Five Things Restaurant Owners Should Do Immediately In Order To Stay Competitive

It takes more than a unique menu and exceptional customer service to stand out in the increasingly crowded restaurant industry. Consumers have more choices than ever before when it comes to dining out, so it’s up to restaurants to go the extra mile and build customer loyalty.

Dennis Lombardi, a consultant for the company behind Nation’s Restaurant News’ Consumer Picks issue, told the publication, “Brands have to evolve to stay relevant. The trick is to not get too far behind the consumer and not too far ahead.”

Finding that happy medium is easier said than done. However, there are five tips restaurant owners can employ in order to stay ahead of the competition:

Embrace Technology

By now, you’d be hard-pressed to find a restaurant or chain that wasn’t already active on social media. But restaurants need to use digital platforms to their fullest potential in order to make them worthwhile.

Some brands like Toppers Pizza use their online following to release new products and build up excitement. The brand launched its 3-Cheese Garlicstix exclusively on social media, and they quickly became one of its best-selling Topperstix. Other chains like Dairy Queen and McDonald’s are early adopters of the latest social media trends. Both brands are connecting with their customers on Snapchat in order to open up even more lines of communication with the newest generation of millennial consumers.

Launch Loyalty Programs

In addition to social media accounts, restaurant owners also need to establish a base of loyal customers. When consumers have access to specific loyalty or rewards programs, they’re more likely to become repeat customers.

One brand that encourages customer engagement is MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. The brand introduced a loyalty program that tracks consumer purchases and creates customer profiles, ultimately enabling them to better cater to their customers’ needs.

“We are doing this because we want to make loyal guests feel as special as we think they are,” said Natalie Anderson Liu, director of marketing for MOOYAH.

Encourage Menu Innovation

One of the most effective ways for restaurant owners to distinguish their brands in their specific segment is by constantly experimenting with new menu items and limited time offers. When brands introduce unique products to an already established lineup, they have the ability to create buzz with current customers. Innovation also attracts new consumers, which ultimately adds to restaurants’ bottom lines.

Continue Training Employees

Restaurants are nothing without a supportive team of employees backing them. That’s why it’s essential for brands to give staff members the opportunity to go alongside the brand. At the end of the day, continued education increases retention and creates a positive corporate environment.

Toppers Pizza, for example, uses its e-learning hub Toppers University to streamline its employee training program. The brand offers a variety of online resources for its staff—both new and experienced—to ensure that they have the resources necessary to move up through the ranks of the company.

“More than anything else, our e-learning tools focus on leadership,” said Matt Martin, director of training for Toppers Pizza. “We want our employees to have the best resources possible at their fingertips to make their experience with our company a meaningful one.”

Listen To Your Customers

Ultimately, one of the most important things restaurants can do to stay relevant and competitive is to listen to what their customers want and cater to those demands. Right now, tech-friendly environments and health conscious menu options are two things at the top of consumers’ minds. It’s up to individual brands to incorporate those trends into their models if they want to keep attracting customers.