Hey there, restaurant owner! Running a restaurant isn’t easy, right? But here’s the thing—you can totally make it big if you stay relevant. That means being the place everyone wants to visit, again and again. Want to know how? Here are 5 super-simple ways to keep your restaurant in the game:
- Stay active online (because that’s where everyone is!)
Let’s face it—you’re probably reading this on your phone. Guess what? That’s where your customers are too! People love finding places to eat on Instagram, Zomato, or Google. Make sure your restaurant shows up when they’re looking.
- What to do? Post yummy food photos, share videos of your chef cooking magic, or show happy customers enjoying their meals.
- Example: Kala Ghoda Café in Mumbai began sharing behind-the-scenes content, including latte art videos, and saw a 40% increase in visitors in just three months.
- Data: A report by Social Media Today states that 45% of diners check a restaurant’s social media presence before visiting.
- Keep your menu fresh and fun
No one likes the same boring food forever. Add something exciting to your menu every now and then. It doesn’t have to be big—just enough to make people curious.
- What to do? Try seasonal dishes, fusion food, or quirky names for your dishes.
- Example: SodaBottleOpenerWala in Delhi introduced a seasonal mango dessert, the “Mango Madness Cheesecake,” which became their top seller within a week.
- Data: According to a study by Technomic, 79% of diners are more likely to visit a restaurant if it offers new or limited-time dishes.
- Get to know your customers
Wouldn’t it be awesome if someone remembered your favorite pizza topping? That’s how your customers feel too! People love being treated like VIPs.
- What to do? Collect feedback, remember regulars’ preferences, and offer little perks like discounts or free desserts.
- Example: Amethyst Café in Chennai sends personalized birthday offers to its regulars, creating a loyal customer base.
- Data: A survey by HubSpot reveals that 83% of customers are more likely to stick to a restaurant that offers personalized service.
- Make your restaurant insta-worthy
Let’s admit it—people love posting pictures of pretty food and cool places. Make your restaurant the kind of spot where everyone wants to click and share.
- What to do? Add a funky wall for photos, serve food in unique ways, or keep the vibe cozy and fun.
- Example: Bar Palladio in Jaipur added a stunning floral ceiling and royal-themed decor, making it one of the most Instagrammed spots in the city.
- Data: According to Upserve, restaurants with Instagrammable features see a 30% increase in footfall, especially among younger diners.
- Keep it eco-friendly
More and more people care about the planet. If your restaurant shows you care too, they’ll love you for it.
- What to do? Use compostable packaging, offer digital menus, or source fresh ingredients locally.
- Example: The Green Path Organic State in Bangalore switched to compostable tableware and shares this initiative on social media, attracting eco-conscious diners.
- Data: A report by Nielsen shows that 67% of global consumers prefer restaurants that are environmentally friendly.
Final thoughts
You don’t have to be a Michelin-star restaurant to stay relevant. Just be where your customers are, keep things fresh and fun, and show you care about them and the planet. Trust us, if you follow these steps, your restaurant will be the talk of the town.
Now go on, try these out—and maybe treat yourself to one of your own dishes while you’re at it!