Restaurant owners are beginning to realize the revenue opportunities associated with offering breakfast. Many people choose to go to convenience stores and fast food restaurants for their morning fare, but the demand for a higher quality product has continued to grow. Restaurants can offer that higher quality, but they need to find ways to be unique, offer a diverse selection and provide world-class customer service. Whether you’re just thinking about offering breakfast or have done so for years, here are some tips to get the most out of your breakfast service.
Building Your Menu
Coffee
Eighty six percent of adults in America drink coffee and we consume over 400 million cups per day. Top-shelf and exotic coffees can be a big draw for breakfast customers and a good cup can create a loyal following. Be sure to have a variety of brews, creamers, sweeteners and flavorings on hand to fit every taste. Packaging is very important, as many people will want their coffee to go.
Pastry
With entrepreneurs building empires build on donuts and cake pops, artisan pastry has made a comeback. Having a signature pastry can have a significant impact on your restaurant’s bottom line. Make sure your pastries are fresh baked daily. High quality ingredients and meticulous preparation will pay off in the long run.
Fresh Produce
Many patrons will simply want coffee and a piece of fruit for breakfast. Although fruit may not have a long shelf life, the profit margins that can be had more than make up for any waste. Additionally, you can develop menu items that include your unsold produce before it spoils.
Entrees
You’ll want to have a variety of entrees including traditional favorites, international offerings and original recipes. Allowing your cooking staff to add their own personal touch to their dishes will make your menu one of a kind. Portion size should be closely monitored as some breakfast items carry a heavy price tag.
Sandwiches
Handhelds are big in the breakfast world with sandwiches and burritos making the perfect meal for people on the go. You’ll want to have traditional favorites including bacon, sausage, eggs and cheese, but you’ll also want to make room on your menu for healthier options. Make sure you offer vegetarian, low calorie and special diet options so you don’t alienate potential customers.
Juice
Most restaurants offer orange juice but very few go further than that. Making your own juices and importing exotic products can make your restaurant stand out. People looking for a healthy beverage will appreciate the variety. This will help you to capitalize on non-coffee drinkers and expand your customer base.
How To Pull It Off
Staff
While staffing breakfast services will come at a cost, the revenue opportunity is hard to deny. You’ll want to have highly experienced staff running your first few breakfast services. Seek out feedback from your employees and customers to help you fine tune your service and menu. Once your operation is up and running, breakfast service can be a great way to vet new employees before moving them on to busier shifts.
Pre-Packaged Options
Grab and go items are perfect for customers on the go and offer a chance to get customers familiar with your menu without sitting in your restaurant. Make sure you use high quality packaging that will keep your food and allow patrons to microwave hot items later.
Take Out
The average American only sets aside 12 minutes for breakfast, far less than lunch or dinner. This makes speed and convenience essential in the breakfast industry. Many people don’t have the time to sit in a restaurant and enjoy their breakfast. Take-out options allow you to reach this plentiful niche of customers.
All Day
If it is logistically possible you’ll want to offer your breakfast menu throughout the day. Not everyone works on the same schedule and some people just love breakfast foods. This can create another niche for your restaurant and has been highly effective for fast food competitors.
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