Don’t Believe in Restaurant Week? Why the Data Says You Should

The decision to participate in restaurant week is not one to be taken lightly. It can be expensive – without any up-sell strategies, chances are you’ll be lucky to break even on food costs. The high volume of diners will challenge both the front and back of the house to keep up with demand, while turning out a quality product. But the numbers are in and the benefits of restaurant week outweigh the costs for most restaurateurs.

How can you make the most out of restaurant week?

Staff up.

Be prepared for the number of new customers you are likely to get and insist on “all hands on deck.” Your wait staff should be eager to work. During restaurant week, servers make more in tips than during a typical week. Data shows that the total amount of tips received was 22 percent higher during restaurant week for participating restaurants, compared to four percent lower for non-participating restaurants.

Show off a little!

No need to ladle out the fois gras, but don’t serve chicken nuggets and macaroni either. (Unless that’s your specialty!) The goal of restaurant week is to give diners an idea of what your restaurant is like and win them over so they’ll return – preferably more than once – at full price.

Be consistent.

Restaurant week is not the time to experiment. You want the new customers you win over to be able to get the same kind of dishes when they return in subsequent weeks or months.

You may be surprised.

People typically spend more during restaurant week than the advertised special price. According to CAKE, a firm specializing in restaurant and data, the average check per person for participating restaurants was $43.35.

Don’t be left out.

Chances are diners will choose a restaurant that is participating in restaurant week if they choose to dine out. So, if you aren’t gaining revenue, the restaurant across the street probably is.

Making smart decisions for your restaurant begins with hiring the right people. The restaurant recruitment specialists at Horizon hospitality can help you to find and attract the best people, from front line managers to restaurant executive search. Contact Horizon Hospitality today. As experts in restaurant recruitment, we have the expertise to connect you with a diverse range of experienced, talented people looking for hospitality careers.

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