As the pandemic spreads, many restaurants have been forced to close their doors. This has left people struggling to find a place to eat, especially those who live in rural areas. As a result, about two million Americans working in the industry lost their jobs. Furthermore, billions of dollars were down the drain because many restaurants failed to operate during the pandemic.
The good news is that there are still some restaurants that remain open. However, these businesses have adjusted their operations to keep their customers safe. For example, many restaurants have switched to a take-out or delivery model. Others have limited their hours and only offer outdoor seating.
Despite the challenges, some restaurant owners have been able to keep their businesses afloat. But keeping a business afloat isn’t enough to make a decent profit out of it. If you want your restaurant to thrive, you need to make it more profitable. Here are ways to do just that.
Switch to a take-out or delivery model
A take-out and delivery model is one of the most popular methods restaurants are using to stay afloat during the pandemic. It allows customers to enjoy their food without worrying about coming into contact with others. Take-out and delivery are also convenient for customers who are short on time.
Many restaurants have adopted this during the pandemic. For example, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen started offering contactless delivery in March 2020. The fast-food chain partnered with Uber Eats to make this possible. As a result, their sales increased for the quarter.
Another example is Chick-fil-A. The restaurant introduced a new curbside pickup service in April 2020. Having a curbside pickup allowed customers to pick up their food without leaving their cars.
If you want to switch to a take-out or delivery model, you need to invest in the right technology. Many software programs can help you with this. Make sure to do your research and choose the best one for your business.
Invest in online ordering and delivery platforms
To make your restaurant more profitable, you need to invest in online ordering and delivery platforms. This will allow customers to order food from your restaurant without leaving their homes.
There are many online ordering platforms that you can choose from. The most popular ones are Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. These platforms charge a commission for every order that they process.
Another option is to create your online ordering system. by developing a website or creating a mobile app. Restaurateurs can do this. If you go this route, you’ll need to hire someone to develop the platform for you.
Safety Above All
The safety of your employees and customers should be your top priority. This is especially important during the pandemic. Unfortunately, many restaurants have closed down because they failed to take the necessary precautions.
You need to make sure that your restaurant is clean and sanitized. Employees should disinfect all surfaces regularly. You should also provide hand sanitizer for customers and employees.
Moreover, it might be time to invest in protective equipment, especially for your chefs. The stove can lead to workplace accidents like burns, and investing in fire-resistant clothing in your restaurant can decrease these accidents. It can also save you money when it comes to employee claims.
Offer Discounts and Promotions
Discounts and promotions are a great way to attract new customers and increase sales. Many restaurants offer discounts on food and drinks, especially during slow periods.
You can also offer promotions, such as buying one, get one free deal. These deals encourage customers to buy more food, leading to higher profits.
It’s essential to make sure that your discounts and promotions appeal to customers. Otherwise, they won’t take advantage of them. You should also make sure that you’re not losing money by offering these deals.
Consider a Loyalty Program
A loyalty program is a great way to increase sales and profits. It allows you to reward customers for their loyalty. For example, you can give them points for every purchase they make. Once they accumulate enough points, they can redeem them for free food or discounts.
This is a great way to encourage customers to return to your restaurant. It’s also a great way to collect data about your customers. This data can be used to improve your marketing and advertising efforts.
Limit your hours
One way to make your restaurant more profitable is to limit your hours. This will allow you to save on labor costs.
You can still offer the same menu, but you should limit the hours that you’re open. For example, you can close earlier on weekdays and only be available for lunch on weekends.
This strategy can be especially effective if you’re located in a busy area. Many people are only looking for a quick bite, and they don’t want to wait in line for a table.
You can avoid the rush and save on labor costs by closing earlier.
Conclusion
Making your restaurant more profitable can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. You need to be strategic about your efforts.
If you implement some of the tips we’ve discussed, you’ll be well to increase your profits. Remember always to put safety first and offer discounts and promotions that appeal to customers. Good luck!