Over the past two years, restaurant owners around the world faced significant challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. In Utah, quarantine and stay at home orders forced the closure of thousands of restaurants. As pandemic orders are lifted, these restaurant owners are seeking ways of boosting occupancy to speed economic recovery. Just as Utah restaurant insurance protects business owners and their assets, creative methods of improving restaurant occupancy can spell the difference between success and failure, even in favorable economic conditions. With the tips below, you can take your restaurant operation to the next level, boosting occupancy and revenue at the same time.
Thin Margins, Economic Challenges
Most restaurants operate on extremely thin margins. In order to increase revenue, getting more patrons to visit is the key to growth. As most restaurant owners know, occupancy is dependent on a wide range of variables; there is no one-size-fits-all solution to improving occupancy. Add in the economic challenges associated with the coronavirus pandemic, including lack of staff and supply chain breakdowns, and restaurant owners throughout the state have relied on Utah restaurant insurance coverages as a powerful risk management tool.
Restaurants that were able to adapt new services or business models were able to weather the worst of the economic crisis related to COVID-19. These restaurants added curbside pickup, touchless ordering and delivery options, or even “meal in a box” kits that customers could use to prepare their favorite menu items. Flexibility and creativity were required, and as businesses reopen across the state, the lessons learned during the pandemic can influence future business decisions.
Improving Online Visibility
The most effective way of getting more customers into seats at restaurants is by leveraging the power of the internet. Digital marketing represents a cost-effective method of building brand recognition and customer engagement. Tips for restaurant owners include:
- Claiming a Google My Business profile to allow customers to find your establishment on Google Maps.
- Creating and maintaining social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Adding reservation buttons to websites as well as social media channels.
- Creating and updating profiles on TripAdvisor, TheFork, and similar review sites.
The best restaurants cannot grow unless people know about them. With online tools and strategies, restaurant owners have the ability to create new business opportunities, helping them to expand awareness among local customers and visitors from outside the area.
Leveraging Special Events
Every community hosts local events, and these events are a great opportunity for restaurant owners to improve their brand recognition. Restaurant owners should consider sponsoring such events, giving customers a taste of what’s in store when they visit the restaurant location itself.
Community events are not the only option available. Special events can be planned around holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Independence Day. Offering customers an evening of food and fun on these holidays can improve your revenue as well as providing great publicity that will last throughout the year.
Exploring Restaurant Layouts and Occupancy Levels
Some of the most popular restaurants in the state of Utah have used data to boost occupancy levels. The process begins with taking a hard look at the layout of the establishment in order to optimize table density and placement. This can also streamline the reservation process, giving owners and managers the ability to control reservation placements. Next, collect and analyze data on:
- Service cycles
- Production capacity
- Average table time
This information can help restaurant owners increase table turnover, effectively doubling or tripling occupancy during the busiest times.
Keeping Restaurants Filled
The principle of supply and demand is a critical aspect of restaurant operation. In the same way that Utah restaurant insurance protects against operational and liability risks, managing supply and demand can help to keep restaurants at maximum capacity throughout shifts. How can restaurant owners achieve this? There are several possible solutions, including:
- Using digital waiting lists – this solution allows customers to sign up to be notified when a table is available.
- Offering discounts during slow periods to fill tables.
- Increasing available reservations during slow periods.
- Using text-messaging apps to remind customers of upcoming reservations and to allow them to confirm their visits.
As restaurant owners explore these strategies for boosting occupancy, it is important to remember that adaptability is the key to getting the most from food operations. The restaurants that identify and respond to changing customer preferences are the ones that will achieve long-term success, no matter what economic hurdles present themselves.
About BTC Insurance Services
Founded in 2011, BTC Insurance Services has proudly served Utah businesses with comprehensive and custom-tailored insurance coverages for a decade. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term client relationships with a personalized and hands-on approach, and have established a reputation built on quality and transparency. For more information about our products and services, we invite you to contact one of our reputable agents today at (855) 944-3457, or send us a message here.
