to expand their offerings to appeal to diners interested in plant-based meals, it can be daunting to figure out what dishes to make vegetarian. Restaurant Business Magazine has these tips on building a plant-based menu even meat-eaters will love.
Specialty Drinks
Specialty drinks can come in many different forms. Whether it’s gourmet coffee, mocktails, imported teas, organic juices, smoothies, or frozen drinks, unique beverages can make a real difference in boosting your average check. Challenge your staff to bring in their own recipes and offer a reward for anything that makes it to your menu. The BBC’s Good Food website has 62 mocktail recipes for every occasion and season, including non-alcoholic punch, mulled drinks, spritzers, cordials, and coolers.
Side Dish Upgrades
Most restaurants offer side dish options but putting a little extra effort into making them special can go a long way toward increasing your average order. While some diners prefer to focus on the main course, others feel the sides make the meal. So instead of offering basic side dishes, make your sides the star of the show and price them accordingly. Check out the 10 savory side dish recipes posted by world-class MasterClass chefs Massimo Bottura and Gordon Ramsey.
High-End Wine and Spirits
Upselling alcoholic beverages should be part of every restaurant’s strategy, and adding some high-end options can increase a bill quickly. Check into emerging trends to find unique offerings to add to your menu. Do a bit of market research and find out which ones will appeal to your current clients. Food and Wine magazine shares 14 summer cocktail recipes, including a cucumber-rose gin spritz and a white sangria with Thai basil.
Elaborate Desserts
Taking your sweets to the next level by teaming up with a specialty bakery or hiring a pastry chef can be an investment well worth making. Expanding your dessert menu means you’ll be able to appeal to a greater percentage of your customer base. Additionally, there is always the chance that one of your desserts becomes wildly popular and what your restaurant is known for. Bon Appetit magazine has recipes for 30 decadent desserts.
Since 2005, Quikstone Capital has worked with thousands of restaurants just like yours. If you’d like to upgrade your menu or make other improvements to your restaurant, a cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions can help your business grow and profit. 80% of our merchants are repeat customers, and we are proud of the trust they place in us. To learn more or to schedule a no-cost or obligation consultation, contact us today!
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