Offering takeaway options at your eatery is a smart business move, but did you know that you can turn it into a memorable experience for your customers?
A lot has happened in the last few years, and the restaurant industry has been hit particularly hard. In the face of social distancing, limited-capacity seating, and business shutdowns, it has been inspiring to see restaurants re-prioritizing takeout services.
Introducing a new service to your small business, such as takeout and delivery, can be thrilling. You may already know that providing takeout entails more than simply placing food in to-go containers.
Getting the Foundation Right
You’ll have to devise a system that employees and customers can use to place and pick up food orders efficiently, perhaps even an online ordering function. However, you must first test the process to ensure that it is efficient and secure, ensuring every consumer has a great experience.
When you’ve polished your new services, it’s time to elevate your takeout experience. Whether you own a café or a bakery, then you can get in touch with the bulk food supplier as they offer a wide variety of products and services including fresh meat and seafood, dairy, frozen goods, and more!
Here are nine things your restaurant needs to serve great takeout, whether it’s new to takeout or ready to step it up another notch.
Ordering Incentives
Special deals or a rewards program might encourage customers to return. You can stamp the back of their business card whenever they come in and give them a small discount or a bonus as a “thank you” for being loyal customers.
Create a Pick-Up Zone
Make a designated pick-up space inside or even outside your restaurant for takeaway orders. Use easy-to-follow signs to direct guests to the correct pick-up location at your diner, whether it’s a small folding table or a part of your service counter.
Floor decals are a terrific method to point people in the right direction while also reminding them to preserve a safe social distance. Customers will know who to approach for assistance if personnel handling takeaway orders wear a distinctive uniform (T-shirts or masks)—leverage low-cost marketing tools to enhance this branded takeaway experience, from branded pens to thank-you notes.
Touchfree Transactions With QR Codes
If your customers are hesitant to make advance online or phone payments, you can make use of a QR code to collect their payment when they arrive at the restaurant. You can even partner with companies such as PayPal to print a QR code that’s unique to you on banners and decals so you can collect payments safely and swiftly.
Create a User-Friendly Ordering System
Make it as easy as possible for consumers to place takeaway orders. Add a takeout-only phone line or extension, or collaborate with a third-party service like Seamless to offer online ordering.
A Menu Designed for Takeout
You might have to change your menu to accommodate a takeaway model—no one wants soggy fried chicken or melting ice cream. So, consider what you can do to make your takeout meals as tasty as your dine-in meals, and develop some takeout-only offers to get people excited. Display your new menu on a brochure, complete with your contact information, takeaway guidelines, and pictures of your most delectable dishes.
Social Media Posts
Make absolutely sure your people are informed that you provide takeout—one of the easiest and most effective ways to do so is to use your social media networks. Advertise your new service on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and keep sharing high-resolution pictures of your meals, outstanding customer reviews, and other takeout updates.
Postcards
A postcard serves as a blank canvas on which you may write a thank-you message to your clients. Alternatively, staple the customer’s receipt to a branded postcard for an elegant boost.
Sheet Stickers
Sheet stickers give a solid closure to takeaway containers and bags, allowing you to transform even the most essential items into branded marketing tools.
Paper Bags
Get your clients to do the heavy lifting by carrying their meal home in a branded paper bag, which will provide you with free marketing exposure.
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