- Invest in presence on takeout and delivery platforms to build brand recognition and trust.
- Prioritize packaging solutions with quality materials, an effective system, sustainable initiatives, and automation.
- Increase customer satisfaction by offering discounts/rewards programs and tracking orders.
- Building a successful takeout process can increase customer convenience and restaurant revenue.
Takeout service is essential to any restaurant’s business as it allows customers to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home or on the go. Takeout orders are gaining popularity, with many restaurants now offering delivery services.
According to a study by the National Restaurant Association, takeout and delivery sales have grown from under $50 billion four years ago to more than $70 billion, which makes up 20% of total foodservice sales. This indicates that consumers continue relying on takeouts for their meals and snacks.
Takeout orders offer convenience and often cost less than eating out since there are no additional charges after the food is prepared. This makes them an excellent choice for busy individuals who want restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of cooking or dining out. Additionally, takeouts provide restaurants with a steady stream of revenue even during times when dining rooms are closed due to restrictions or other circumstances.
If you want to ensure success for your restaurant, you must focus on investing in the takeout process. Here are a few steps to consider:
Build Presence in Takeout and Delivery Platforms
Building a presence as a restaurant with takeout or delivery options is essential for success in today’s competitive market. Restaurants must be visible on platforms offering takeout and delivery services, such as GrubHub, Postmates, and DoorDash. These platforms make it easier for customers to find and order items from the restaurant, which can lead to increased sales.
Making your restaurant visible on these platforms also helps build brand recognition and trust with potential customers. Being visible can create more positive impressions of the restaurant and increases its visibility in search engine rankings. This can help drive more traffic to the restaurant’s website or social media accounts, where customers can learn more about the offerings and services available.
To build a presence on takeout or delivery platforms, restaurants should create profiles that showcase their menu items, prices, images, locations, contact information, operating hours, promotions, and reviews. They should also provide detailed descriptions of each dish, so customers know what they are ordering before placing an order. Additionally, restaurants should invest in online marketing campaigns such as Google Ads or Facebook ads to target potential customers who use these platforms for ordering food.
Prioritize Packaging Solutions
Packaging plays an essential role in the success of any food business, allowing restaurants to attract new customers and keep existing ones happy. Here are four steps that should be considered when it comes to packaging for a food business:
Invest in Quality Packaging Materials
Quality packaging materials are essential for ensuring customer satisfaction with their takeout or delivery order. Restaurants should invest in high-quality materials that can maintain the temperature and freshness of the food while it is being transported. Additionally, good quality packaging material should be easy to open and dispose of properly and aesthetically pleasing on the outside. Stylish packaging can make all the difference in creating positive customer experiences and brand recognition.
Design an Effective Packaging System
Creating an effective system for packing orders is critical to ensuring customers receive their takeout or delivery orders quickly and easily. Restaurants should consider factors such as how long each order will take to pack if labels need to be included, and what type of containers will be used for different menu items. This helps ensure that customer orders are properly packed before being sent out, which prevents mistakes from occurring down the line.
Choose Sustainable Solutions Whenever Possible
Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses today, especially for food-related companies where environmental concerns come into play due to disposable single-use plastics and other materials used for packaging. To promote sustainable practices among customers, restaurants should opt for eco-friendly solutions, such as paperboard boxes made from 100% recycled paperboard or compostable containers made from natural plant-based materials.
Automate Packaging Processes
Automating packaging eliminates manual labor and allows restaurants to package orders quickly and efficiently. Automated machines are also efficient for businesses looking to save money on labor costs. Sauces are among the most challenging items when it comes to packaging, and a benchtop filling machine can help automate the process of accurately packaging sauces in containers or bottles. Automating this process helps maintain consistency in the packaged products and ensures they are safe for customers.
Focus on Customer Service
Takeouts and deliveries will allow restaurants to reach more customers, but it is also essential to focus on customer service. Restaurants should consider offering discounts or rewards programs for loyal customers and timely responses to customer inquiries and feedback. Additionally, restaurants can use delivery tracking software to provide customers with accurate and up-to-date information about their orders. This will ensure that customers are satisfied with the experience and likely to order from the restaurant again.
Final Thoughts
By investing in a takeout process that focuses on convenience, sustainability, and customer service, restaurants can create a winning takeout experience that keeps their business running smoothly and profitably. With these tips in mind, your restaurant can be ready for success!
