If you own or manage a restaurant, you're likely be aware of the importance of increasing order size to boost revenue. However, accomplishing this can be challenging, especially when unsure of customer preferences. In this blog post, we will provide several ideas on how to effectively increase the average order size in your restaurant. Continue reading to discover more!

Excellent Food

Undoubtedly, the quality of your food is paramount. People are more inclined to order more when they enjoy their meals. Seek feedback from customers and be open to adjusting recipes or ingredients accordingly. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends can help your food stand out.

Streamline Operations

Ensure that your restaurant operates smoothly by organizing the front-of-house and kitchen areas, facilitating quick and efficient order preparation and service. By delivering a great experience, you enhance the likelihood of customers ordering more and becoming repeat patrons. Implementing a comprehensive POS solution can optimize this process.

Personalize the Experience

Making an effort to know your customers better can foster trust and make them more receptive to your suggestions. Remembering details about their preferences, such as previous orders, or engaging in small talk about their day, demonstrates care, and attentiveness.

Encourage Add-Ons

Motivate customers to add extra items to their orders by suggesting complementary options like drinks or appetizers. Offering discounts for multiple items, such as two main courses or adding a dessert, can also be effective in increasing order size.

Cross-Selling Opportunities

Leverage cross-selling techniques to boost order size. When customers order a specific dish, recommend complementary items such as sides or salads that pair well with their selection. For instance, suggesting a side of vegetables when they order a steak.

Create Bundles

Increase revenue by bundling items together, as customers often perceive greater value in bundled offerings. Bundles can be more enticing than individual items, enticing customers to add them to their orders.

User-Friendly Menu Design

Ensure your menu is easy to navigate and comprehend, both in your physical restaurant and on your online ordering website. A visually appealing menu that highlights bestsellers and popular items can attract attention and simplify the decision-making process. Keep your menu regularly updated.

Enhance Your Online Menu

Given the prevalence of online food ordering, it is crucial to make your digital menu appealing to customers. Add appetizing food photos and craft enticing descriptions to captivate customers' interest.

Simplify the Ordering Process

Facilitate the ordering process to encourage customers to place larger orders. Provide a clear and concise menu that is easy to understand, and ensure seamless ordering options, whether online, over the phone, or in person. Train your staff to suggest additional items and upsell effectively.

Run Specials or Promotions

Consider running promotions or offering special deals that require customers to reach a certain spending threshold to receive discounts or freebies. For example, offering a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of two entrees.

Promote Customer Favorites

Promote specific menu items that are popular among your customers. Highlight these dishes on your menu and leverage marketing and advertising campaigns, including social media platforms, to create buzz and generate interest.

Implement a Loyalty Program

Introduce a loyalty program that rewards customers for frequent orders. This incentivizes them to continue patronizing your restaurant and increases the frequency of their orders. Explore DizLog's loyalty program, included in their POS plan.

Create a Sense of Urgency

Generate a sense of urgency by running limited-time offers or discounts, motivating customers to order more while the deal lasts. Clearly communicate the end date of the promotion in your marketing materials and on your website.

Adjust Pricing Strategically

Increase check sizes by making slight adjustments to your pricing. Consider raising prices on lower-priced items, as even small increases can have a significant impact on order size.

Utilize Modifiers in Your POS System

Configure modifiers in your POS system to assist staff in upselling. Monitor and analyze modifier reports to identify employees who generate the most revenue, and recognize their performance with bonuses or incentives. This approach can boost server motivation and sales.

Conclusion

These are just a few strategies to increase order sizes at your restaurant. By implementing these ideas, you can enhance sales and revenue. Do you have any other tips? Share them on our DizLog Facebook page! We also invite you to test drive DizLog's free point of sale system or schedule a free demo. Thank you for reading!