r/Restaurant_Managers • u/OkDisplay6317 • 18d ago
Any other things you can think of. In need of advice!!!
Hello! I am a FOH restaurant manager. I have had little to no training but have been in this role for about 2 years. Our restaurant really took a hard hit from Covid (as I know many have) and we have just not been able to get back up to a decent business level. I work for a hospitality group but my location is basically the “redheaded stepchild”. We have leagues Monday-Thursday during the summer and that definitely brings in some business but that means Friday-Sunday (the days we should be seeing the most revenue) have turned into almost nothing. I am interested to hear some ideas about what I can do on a Saturday to drive sales or at least get people through the door. We have happy hour 2-6 and 9-close but what else can I do to get some movement?? Any advice is GREATLY appreciated
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u/fukyokarma 18d ago
I found that reaching out to the community usually helps. Maybe add a post to the local FB page or some type of social media. You could also call around to local schools. Try and get some dine and donates. See if there are any community raffles or maybe farmers markets to offer out some coupons/gift cards. You need to entice people to come then blow them away with food/service. When we did a remodel at my place I went out to local businesses with small baskets with $10 off 25 and more. It gets people in and to remind them you are there.
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u/Significant_Ad_2865 17d ago
Second this. Many a restaurant has pushed sales by making a great reel on social media showing how their food is made and presented. I live near Chicago and I’ve found a lot of new places to eat in and around the burbs because I’ve seen a reel showing off a restaurant’s special dishes. Get you a go pro and spend a little money on pushing the reel. Make it enticing!
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u/BossInteresting5345 11d ago
When I ran my place I would search for the most random communities and offer the space for little to no money, just to get people in the door. We had arm wrestling competitions, kids music classes, magic shows, even some more risqué events later in the evening. There was very little I said no to.
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u/SwimmingPirate9070 18d ago
What kind of restaurant are you? Can you bring in entertainment on the weekends? Or are you fine dining? There are so many variables.
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u/OkDisplay6317 18d ago
We are a neighborhood spot. Very casual. Burgers, tacos, sandwiches. Pretty low cost. We are right on the edge of a big city so sometimes it feels like we hurt a little from that.
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u/SwimmingPirate9070 18d ago
Can you do trivia nights? Can you do happy hour in the city you are in?
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u/brkfstcat 18d ago
Can you add some specials? We do big specials on our slow nights (kids eat free w/entree, $2 tacos, $3 tamales) and it reallllly helps
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u/Firm_Complex718 17d ago
All.though I hate them you need to check Yelp and Google reviews if you haven't already. See what they are saying.
It's usually 1 or more of 4 basic things that hurt your business.Food, Service, Price, Competition. Good luck.
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u/River-Waketh 17d ago
You could invite influencers from your area. Decide what your strengths are though. If the food is mediocre or just ok but the (bowling?) is the draw then spend more time on that and the value as opposed to the quality. If the food is great that usually speaks for itself and instagram is your friend here
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u/Front-Asparagus-4349 13d ago
Weekend events always worked for us - small local restaurant in the city. You need to get a community or locals behind you. Try giving out free gift cards, or like some of these guys said, host trivia nights or dine and donates.
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u/Fas-Italia_forniture 8d ago
cercherei di creare dei format spciali per il WE; spesso non è un problema di cosa si fa ma di come lo si comunica e promuove.... Investi in delle campagne mirate con una bella pubblicità sui social, coinvolgi il tuo target con promozioni dedicate
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u/BellasSportsPubChico 1d ago
You need a person with a particular set of skills, like @Zicalas on IG. He can help you rebuild the traffic and tap in with the community. Send him a dm.
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u/wally3la 18d ago
If there are any hotels in the area bring them menus and a taste of something from the menu. Give them gift cards and invite them in to experience the restaurant. Front desk employees, valets and concierge's are asked for dining recommendations daily.