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Showing posts from September, 2023

How to Calculate ROI in Restaurant Marketing

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In the ever-evolving world of the restaurant industry, competition is fierce. As of Spring last year, there were more than 660,000 restaurants operating in the United States. So, what are you doing to stand out in this colossal crowd? The answer to this question inevitably ties back to one thing: your approach to restaurant marketing. Take KFC, for example. In recent years, KFC’s marketing department has introduced the world to “fried chicken art,” sent a chicken sandwich into space, and even debuted a limited edition gravy-scented candle. Of course, being a global chain with over 20,000 locations has its perks, including a substantial marketing budget that would dwarf most quick and full-service restaurants. After all, space travel isn’t cheap. However, here’s the good news: when it comes to marketing, the size of your budget doesn’t matter nearly as much as the performance of your individual restaurant marketing campaigns. It’s crucial to understand that creative for cre...

Restaurant Specials Ideas: Discounts and Promotions You Can Offer

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Your restaurant has all the ingredients for success: delectable cuisine, exceptional staff, and an ideal location. Your loyal customers appreciate it, but don’t you wish more diners knew about your culinary haven? As a business owner, the pursuit of growth and attracting new patrons is a perpetual mission. This is where the art of marketing, particularly restaurant promotions, steps into the limelight. Embrace the Power of Restaurant Promotions Restaurant deals, daily specials, and promotions serve as a delightful surprise for your regular patrons and a potent magnet for new business. Let’s explore the creative possibilities of restaurant promotions that can take your establishment to new heights. 1. Limited-Time Offers and Menu Specials Introducing limited-time offers allows you to experiment with your menu without a long-term commitment. Specials, on the other hand, offer your kitchen staff a platform to innovate with new dishes and showcase seasonal delights...

How to Survive the Restaurant Industry Labor Shortage

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In the culinary world, where gastronomy meets hospitality, the twin pillars of great food and excellent service stand as the bedrock of success. Yet, in today’s tumultuous times, the restaurant industry finds itself navigating treacherous waters characterized by a chronic labor shortage, exacerbated by persistent food inflation and economic uncertainties. The challenge of finding and, even more dauntingly, retaining skilled employees in both the front and back of house has become a Herculean task. A Deeper Look into the Labor Shortage Crisis As of January 2023, the restaurant labor force still lags behind pre-pandemic levels by over 450,000 jobs, marking the most significant employment deficit across all U.S. industries, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, a November 2022 study by the National Restaurant Association revealed that 63% of full-service restaurants and 61% of limited-service establishments are operating with fewer employees than necessary t...

How to Improve Food Profitability with a Restaurant Menu Pricing Strategy

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Developing a strategic pricing approach for restaurant menus is an indispensable tool for operators aiming to enhance their profit margins. This strategy gains even more significance in the current volatile landscape of the restaurant supply chain. Effective pricing methods demand a comprehensive understanding of various factors, including evolving customer demographics, brand identity, demand for specific dishes, regional competition, and even changing customer sentiments. In addition to these considerations, successful restaurant businesses must have a strong grasp of the financial aspects involved in setting menu prices. Crafting a pricing strategy is essentially a numbers game, hinging on a deep understanding of total costs, ideal food costs, recipe costing, calculating final dish costs, and ultimately determining menu prices that maximize profitability. In this article, we will guide you through the process of developing and implementing a restaurant menu pricing stra...

How a Restaurant Cost Breakdown Can Help Inform Prices and Protect Profitability

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Running a successful food business is no easy feat, especially in today’s challenging economic landscape marked by inflation, labor shortages, and uncertainty. To ensure the sustainability and profitability of your restaurant, it’s crucial to conduct regular restaurant cost breakdowns. These breakdowns provide valuable insights that help you control expenses, optimize menu pricing, and ultimately boost profitability. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what a restaurant cost breakdown entails, why it’s essential for your business, and how to conduct one effectively. We’ll also discuss the critical role of technology, such as Skipli, in automating and streamlining your cost management practices. What is a Restaurant Cost Breakdown? A restaurant cost breakdown involves the meticulous calculation and analysis of all expenses associated with operating a restaurant. These expenses encompass everything required to open, manage, grow, and optimize a food business. Typically...

How to Choose the Perfect Back of House Software for Your Restaurant: 3 Expert Tips

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In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, technology has become a pivotal force driving success. Your choice of back of house (BOH) software can either streamline your operations, leading to increased efficiency and profits, or complicate matters and hinder your business’s growth. As a restaurant owner or manager, selecting the ideal BOH software can be a daunting task with a plethora of options available. In this guide, we’ll demystify the process and provide you with three invaluable tips to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Let’s dive in! Understanding the Back of House: Before delving into software selection, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of the back of house (BOH). The front of house (FOH) is where your guests dine, and your servers and bartenders work their magic. In stark contrast, the BOH is the engine room of your restaurant – the place that makes all the culinary magic happen behind the scenes. It comprises three primary areas: the kitc...

2023 Dining Trends

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In recent years, the culinary landscape has undergone a seismic shift, driven by factors ranging from a global pandemic to soaring inflation. These external forces have not only transformed dining habits but have also reshaped diners’ preferences and expectations when it comes to restaurants. To delve into this culinary evolution, we conducted a comprehensive survey involving over 2,600 diners across the United States and Canada. Through these insights and engaging conversations with real diners, we’ve uncovered essential dining trends that will define the years ahead. In this blog post, we offer a sneak peek into the key findings, shedding light on what today’s diners truly want. Gen Z emerges as the frontrunners, with 62% in the U.S. and 64% in Canada dining out at least once a week. Conversely, only 29% of Americans and 25% of Canadians indicate an equivalent frequency for takeout and delivery. 1. A Yearning for In-Person Dining The restaurant industry has witnessed p...