black dinner service sets image
T-Man
we have just re-modeled the restaurant inside and out, we have live entertainment now every weekend, changed the menu, and all, but the business just is not pouring in at night, there has not been a profit for 2 months now!
Answer
Of course, any business advice would need to be tailored to your specific establishment, but here's some general input:
Your question posed "how to increase sales", but you ended with "has not been a profit".
Sales and profits are two completely different things.
Increase Sales: General thoughts
1. Market Saturation: Does your area have restaurants similar to yours? If so, you may have too much competition. Check out your competition and see what they're doing. Compare/contrast to your operation.
2. Staff: Is your staff the best they can be? Are they knowledgeable? Do they know the menu inside and out? Are they loyal? Do you have rewards/incentive programs in place above just tips? Do you drive them to succeed?
3. Menu: Obvious question; is your food good? Is it new, different, and unique? Does it cater to your target audience? When coming up with new menu ideas, how much outside input do you get; family, friends, etc.? Do you keep it fresh? One client of mine rotated 20% of his menu (between apps, entrees and desserts) every 5 weeks; keeping the most popular items and experimenting with new. Do you offer a variety of dietary choices on your menu?
4. Pricing: Are too expensive? Too cheap? Cheap prices are not necessarily a benefit, it can imply cheap quality. Price accordingly.
5. Network: Join any local organizations, starting with the Chamber of Commerce. You can host events (monthly meetings) at your establishments. Get involved with local events in town, become a sponsor for events, etc.
6. Marketing: Don't just throw money into advertising, especially if you're cash-poor (2 months no profit). Be selective with your advertising avenues. Don't saturate, be smart. Determine your target audience and go after them.
Maximize Profits:
1. Check expenses: Where (if anywhere) is the excess spending? Are you over-staffing? Are your utilities in line with your volume? Do you have an inventory control system in place?
2. Increase Efficiency of operations: Not only does this increase revenues (because it improves the customers' experience) it also decreases costs (hence improving profits). Efficiency can be achieved in a number of ways. Take a look at your business and see where things can be improved; customer service, order processing, staff training, even physical operational set-up.
3. Product quality: You can actually increase profits by spending more on ingredients.
For example: For example: A previous client of mine was operating a pizza stand. To watch his cost he bought inexpensive sauce and dough (the two main ingredients of Pizza) and had a price too high for the quality of product he was selling. When my company stepped in, the first thing we did was get him a better dough and a better sauce. We also adjusted his price down. His sales went through the roof! Because more people came back to purchase again because he had a good product. He ended doubling his revenues.
4. Income statements: Many small business owners don't invest the time in creating monthly income statements. If you don't, you should. By seeing your business' operation in black and white on a monthly basis you will able to see specifically where your revenues are coming from (drinks, dinners, desserts, etc) and where your costs are going.
There is so much more you can do. Drop me a line if you'd like some more advice.
Hope this helps!
Of course, any business advice would need to be tailored to your specific establishment, but here's some general input:
Your question posed "how to increase sales", but you ended with "has not been a profit".
Sales and profits are two completely different things.
Increase Sales: General thoughts
1. Market Saturation: Does your area have restaurants similar to yours? If so, you may have too much competition. Check out your competition and see what they're doing. Compare/contrast to your operation.
2. Staff: Is your staff the best they can be? Are they knowledgeable? Do they know the menu inside and out? Are they loyal? Do you have rewards/incentive programs in place above just tips? Do you drive them to succeed?
3. Menu: Obvious question; is your food good? Is it new, different, and unique? Does it cater to your target audience? When coming up with new menu ideas, how much outside input do you get; family, friends, etc.? Do you keep it fresh? One client of mine rotated 20% of his menu (between apps, entrees and desserts) every 5 weeks; keeping the most popular items and experimenting with new. Do you offer a variety of dietary choices on your menu?
4. Pricing: Are too expensive? Too cheap? Cheap prices are not necessarily a benefit, it can imply cheap quality. Price accordingly.
5. Network: Join any local organizations, starting with the Chamber of Commerce. You can host events (monthly meetings) at your establishments. Get involved with local events in town, become a sponsor for events, etc.
6. Marketing: Don't just throw money into advertising, especially if you're cash-poor (2 months no profit). Be selective with your advertising avenues. Don't saturate, be smart. Determine your target audience and go after them.
Maximize Profits:
1. Check expenses: Where (if anywhere) is the excess spending? Are you over-staffing? Are your utilities in line with your volume? Do you have an inventory control system in place?
2. Increase Efficiency of operations: Not only does this increase revenues (because it improves the customers' experience) it also decreases costs (hence improving profits). Efficiency can be achieved in a number of ways. Take a look at your business and see where things can be improved; customer service, order processing, staff training, even physical operational set-up.
3. Product quality: You can actually increase profits by spending more on ingredients.
For example: For example: A previous client of mine was operating a pizza stand. To watch his cost he bought inexpensive sauce and dough (the two main ingredients of Pizza) and had a price too high for the quality of product he was selling. When my company stepped in, the first thing we did was get him a better dough and a better sauce. We also adjusted his price down. His sales went through the roof! Because more people came back to purchase again because he had a good product. He ended doubling his revenues.
4. Income statements: Many small business owners don't invest the time in creating monthly income statements. If you don't, you should. By seeing your business' operation in black and white on a monthly basis you will able to see specifically where your revenues are coming from (drinks, dinners, desserts, etc) and where your costs are going.
There is so much more you can do. Drop me a line if you'd like some more advice.
Hope this helps!
We would like to go on a cruise in 08 but have never been?
beccaroo
What would you recommend for a family cruise (2 children 7 &10). What is included? Do you have to dress up?
Answer
First thing to consider is that Passports are required for cruises in 2008. Give yourself plenty of time to get your applications processed.
My kids started cruising at ages 5 and 7. We have done Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. The Disney cruise was OK when they were very young but now as a 'tween and a teen, they love Carnival the most.
The 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream station are real treats for this age kids.
They enjoy the events hosted by Camp Carnival and usually meet a good number of vacation friends.
When shopping for a cruise, make sure that your travel agent includes the port fees and taxes in any quote you get. This is usually not included in the teaser rates you see on the web.
What is included for this fee...your cabin, food, tea & lemonade, entertainment (except casino).
In addition to the fare, consider these extra expenses (except the tips...these are optional).
Tips: $10 per day per guest.
Bar drinks: $4-12 each plus 15% gratuity
Sodas. $1.75 per can or $35-45 for unlimited soda by the glass card. The card pays for itself if you drink 3 sodas per day.
Shore execursions: 50-200 per person per event.
Spa services - $50-200 per service
Photos - $20-22 per sheet.
Bingo cards - $5-10 each
Speciality coffee and pastries - $4-12 each
Bottled water - $3.50 each
Taxis in port - $5-10 per ride
Tips - luggage porters. $1 per bag
Parking at cruise terminal - check w/port authority.
As for dressing up, you don't HAVE to. You can dine at the informal eatery on the formal nights but that is the night the usually serve the steak and lobster. My girls love dressing up for the formal night. You will see every type of dress from a little black dress to evening gown type wear. My husband wears a dark suit and tie.
Other times, attire is vacation...shorts, capris, tanks. However, if you want to dine in the main dining room for dinner, shorts and tanks are not allowed. Pants (including jeans) are good for dinner.
We take along a set of 2-way radios to keep in contact while on-board That way, there are no missing check-ins and I have piece of mind while my girls enjoy their vacation as well.
Notable...the cabins are pretty small.
First thing to consider is that Passports are required for cruises in 2008. Give yourself plenty of time to get your applications processed.
My kids started cruising at ages 5 and 7. We have done Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. The Disney cruise was OK when they were very young but now as a 'tween and a teen, they love Carnival the most.
The 24-hour pizzeria and ice cream station are real treats for this age kids.
They enjoy the events hosted by Camp Carnival and usually meet a good number of vacation friends.
When shopping for a cruise, make sure that your travel agent includes the port fees and taxes in any quote you get. This is usually not included in the teaser rates you see on the web.
What is included for this fee...your cabin, food, tea & lemonade, entertainment (except casino).
In addition to the fare, consider these extra expenses (except the tips...these are optional).
Tips: $10 per day per guest.
Bar drinks: $4-12 each plus 15% gratuity
Sodas. $1.75 per can or $35-45 for unlimited soda by the glass card. The card pays for itself if you drink 3 sodas per day.
Shore execursions: 50-200 per person per event.
Spa services - $50-200 per service
Photos - $20-22 per sheet.
Bingo cards - $5-10 each
Speciality coffee and pastries - $4-12 each
Bottled water - $3.50 each
Taxis in port - $5-10 per ride
Tips - luggage porters. $1 per bag
Parking at cruise terminal - check w/port authority.
As for dressing up, you don't HAVE to. You can dine at the informal eatery on the formal nights but that is the night the usually serve the steak and lobster. My girls love dressing up for the formal night. You will see every type of dress from a little black dress to evening gown type wear. My husband wears a dark suit and tie.
Other times, attire is vacation...shorts, capris, tanks. However, if you want to dine in the main dining room for dinner, shorts and tanks are not allowed. Pants (including jeans) are good for dinner.
We take along a set of 2-way radios to keep in contact while on-board That way, there are no missing check-ins and I have piece of mind while my girls enjoy their vacation as well.
Notable...the cabins are pretty small.
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Title Post: how can I increase my sales in my restaurant?
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Rating: 93% based on 9658 ratings. 4 user reviews.
Author: Unknown
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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