A pre-set holiday menu offers a host of benefits for both diners and operators, ranging from streamlined service, operational efficiency, and memorable dining experiences that resonate with guests.
Valentine’s Day has long been the second most popular day on the calendar for Americans to dine out at a restaurant. Valentine’s Day 2023 showed a lucrative 34% lift in food sales compared to the daily average for the year and a 108% increase in steak sales alone.
While the huge jump in customer traffic is great for our industry, the Restaurant365 State of the Industry customer survey shows more than 80% of the operators that were surveyed have experienced increased food costs and 38% said that they continue to struggle with staffing. These ongoing issues could leave operators in need of new strategies to make the most of the opportunities that a major holiday can bring.
One solution to consider on any occasion when you are certain that your restaurant is going to have a huge increase in volume is a pre-set menu. Read on to learn the benefits that a pre-set Valentine’s Day menu could provide for your restaurant on this busy holiday.
Research shows that there is a whopping 242% increase in wine orders on Valentine’s Day versus the daily average for the entire year and that desserts, baked goods, and pastry items witnessed a remarkable 54% surge. To make sure that you don’t miss out on these opportunities, be sure that servers trained properly on the art of upselling. Offering wine pairings or desserts can increase the average check size while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction.
A pre-set menu streamlines the dining experience for both guests and restaurant staff. By offering a set menu with predetermined courses, chefs can plan and prepare dishes in advance, optimizing kitchen workflow and reducing wait times. This streamlined approach enables restaurants to deliver efficient service without compromising on quality, ensuring a seamless dining experience for patrons.
From a logistical standpoint, the pre-set menu facilitates efficient inventory management and cost control for restaurant operators. With a set menu, chefs can accurately forecast ingredient requirements and minimize food waste by utilizing ingredients across multiple courses. This strategic approach to inventory management helps restaurants optimize their supply chain, reduce overhead costs, and improve overall profitability while maintaining quality and consistency.
By eliminating the decision-making time before ordering and providing servers the ability to quickly bring out pre-prepped meals, servers can reduce their table turn times without making guests feel rushed. Customers will be happy with decreased wait times and speedy food service while your restaurants will be able to serve more people, leading to increased profits. It’s a win-win situation.
A pre-set menu can serve as a powerful marketing tool to attract new customers and drive revenue growth. Repeat customers may be delighted to see new menu options being offered for their date night. Change, even when temporary, can pique the interest of a current customer base and put a restaurant on the radar of new prospects looking for something different to try.
A pre-set menu offers a host of benefits for both diners and operators, ranging from streamlined service, operational efficiency, and memorable dining experiences that resonate with guests. Whether it’s a special occasion or a regular dining experience, a pre-set menu could be worth a try in your restaurant.
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