Thinking Outside the Takeout Box: Ways to Increase Your To-Go Sales
COVID-19 has forever changed the food service and hospitality industry. Even as restaurants begin to reopen, many patrons are erring on the side of caution and choosing to order takeout. And for good reason, as many areas of the country are seeing another surge of the virus in their community. If you’re an owner or manager, it’s a good idea to still have a plan in place to create more business with carry-out ordering.
With this in mind, now is the time to reevaluate your menu to make it more marketable as travel-friendly. Many restaurants pivoted to offer a limited takeout menu recently and have seen success. So, no matter what style of food you serve, it’s worth it to assess your full menu and find ways to entice customers who are dining at home. Since it doesn’t look like to-go is going anywhere anytime soon, what are some different options you can offer?
Go Big and Go Home
Many sit-down style restaurants were hit the hardest by people going out less. Customers usually pay for the total dining experience and don’t really want to shell out $40 for an entree that will be cold by the time it gets to their house. Instead, consider offering large take ‘n’ bake dishes that will appeal to couples or families who are tired of cooking, but still want a quality meal over heavier take-out fare. These preassembled meals can be better for your overhead and your customers feel like it’s a better value. These kinds of dishes aren’t just limited to dinner. Things like baked French toast, ready-to-bake biscuits or cinnamon rolls, or a breakfast casserole make for an amazing weekend brunch at home.
Carry All the Essentials
With supply chains disrupted, many big box grocery stores still have large empty spaces on their shelves. Many restaurants have gotten creative and partnered with local suppliers to offer pantry essentials. On top of menu items, you can stock things like milk, eggs, flour, bread, and yes—even toilet paper. This way, your business can be a one-stop shop for families. If they order takeout from you, they can also pick up a weeks worth of groceries.
Get More Mileage out of Your Menu
You don’t have to be a pizzeria or Chinese takeout restaurant to be a popular carry-out option. Get creative and cater to customers who are seeking delivery or carry-out options. Steer clear of foods that quickly turn soggy or that don’t taste as good once they cool. If you’re known for great steak or other cuts of meat, consider offering variations of the classic Philly cheesesteak. Wrap it in foil to trap in the heat and flavor. If tex-mex is your thing, ditch the tortillas and highlight special burrito bowls instead. Got a great burger joint? Remember to include condiments and toppings like lettuce and tomato on the side so the bun doesn’t get ruined on the ride over. And to avoid cold fries try offering varieties of chips instead. These are just a few ideas for menu items that can maximize your to-go business. Consult with your chef and cooks to whip up even more dishes that can go the distance.
The future of restaurants is still fuzzy. While cities are loosening restrictions it’s still a good idea to focus on takeout as a way to maximize your revenue. We hope you’re able to use some of these strategies to bolster your business. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about other resources during these times, or if you want to learn more about VersiTech’s tools for streamlining your operations. Our online ordering platform VersiEats makes it easy to to transition to takeout for you and your customers. We’d love to help you get started today.