How To Increase Restaurant Revenue with the Average Order

Posted by Karen Erdelac on Dec 23, 2016

How To Increase Average Order and Restaurant RevenueWhen it comes to increasing restaurant revenue the size of your average order represents a great opportunity.  Many restaurant owners place the onus of this metric solely on their servers, and while their ability as salespeople is important, there are several ways you can better equip them.  The flexibility of your menu plays a major role in your server’s aptitude for increasing average order.  Training and an in depth knowledge of your menu will of course help them make sales, but here we’ve identified some key changes you can make to your menu to give them the best chance for success.

Small Plates

Taking a page out of the fine dining book and offering smaller dishes will give your servers greater versatility when offering appetizers.  These plates could include things like cheese plates, stuffed mushrooms and other specialty dishes that are not extremely filling.  This will increase the number of appetizers ordered and also leave room for guests to order dessert.  Smaller plates also allow you to capitalize on an increasingly health conscious society.

Drink Pairings

Offering up combination appetizers and drinks that compliment each other gives your servers an opportunity to double up on two of your restaurant’s biggest money makers.  Creating unique pairings will encourage patrons to try something new that they may not have ordered on an individual basis.  Some examples include margaritas with nachos, wine with cheeses and even an artisanal take on milk and cookies.  This can also be done with entrees by pairing drinks that enhance their meal.

Shareable Dishes

While it may seem counterintuitive, including shareable appetizers, entrees and desserts can positively impact your average order.  Customers are likely to order and eat more when variety is involved.  Picture the option of being able to eat a combination of shrimp, steak and a variety of sides rather than a large plate of steak and potatoes.  This also encourages your guests to interact with each other which improves the experience and the chance for repeat business.

Diverse Drink Menu

How To Increase Average Order and Restaurant RevenueDrinks represent the menu item that provides the best chance for increasing average order and in most cases the highest profit margin.  Having a diverse menu that offers unique cocktails, fine wines and craft beer will spice up your drink menu and encourage people to try new things.  Non-alcoholic choices such as freshly made strawberry lemonade and home brewed iced tea can also be big money makers.  You will also want to offer drinks that are fun and appealing to children.

Dessert Variety

Just behind beverages, desserts offer you the next best chance to add that cherry on top of your average order.  Dessert tastes can vary tremendously and providing something for everyone will give you a better chance to capitalize on that portion of your menu.  Your selection should include small, shareable, unique and trending options.  Healthy options including vegan, organic and gluten free are also a must for today’s dessert menus.

Customer Rewards

A rewards program that offers better value based on the amount a customer spends will encourage people to dig just a bit deeper for their meal.  These rewards should be things that will not negatively impact your bottom line.  Items such as company branded T-shirts, key chains and pint glasses not only provide incentive for larger orders, they also help to increase the reach of your marketing efforts.  Make your rewards programs well known and instruct your servers to point out when customers are near a higher level.

Make It Happen

Making changes to your menu can mean new distributors and increased inventory costs but can bring about significant increases in revenue and customer bases.  Many restaurant owners have great ideas to improve their business but lack the capital to make it happen.  Quikstone Capital Solutions provides cash for businesses.  A merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions is a business loan alternative that can help your business thrive and prosper.Apply Now

Want more ideas on how to increase restaurant revenue?

Download our free Restaurant Investment Guide

Restaurant Investment Guide

Topics: Restaurant