Operating a successful restaurant is about more than just serving great food—it’s also about attracting more customers and encouraging them to spend more per visit. Whether you’re running a small café, a fast-casual eatery, or a fine dining establishment, boosting foot traffic and increasing customer spending are critical to long-term success.
This guide will provide practical strategies to help you attract more customers and increase their spending per visit, leading to higher revenue and profitability.
I. Increasing Foot Traffic to Your Restaurant
Foot traffic is the lifeblood of a restaurant. Here are some key strategies to attract more customers to your establishment:
1. Optimize Your Restaurant’s Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. Your restaurant’s exterior should be inviting and visually appealing to encourage passersby to step inside.
- Clean and well-maintained entrance: Keep sidewalks, signage, and windows clean.
- Clear and attractive signage: Ensure your restaurant’s name and logo are easy to read.
- Outdoor seating: If possible, offer outdoor seating to attract attention.
- Warm lighting and inviting décor: Make your restaurant’s atmosphere visible from the outside.
- Daily specials board: Display promotions, new menu items, or limited-time offers.
2. Leverage Local SEO & Google My Business
Many customers find restaurants online before deciding where to eat. If your restaurant doesn’t appear in local search results, you’re missing out on foot traffic.
- Optimize your Google My Business profile:
- Add your restaurant’s name, address, phone number, and website.
- Upload high-quality images of your menu, food, and interior.
- Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
- Use location-based keywords on your website and social media (e.g., “Best Italian restaurant in downtown Toronto”).
- Get listed on food directories like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Zomato.
3. Run Targeted Social Media Campaigns
Social media is a powerful tool for attracting foot traffic.
- Instagram & Facebook Ads: Target people near your restaurant with promotions.
- Post regularly: Share high-quality photos of food, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Engage with customers: Reply to comments and messages quickly.
- Partner with influencers: Invite local food bloggers to try and review your restaurant.
4. Offer Limited-Time Promotions & Discounts
Creating urgency with promotions can encourage customers to visit your restaurant.
- Happy hour specials: Offer discounts during off-peak hours.
- Lunch specials: Provide affordable meal combos for office workers.
- Seasonal promotions: Create themed events around holidays or local festivals.
- Student and senior discounts: Attract specific demographics with special offers.
5. Organize Events & Live Entertainment
Hosting events can attract new customers who may become regulars.
- Live music nights
- Trivia, karaoke, or comedy nights
- Chef’s special tasting events
- Cooking classes or food pairing workshops
6. Partner with Delivery Apps & Offer Takeout Deals
Many customers may not dine in but will order food online.
- Partner with food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or GrabFood.
- Promote exclusive takeout discounts for pick-up orders.
- Offer bundled meals to increase order value.
II. Increasing Customer Spending Per Visit
Once customers are inside, the goal is to maximize how much they spend. Here’s how:
1. Upselling & Cross-Selling Techniques
Train your staff to use strategic upselling techniques:
- Recommend premium menu items: Suggest higher-margin dishes.
- Suggest add-ons: Offer extras like avocado on sandwiches or bacon on burgers.
- Promote drink pairings: Encourage wine, beer, or cocktail pairings with meals.
- Highlight combo meals: Offer meal bundles at a slightly higher price than individual items.
2. Improve Your Menu Design
A well-designed menu can subtly influence spending habits.
- Limit menu options: Too many choices can overwhelm customers.
- Use high-quality images: Feature best-selling dishes with mouthwatering photos.
- Highlight high-margin items: Use boxes or bold fonts to make premium dishes stand out.
- Strategic pricing: Use “charm pricing” (e.g., $9.99 instead of $10.00) to make items seem cheaper.
3. Implement a Loyalty Program
Encourage repeat visits by offering incentives.
- Points-based rewards: Customers earn points for every dollar spent and redeem them for discounts or free items.
- Exclusive member perks: Offer special deals for loyalty members.
- Birthday discounts: Send personalized offers to customers on their birthdays.
4. Create a Signature Dish or Experience
A unique menu item can increase spending and attract word-of-mouth marketing.
- Signature dish: Make a dish that’s only available at your restaurant.
- Interactive dining experiences: Table-side cooking, hot stone grilling, or DIY taco kits.
5. Train Staff for Better Customer Service
Great service can lead to higher tips and increased spending.
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff: Train servers to make thoughtful recommendations.
- Personalized service: Address regulars by name and remember their preferences.
- Quick and efficient service: Ensure food arrives promptly and correctly.
6. Offer Premium & Exclusive Items
Adding premium or limited-edition items can encourage customers to splurge.
- Upscale drink options: Offer specialty cocktails, craft beers, or fine wines.
- Exclusive menu items: Introduce a limited-time dish every month.
- Dessert specials: Promote a must-try dessert to boost order value.
7. Optimize Your Pricing Strategy
Use psychological pricing techniques to maximize sales.
- Decoy pricing: Place a high-priced item next to a slightly cheaper one to make the latter seem like a better deal.
- Bundling strategy: Offer meal bundles with a slight discount to encourage larger purchases.
8. Leverage Technology & Digital Payments
Faster, more convenient payment options can lead to more spending.
- Mobile ordering & QR menus: Reduce wait times and increase table turnover.
- Contactless payments: Make transactions seamless with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and mobile wallets.
- POS-integrated rewards programs: Offer instant discounts or points based on spending.
Conclusion
Boosting foot traffic and increasing customer spending requires a combination of marketing, menu optimization, customer engagement, and great service. By making your restaurant a go-to destination, ensuring guests have an excellent experience, and giving them reasons to spend more, you can significantly grow your revenue.
Start by implementing a few of these strategies today, track the results, and refine your approach based on customer feedback and sales performance.
