Increasing the check size is one of the simplest ways to boost your restaurant’s revenue. All you need to do is make your customers spend a little more during each visit. If you don’t know how to do it, we’re here to help you. We have discussed 20 old-school tricks that can help you increase the average check size at your restaurant. There’s one more recent trick that only a few restaurant owners are using right now. Hurry up and get that one exclusive trick before anyone else does!
1. Train Your Staff to Recommend Wisely
Your staff plays a huge role in increasing your average check size. If they know your menu inside out, they can confidently recommend dishes, sides, or drinks. For instance, a server who suggests pairing your signature dish with a specific drink can encourage customers to spend more. This knowledge is invaluable for upselling and cross-selling.
2. Design a Menu That Sells
Menu design isn’t just about listing dishes. It’s about guiding your customers’ choices. Highlight high-margin items or chef’s specials with boxes or images. For example, in Malaysia, highlighting a premium nasi lemak platter can tempt customers to choose it over regular options. You should also switch to a digital menu as it is more attractive than a manual one.
3. Offer Daily Specials
People love exclusivity. Offering a special dish available only on certain days can entice customers to spend more. For example, you could offer a seafood special every Friday. This creates excitement and encourages customers to visit on specific days.
4. Create Combo Meals
Combining popular items into a meal deal is an excellent way to increase restaurant guest check size. For instance, bundling a main dish with a drink and dessert for a slightly discounted price can tempt customers to order more.
5. Use AI-Based Recommendations
Restaurant management software like EasyEat will provide your customers with some excellent and relevant add-on dishes. These recommendations will be generated through AI. Customers will be able to see bestselling dishes, frequently added with or complete your meal with categories which can make them order more increasing your average check size by 10%.
6. Introduce Premium Versions of Dishes
Offer premium versions of your regular dishes. For instance, adding prawns or wagyu beef to a standard fried rice dish can encourage customers to opt for the more expensive version.
7. Focus on Beverage Sales
Beverages, especially alcoholic ones, have high-profit margins. A well-curated drink menu with mocktails, cocktails, or premium teas can increase the check size. Highlight unique Malaysian drinks, like pandan-flavored cocktails, to attract attention.
8. Create a Loyalty Program
Reward your customers for their loyalty. Offer discounts or freebies after a certain number of visits or purchases. This not only increases average check size over time but also builds a strong customer base.
9. Offer Seasonal Menus
Seasonal menus create a sense of urgency. For example, a durian-themed dessert during the durian season can entice customers to try something new and spend more.
10. Provide Sharing Platters
Malaysians love sharing food. Offering sharing platters for families or groups can boost your average check size. A mixed satay platter or a seafood bucket is a great way to cater to this preference.
11. Highlight High-Margin Items
Strategically place your most profitable dishes on the menu where customers’ eyes naturally go. This “Golden Triangle” area is prime real estate for high-margin items like premium desserts or specialty drinks.
12. Improve Customer Service
Good service encourages customers to stay longer and order more. Train your staff to be attentive and polite, ensuring customers feel valued. Happy customers are more likely to spend on extras like desserts or coffee.
13. Offer Dessert Deals
Encourage customers to end their meal with something sweet. Highlight your desserts or offer deals like “Add a dessert for RM10” to make it hard to resist.
14. Host Events or Classes
Hosting events like cooking classes or wine tastings can bring in more revenue. Customers are willing to spend more for unique experiences that they can’t get elsewhere.
15. Provide Free Samples
Offering free samples of premium dishes or drinks can tempt customers to order the full portion. For instance, a small taste of a specialty soup can convince them to order it.
16. Enhance Your Restaurant’s Ambiance
The right ambiance encourages customers to linger and order more. Comfortable seating, good lighting, and soothing music can make a big difference. In Malaysia, incorporating local decor can also make the experience more memorable.
17. Use Time-Limited Offers
Limited-time promotions create urgency. For example, offering a special price for a popular dish during lunch hours can boost sales during quieter times.
18. Encourage Online Orders
Online orders often have higher average check sizes because customers feel less rushed. Optimize your online menu by highlighting combo deals or upselling add-ons like extra cheese or drinks.
19. Run Staff Incentive Programs
Motivate your team by rewarding them for upselling. For example, you could give a bonus to the staff member who sells the most desserts in a month. This encourages them to push higher-margin items.
20. Add Modifiers to the Menu
Give customers the option to customize their meals. Allowing add-ons like extra meat, sauces, or toppings can significantly increase the average check size.
21. Monitor Sales Data
Use data to understand what’s selling and what isn’t. For instance, if a particular dish consistently increases check sizes, promote it more aggressively. Analyzing trends can help you focus on what works.
FAQs
- How do restaurants calculate average check size?
You calculate the average check by dividing total sales by the number of customers served. For example, if you made RM10,000 in a day and served 200 customers, your average check size is RM50.
- What is a restaurant guest check?
A restaurant guest check is the bill presented to customers after their meal. It details the items ordered and the total cost.
- Why is increasing the average check size important?
Increasing the average check size boosts revenue without needing more customers. It’s an efficient way to grow profits, especially during slow periods.
- What are some effective upselling techniques?
Effective techniques include recommending premium dishes, suggesting add-ons, or pairing meals with drinks. Train your staff to make personalized suggestions based on customer preferences.
- How can menu design influence customer choices?
A well-designed menu guides customers toward high-margin items. Use visuals, highlight the chef’s recommendations, and organize your menu to make the most profitable options stand out.
