Here are eight ways the National Restaurant Association says full-service restaurants can boost sales in the year ahead:
Create Events. According to an NRA survey, 64 percent of adults would attend chef’s table dinners and private tastings. It’s up to you to create a buzz.
Offer Value. Consider frequent-dining or loyalty programs because 46 percent of family-dining patrons and 40 percent of casual dining customers expect to be more value conscious this year vs. last, according to an NRA survey.
Market via email. The NRA found that 41 percent of customers say they visit a new restaurant because of an email promotion. Get out those invites via the web.
Pack it to go. Nearly three out of 10 adults surveyed said take-out food is vital to the way they live. Improve your take-out program with better packaging and designated take-out parking.
Use Social Media. A growing segment of the population is using social media to communicate. If you’re not reaching out to potential customers via Facebook, Yelp, Twitter and more, now’s the time.
Emphasize health. Customers look to full-service restaurants to provide healthful alternatives and portion-size selection. If you’re not catering to a growing segment of the population that is looking to eat out more healthfully, then you should be.
Tap technology. Your customers are more technologically sophisticated than ever before. Consider tableside ordering and payment options.
Market green initiatives. An NRA survey found that four in 10 consumers said they were more willing to pick a restaurant if its practices are green. Seven out of 10 said they prefer restaurants that feature locally grown and produced ingredients.