Opening a restaurant can be highly profitable, but success depends on aligning with the right strategies and staying in tune with current trends. Picture this: during Thanksgiving, many restaurants in countries where this holiday is widely celebrated offer special discounts or deals like:
- Gather ’round the table for a delicious Thanksgiving.
- Pie on us! Enjoy a complimentary dessert with your meal.
- Be one of the first to feast! Enjoy early bird specials.
If your restaurant decides to skip such offers, you’ll likely see a drop in foot traffic. That’s the power of staying on-trend.
Another example:
Restaurants that embrace limited-time menus using seasonal ingredients or holiday-themed items—like pumpkin-flavoured dishes in the fall or heart-shaped desserts for Valentine’s Day—tend to attract more attention. Ignoring these trends may leave customers feeling that your restaurant lacks innovation, driving them to your competitors.
You know, staying on top of trends is like having a secret weapon for your business. These days, people love places that are in – it’s like a magnet for new customers. And the best part? Happy customers spread the word like wildfire! So, keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s hot can really help your business grow.
So, in this blog, we’ll provide you with insights about the latest trends in the restaurant industry, which can prove valuable for our business’ growth.
1. Video Marketing
Let’s face it, food is a visual feast. And in the age of social media, videos are the ultimate way to tantalize taste buds.
You know what, restaurants that use video marketing see an average 70% increase in sales. It’s no wonder why! Videos can capture the ambiance, the sizzle of the grill, and the vibrant colours of a dish in a way that static images simply can’t.
Do you know ChickQueen? It was struggling to make a splash until we realized the power of video. As our marketing team put it, “Videos are like a window into our restaurant. They let people experience the vibe, the food, and the overall experience before they even step foot inside.”
And the results were undeniable. Our Instagram followers doubled, our website traffic surged, and most importantly, our dine-in and takeout orders skyrocketed. It’s like having a personal chef showcasing our dishes to millions.
Our videos attracted millions of followers, including these popular ones:
2. Online Ordering and Delivery
These days, the secret sauce behind many popular restaurants is their ability to offer online ordering and delivery. And guess what? It’s these very conveniences that have boosted their popularity. Not everyone wants to dine in all the time. Sometimes, people just want to skip the fancy ambiance and enjoy great food at home in their pajamas. And the restaurants that are nailing this by solving multiple customer pain points are the ones raking in the revenue.
Now, picture this: a restaurant with 50 tables, all packed with diners, and on top of that, they’re delivering to 20 more households. Can you imagine the business they’re doing? That’s why having online ordering and delivery options on your menu isn’t just an add-on — it’s a game-changer.
If you want to hire in-house man-power that’s good. But if you don’t want to handle the headache of one more department – delivery department, then you can partner with various online ordering platforms like:
| Feature | Uber Eats | DoorDash | Grubhub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission Rates | Generally higher commission rates compared to other platforms | Competitive commission rates, but can vary | Commission rates can vary, but often in line with industry standards |
| Customer Reach | Large user base and wide reach | Strong presence in many regions, especially urban areas | Large customer base and diverse reach |
| Marketing and Promotions | Offers marketing support and promotions to attract customers | Provides marketing tools and resources | Offers marketing campaigns and partnerships |
| Delivery Services | Partners with third-party delivery drivers | Offers its own delivery service and can partner with third-party drivers | Partners with third-party delivery drivers |
| Customer Support | Provides customer support for both restaurants and customers | Offers customer support and dispute resolution services | Offers customer support and assistance |
| Integration with POS Systems | Integrates with many popular POS systems | Integrates with various POS systems | Integrates with many POS systems |
| Data and Analytics | Provides data and analytics on orders, sales, and customer behaviour | Offers insights into customer preferences and performance | Provides data and analytics to help restaurants optimize their operations |
| Additional Features | Offers catering services and virtual kitchens | Offers DoorDash Drive for restaurant partners to deliver their own orders | Offers Grubhub Marketplace for restaurants to manage their online presence |
3. Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are a fantastic way for restaurants to keep customers coming back. It’s like a game where the more you play, the more rewards you earn. Imagine a restaurant where you get a free dessert for every ten meals you order, or maybe a discount on your birthday. These perks make customers feel valued and appreciated, and they’re more likely to choose that restaurant over others. It’s a win-win situation for both the customer and the restaurant!
Here are some fun and exciting loyalty program ideas:
Level up: Imagine a game where you can level up as you spend more. The higher your level, the better your rewards. Maybe you start as a “Pizza Rookie” and work your way up to “Pizza Master.”
Surprise and delight: Keep your customers guessing with surprise rewards. Maybe they’ll get a free dessert one day, or a special discount on their next visit.
Exclusive events: Invite your most loyal customers to exclusive events, like a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen or a special tasting.
Partner with other businesses: Team up with local businesses to offer joint promotions. For example, you could offer a discount on your pizza if customers also buy a coffee from a nearby cafe.
4. Celebrity Endorsements
Why not tap into the power of celebrity endorsements and personalized messages to draw in more customers? Just imagine the thrill your guests would feel if their favorite celebrity sent them a birthday wish or shared a secret recipe for your signature dish. By teaming up with local or even national celebrities, you can create a buzz that makes your restaurant the talk of the town, turning every visit into an unforgettable experience.
Take Sarah, for example. She recently celebrated her birthday at a local restaurant where her favorite TV chef surprised her with a personalized video message wishing her a happy birthday and sharing the secret behind her favorite dish. She couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks! That kind of moment sticks with people and makes them want to come back for more.
Think about offering personalized messages as a special gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. It’s a thoughtful way to show your customers that you value their business and want to make their moments truly memorable.
The secret to success? Pick celebrities that resonate with your target audience, and make sure the messages are heartfelt and genuine. When you weave this strategy into your marketing, you’ll not only set your restaurant apart but also draw more customers through your doors, eager to be part of the excitement.
Conclusion
In a world where trends shape everything, restaurants that stay ahead are the ones thriving. From mouthwatering video marketing that makes diners drool to convenient online ordering that brings your dishes to their doorsteps, today’s hottest trends aren’t just optional—they’re essential. Add a dash of loyalty programs and sprinkle in celebrity endorsements, and you’ve got a recipe for success that keeps customers coming back for more. The restaurant game is all about innovation and connection, and those who embrace these trends will be the ones serving up success, one plate at a time!
