Foodservice Updates

Foodservice Updates is designed to help foodservice operators keep on top of all the industry news and provides tips for keeping business running smooth. We endeavor to provide the latest tips and solutions to keep you in the know.

The evolution of restaurant reservations

As restaurants continue to look for ways to offer prime experiences to diners while catering to their most frequent visitors, the process of booking a restaurant reservation is beginning to resemble the process of booking a flight – with perks for those willing to pay for a first-class experience. As a recent CNBC report says, the guest management platform SevenRooms is offering restaurants tools such as online ordering, waitlists and reservations, in addition to customer data that restaurants can use to promote enhanced experiences or sell upgrades to certain clientele. That could mean getting first dibs on patio seating at sunset – or simply better access to prime tables at peak dining hours. Participating restaurants are finding that this capability to make reservations more exclusive is giving them some extra ability to accommodate walk-ins and lingering diners, as well as greater assurance that the people who have booked a reservation will honor it. The evolution of restaurant reservations is coinciding with renewed investment in the fine dining space, which is having a post-COVID moment right now. The category is ideally matched for the current need for restaurants to build higher-end experiences into their service – and consumers’ willingness to spend at restaurants if what they are receiving feels special.

Lure those loyal guests

Consumers like a good value – and increasingly, they are looking to loyalty programs to provide it. A recent consumer survey by PYMNTS found that 51 percent of respondents said they used a restaurant loyalty program. This was true across restaurant categories, with 49 percent participating at quick-service restaurants and 34 percent participating at full-service restaurants. This is spurring restaurants to reinvent their programs with new tiers, increased personalization and new payment capabilities, among other enhancements. There are more businesses vying for more signups to their loyalty program, so it will take a well-coordinated effort to get guests to join. Consider offering a tempting incentive to get people to sign up – a discount on their purchase that day, a free drink or snack, or another popular item you offer. Then get your staff on board, since they are likely the ones who will be prompting guests to join. Make sure they understand it, can explain it, and have some opening language on hand to promote it – have them share suggestions with each other or even engage in some competition for guest signups. Then make sure you promote the program on your website, store signage and social media – with clear language, simple prompts and an easy means of joining (like a QR code that will take guests right where they need to go). Your social media is another avenue to create contests and potentially viral content around your program.

How to Maximize Your Menu with Less

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How to Maximize Your Menu with Less