The food service industry was among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 17% of the restaurants in the United States closed in 2021. In most states, restaurants have to abide by occupancy restrictions. There are some areas where restaurants can only operate at 25% capacity. If you are looking at 2021 as your rebuilding year, you need to roll up your sleeves and make it happen.
The long-term goal most restaurant owners have is selling their restaurant to the highest bidder and retiring. The only way to make your investment in a restaurant profitable is by growing sales. Below are some things you can do to grow your restaurant sales in 2021.
Expand the Services You Offer To Customers
Operating a restaurant in the age of the Coronavirus is challenging, to say the least. If you operate in an area with tight COVID-19 restrictions, you have to adapt to survive. Many restaurants have started offering delivery services during the pandemic. These smart entrepreneurs realize that without a delivery option, they will be unable to compete in their area.
If you want to make the ordering process easy for your audience, then investing in a mobile app is a great move. Most people use their phones to buy things online. Appealing to modern consumers is easy if you have an easy to operate and appealing mobile application. While a mobile app is costly, it is worth the investment. Using push notifications is a great way to keep your customers engaged and interested in what your restaurant has to offer.
Take Online Marketing Seriously
Before the pandemic, an online presence wasn’t something most restaurant owners viewed as necessary. However, these businesses have quickly realized that without a website and a presence on social media, keeping up with the competition is difficult. If you want to attract attention online, you have to invest in digital marketing campaigns.
These campaigns should include things like blogs on your website and profiles on multiple social media platforms. Creating frequent posts for your website and social media profiles is a great way to generate a buzz about your restaurant. Hiring a marketing professional to create and manage these campaigns is crucial when trying to achieve your growth goals in 2021.
Reward Customer Loyalty
Attracting new customers is far more expensive than marketing to your existing fanbase. If you want to entice loyal customers to visit your restaurant more, then offering them loyalty rewards is crucial. These rewards should be things like discounts on meals or even a free dessert. You should also online discounts to expand your reach.
Most people will try a restaurant if they can get a discount on a meal. Once you show a new customer what your restaurant can do, they will be back time and time again.
Need Help Selling Your Restaurant?
Are you ready to gracefully bow out of your career as a restaurant owner? If so, contact Emerald Coast Restaurant Brokers and Consultants and let us help you sell your restaurant.