Working in the industry of food and service is extremely competitive; outside the box ideas may be a little harder to come by with the constant changing of trends and trying to attract new audiences. Where other businesses’ fail is usually centered at over pressuring customers and not having many benefits to dining at their locations.  In order to recruit new customers and encourage the regulars to keep returning, try implementing some of the following strategies:

Develop A Customer Loyalty Program

Creating a customer loyalty program is one of the most efficient ways to increase restaurant sales. Many locations have done this by creating a “Loyalty card or membership card”. These examples of a loyalty program are used through a POS System. This system makes it easy to track points and rewards of members. The customer redeems these points for special offers and prizes; a few examples being free menu items or discounts. Loyalty programs influence the public to continue returning and in exchange, you receive higher sales due to positive word-of-mouth.

Offer Online Ordering Or Seating Reservations

Many customers live busy day-to-day lives that inhibit them from taking a moment to grab a bite to eat. Offering online ordering solves the hassle of the customer having longer wait times for your product. You can use this for seating reservations as well. Customers want a dining experience that is convenient for them. Offering these services will make it easier on them while increasing the amount you earn in sales.

Utilize Snapchat Geofilters

Snapchat is one of the most commonly used apps in modern day society. The Percentage of U.S. internet users who use Snapchat continues to rise every day. Using Geofilters can help your restaurant receive publicity. Sharing your Snapcode to unlock your Geofilter throughout your social media platforms influences the use and spread of the business and products. Think of the millions of daily users who would become subjected to your advertising and how high the potential for a skyrocket in sales could be.

Special Events

Holding special events on behalf of your restaurant is another beneficial strategy. Some great examples for special events are: Buy one get one free offers, Taco Tuesday, Happy hour, Deal of the Day, Late-night special pricing, and many other examples. If promoted correctly, special events provide your business with the potential of some of the highest profited days you’ll have on record. You can also give back to the community through a charity event, which not only increases your company’s reputation, but increases sales as well. Engaging in these special events can also generate more interest in your business.

Train Servers To Upsell

One of the many benefits to upselling in the restaurant industry is the increase in the amount in sales. By simply offering a drink special or tantalizing appetizer, you have the potential to increase the monetary amount of product a customer consumes, which in return, increases the restaurant’s overall profit. Something as simple as changing a $2 soda to a $6-8 mixed drink is a great example on how to implement upselling to customers. To achieve this goal, consider offering training classes to thoroughly train your staff on the art and execution of upselling.

Making a profit in your business is crucial to running a successful one. You have to be able to attract, and keep, your customers engaged and happy to continue to rise in this industry. Having your restaurant stand out from others is what is going to keep your company rising in popularity and sales. So try something new, and track the success of your innovative ideas.