4 SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST CHECK SIZE

Increasing your average check size doesn’t have to involve a big renovation, more staff or higher priced menu items and ingredients. Of course, all of that would be nice and is worth considering, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a big difference with the restaurant set up you currently have.  Here’s where you can start boosting your check sizes and bottom line right away.

These powerful techniques aren’t just about suggesting pricier items, they’re about enhancing the dining experience for your customer. The goal here is a win-win situation where your customer enjoys a richer dining experience and your restaurant enjoys increased revenue.

Upselling is about encouraging customers to order more expensive items on the menu. An upsell could be a larger cut of steak, a premium bottle of wine, or that dessert your customer rarely treats themself to.

Cross-selling is slightly different in that you’re suggesting items that complement your customer’s original order. Examples of this can include side dishes and sauces that enhance the main course or a wine that compliments a dish’s flavor.

With proper menu engineering, your menu can go from a list of dishes and drinks to a strategic tool that increases your revenue. Here are a few tweaks that can lead to big gains.

Visibility: Draw attention to high margin dishes with compelling descriptions, images, icons, symbols, or titles like “Chef's Recommendation”.

Limit choices: Strategically limiting the number of menu items makes decisions easier and guides customers toward exploring higher priced options with more confidence.

Bundling: Take high margin dishes and bundle them with delicious sides to make them one menu item. 

Special promotions are your secret weapon. They help draw in new customers and give past customers a genuine reason to come back.

Create urgency: Crafting enticing limited-time menu items encourages customers to try something new and visit more often. Whether it's a seasonal focus or an exclusive chef special, you’re adding a touch of excitement to your menu regularly.

Partnerships: Try teaming up with other establishments such as cinemas, theaters, or local attractions. You create win-win cross-promotion opportunities that benefit you, your partners, and most importantly, your customers.

In many ways, exceptional hospitality is table stakes. Every restaurant should already be excellent at this, but many aren’t. And there’s always room for improvement or refocus. When you get it right, you’ll know because check sizes will increase exponentially. Here are a few things to stay focused on.

Create connection: Teach staff to listen to customers and create small, memorable moments tailored to each table.

Reward loyalty: This is all about customer relationships, not just discounts. Drop off a free appetizer, ask for their feedback, and sure, create a loyalty rewards program if it suits your restaurant.

Empower staff: Train staff to upsell and cross-sell gracefully, and give them the power to make orders right, so they can build confidence and rapport with clients

From upselling to loyalty programs, increasing check size is about creating an experience that resonates with your patrons and keeps them coming back.