There’s something special about going out to eat at a restaurant. It’s a chance to relax and enjoy good food and company. Restaurants can acquire new loyal diners by fully using this trend to deliver a taste of the local flavour, and optimising their restaurant’s technology can be the right first step.
When it comes to creating a memorable dining experience, nothing beats a local restaurant. From the freshness of the ingredients to the welcoming atmosphere, there’s just something special about eating at a place that’s truly part of your community.
If you’re looking to capitalize on this trend, there are a few things you can do to make sure your restaurant stands out from the rest. Here are some tips:
1. Make use of seasonal ingredients. One of the best things about eating locally is having access to fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you can showcase these in your dishes, it’ll go a long way towards making your restaurant more appealing.
2. Create a unique atmosphere. Whether it’s through your décor, music selection, or even just the way you and your staff interact with customers, it’s important to create an atmosphere that’s distinctly yours. This is one area where smaller restaurants have a big advantage – so make use of it!
3. Offer something different. Local diners are always on the lookout for new and interesting places to eat. If you can offer them something they can’t get anywhere else, you’ll be sure to draw them in.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure your restaurant is at the forefront of the local dining scene.
The Rise of Dine-In
The restaurant industry is ever-changing, and local dine-in establishments are on the rise. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including a resurgence in the popularity of home cooking and an increased focus on health and wellness.
As more and more consumers seek out local, fresh, and healthy food options, restaurants are responding by offering more dine-in options. This trend is good news for both diners and restaurateurs alike – diners get to enjoy delicious food in a comfortable setting, while restaurateurs see increased profits.
Offer something different. Local diners are always on the lookout for new and interesting places to eat. If you can offer them something they can’t get anywhere else, you’ll be sure to draw them in.
The quality of food tops everything when dining in. A recent study found that: two-thirds (68%) rank the quality of food as the most important factor when deciding where to dine, followed by location (66%), customer service (64%), price (62%), and safety/hygiene (61%). Diners rank dietary-specific menus (19%), live music/DJs (11%), and QR code menus (10%) as the least important factors influencing their dining decisions.
Point-of-Sales: Utilising the Paperless Ordering Experience
The restaurant industry is ever-changing, and one of the latest trends is the move away from paper menus and toward digital systems. Here’s a look at how this new trend is taking shape and what it could mean for your restaurant marketing strategy.
Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for convenience and efficiency when it comes to their dining experiences. Ordering from a paper menu can be time-consuming and often leads to inaccuracies in the ordering process. On the other hand, a digital ordering system allows customers to place their orders quickly and easily without any potential for error.
Not only does this make the ordering process more efficient for your customers, but it can also help to streamline your restaurant’s operations. Digital ordering systems can provide you with valuable data about your customers’ preferences and order histories, which can be used to improve your menu planning and marketing strategies.
If you’re thinking of making the switch to a digital ordering system, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose a system that will work well with your existing POS system. You’ll also want to make sure that your staff is properly trained on how to use the new system. Finally, remember that customers may need some time to get used to the change, so be sure to roll out the new system slowly and give them plenty of opportunity to try it out before making any major changes to your restaurant’s operations.
Social Media Marketing
There’s no question that social media marketing is a powerful tool for restaurant marketers. But with so many platforms and options, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Here are some tips for using social media to market your restaurant:
1. Use social media to create a connection with your customers.
Make sure you’re active on the platforms your customers are using and that you’re regularly interacting with them. Respond to comments and questions in a timely manner and give your customers a reason to follow you on social media.
2. Use social media to share your story.
Your customers want to know who you are, what you stand for, and what makes your restaurant special. Share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, highlight your unique menu items, and tell the story of your restaurant in a way that will resonate with your customers.
3. Use social media to drive traffic to your website or blog.
Make sure your website and blog are optimized for SEO so that when people search for restaurants in your area, yours comes up first. Then, use social media to drive traffic to these pages by sharing links and promoting special offers.
Mobile Ordering
Though originally intended as a tool for quick service restaurants, mobile ordering is becoming increasingly popular among all types of eateries. According to a study by the National Restaurant Association, 43 percent of consumers say they would use mobile ordering if it was available at their favorite restaurant.
Customers are looking for more than just a meal when they come to your restaurant. They want an experience that they can’t get at home. Table service is the perfect way to give them what they’re looking for.
Your waitstaff should be trained to upsell and cross-sell your menu items. They should be familiar with your specials and be able to make recommendations based on customer preferences.
By providing table service, you’re giving customers the opportunity to relax and enjoy their meals. This also gives you a chance to build a rapport with them and get feedback about their dining experience. Digital menu can support this, by keeping an hybrid between the physical menu, and the digital menu you can accommodate your diners’ preferences. Furthermore, if you are using pen and paper for your orders, using an online ordering system can help your staff to place more accurate and data-driven orders.
Staff can place their orders whenever and wherever they want. Mobile ordering also lets customers customize their orders more easily, which is especially appealing to Millennial and Gen Z diners who value personalization.
Start by fully understanding the potential of your menu offers based on diners’ new trends and train your staff on the importance of upselling and cross-selling, by setting consistent reviews of your menu offerings. Therefore prioritise diners acquisition with the right restaurant technology and get your menu digitally appealing!
Conclusions
In order to capitalise on the current trend for local-dining, it is important for restaurants to ensure that their operations are optimised for this experience. This means creating a comfortable and inviting space for diners, with attentive staff who are able to provide knowledgeable service. The menu should reflect the restaurant’s focus on local produce and dishes, an exquisite extension of the outstanding service, perfection.
By offering an enjoyable and memorable local-dining experience, restaurants will be able to attract new customers and keep existing ones coming back for more.
If you wonder what is the opportunity in your dishes, reach out to our team to have a free 15 minutes audit
Reveal My Food
Where the potential of your menu is fulfilled