The low season can often pose a significant survival challenge for restaurants. However, not all representatives of the catering industry suffer during this period. With the right tools and strategies, the quiet season can also benefit your catering business! In this article, we have gathered valuable suggestions that can improve your business and attract customers even after the busy summer season.
1. Plan Ahead!
To avoid unpleasant surprises, start preparing for the quiet season well in advance, several months before it begins. If your restaurant experiences a decrease in customer traffic after the summer, there’s no need to panic.
Menu Analysis – Examine your menu. Are there dishes that contain expensive ingredients or are popular only at certain times? Evaluate which dishes could be temporarily eliminated or replaced with more economical alternatives, thus maintaining your offers. The RESICO ERP system offers the Toplist report, allowing you to view your company’s best and worst-selling products in descending order and more – this report provides detailed sales data, including:
• Sales volume
• Revenue
• Gross profits
• Inventory levels
Optimize Operating Hours – Review your operating hours. Determine whether you can reduce working hours or implement a flexible schedule. Consider options such as reducing lighting and heating costs during off-peak dining hours.
2. Enhance Your Online Presence
Your restaurant’s online presence can be a powerful tool for attracting attention and new customers.
SEO Optimization – Ensure your restaurant’s webpage is easily discoverable on Google. Perform website SEO (search engine optimization) and include reviews, accurate operating hours, and other valuable information for customers.
Social Media Engagement – Utilize all popular social media platforms to share news, special offers, staff humor, and behind-the-scenes content. Regularly post pictures from your restaurant, showcasing food and drinks. Run contests to generate interest and encourage people to share your posts. Don’t forget about influencer marketing, which is highly relevant in today’s digital landscape.
Advertising – Set up and purchase ads on Facebook, Instagram and Google. Consult with an advertising specialist or agency if you’re unsure how to do it.
In the RESICO inventory accounting system, you can create discounts for specific product groups and introduce gift card or customer card solutions! If you choose to use these offers as part of your online campaign, for example, promoting special discounts on drinks, you can easily edit and manage them in the RESICO ERP system.
3. Host Themed Events
Themed evenings at your restaurant can be an excellent way to make the low season particularly exciting for both regular and new customers. For instance:
Themed Menu – Present special menus that highlight a specific country or region to your customers.
Wine Tastings – Arrange wine tastings during holidays for specific groups of people.
Dinner with Live Music – Invite musicians who match the atmosphere of your restaurant and provide a special evening for all your restaurant visitors. Moreover, by using the right promotional tools before the event, you can also attract brand new customers!
4. Enhance the Restaurant’s Visual Appeal
Create captivating themed decorations that capture attention. These decorations can relate to a specific menu, holiday or even local events. This will not only pique the interest of visitors but also enhance your competitiveness in the market.
If you are interested and would like to learn how our RESICO digital solutions, including cash register systems and ERP systems, can assist you in managing your catering business more efficiently, you can request a free consultation here: https://www.goibsc.lv/form/ or call us 26656567.
