Ideas for how restaurants can increase the amount of paying customers to increase profits. Tips for creating menus and ways servers can help increase covers.
Turning tables is the most efficient way for restaurants to earn money. A cover refers to a paying customer. Increasing the amount of covers by turning tables allows restaurants to serve more customers leading to higher profits. Eateries can achieve the goal of increasing covers by creating menu that allows chefs to prepare tasty dishes quickly, providing a casual atmosphere or offering incentives to employees.
Simple menu options
Turning tables to increase covers can be achieved by designing a menu that gives chefs the opportunity to create tasty dishes quickly. Fast food does not mean tasteless food. The quality of the food is what brings customers back to the restaurant.
Do not jeopardize flavor for speed when creating the menu. Simply choose dishes that are easy and quick to prepare. Examples of dishes that can be prepared fast without jeopardizing flavor include fish dishes like seared scallops, stir-fries or gourmet burgers. Sautéed vegetables or fresh pasta cooks in minutes and can be added as a side dish to compliment entrees. Desserts made in the morning, such as cake, pie or custards, offer a sweet ending to the meal without taking extra time.
Fast, casual dining atmosphere
The fast, casual dining atmosphere provides patrons with the chance to sample a delicious meal in a timely manner. This is ideal for busy customers grabbing a quick bite on their way to their next appointment. This restaurant set up allows patrons on their lunch break to enjoy a healthier alternative to fast food chains.
The Chipotle restaurant chain is an example of a fast, casual dining experience. Patrons enter the restaurant, order their meal and seat themselves once their food is complete. The entire process is accomplished in mere minutes, giving customers time to enjoy their meal and get back to work before the lunch break is over.
Offer take out as well as dine in
Restaurants can offer take out options in addition to their dine-in options. This can allow those unable to eat inside the chance to sample the menu. A take out menu gives the eatery an opportunity to make additional food sales.
However, the take out menu must be manageable in addition to the regular assuring the highest quality of food is prepared because good food convinces patrons to return. Take out menus may be offered during restaurant hours or special times, such as lunch or dinner hours only.
These menu items may be popular items or variations of popular dishes from the regular menu. Offering a chicken parmesan pasta dish on the regular menu and a chicken parmesan sandwich on the take out menu is an example of a take out variation of a regular menu dish.
Offer employee incentives
Employee incentives are a way for restaurants to increase covers. Promote fast, friendly service by giving employees rewards for turning tables and increasing covers.
Another idea is rewarding staff who sell the most specials, referring to daily items added to the regular menu choices. Specials should be dishes that are cooked quickly. Faster food means more customers can be served during services.