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	<title>Restaurant Promotions Archives - HotOperator</title>
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		<title>Selling Restaurant Food in a Down Economy</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/selling-restaurant-food-in-a-down-economy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:21:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#RestaurantMarketing #DownEconomy #DiningTrends2025 #ValueDining #CasualDining #PrixFixeMenu #DateNight #MiniVacationDining #Hospitality #IndependentRestaurants]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12711</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Selling Restaurant Food in a Down Economy The economic backdrop for U.S. restaurants in 2025 is proving increasingly challenging. On one hand, total eating-and-drinking-place sales have edged up modestly — but the gains are being driven largely by menu-price inflation, not higher foot traffic. NRA+1 On the other hand, consumer behavior is shifting: higher prices, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/selling-restaurant-food-in-a-down-economy/">Selling Restaurant Food in a Down Economy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><b><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12713 aligncenter" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Todays-Specials.jpg" alt="Pretty Woman in Diner" width="635" height="635" /></b></h2>
<h2><b>Selling Restaurant Food in a Down Economy</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The economic backdrop for U.S. restaurants in 2025 is proving increasingly challenging. On one hand, total eating-and-drinking-place sales have edged up modestly — but the gains are being driven largely by menu-price inflation, not higher foot traffic. </span><a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/restaurant-economic-insights/economic-indicators/total-restaurant-industry-sales/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NRA+1</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> On the other hand, consumer behavior is shifting: higher prices, rising grocery costs and broader financial uncertainty mean many diners are cutting back. Nearly 40 % of consumers told a recent survey they&#8217;re spending less of their disposable income on restaurants. </span><a href="https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/consumers-are-more-likely-say-theyre-cutting-back-restaurants?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Restaurant Business Online+2Food Business News+2</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This economic squeeze hits especially hard for family-run, sit-down, full-service restaurants — a segment for which casual dining and fine dining have both seen traffic declines. </span><a href="https://blackboxintelligence.com/blog/restaurant-industry-in-review-trends-from-september-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Black Box Intelligence+2SeafoodSource+2</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Meanwhile, consumers still crave the experience of dining out — but now they demand more value, more meaning, and more “escape.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s where creative restaurateurs and smart operators — i.e. you — have a massive opportunity. When people cut back on big expensive vacations, they’ll still spend on </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">mini-escapes.</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> So think beyond “just dinner.” Think “a night out that feels like a getaway.”</span></p>
<h3><b>Why “mini-vacation” dining works now</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>People want escape without spending a lot</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Economic uncertainty means fewer expensive trips, but that doesn’t kill the desire for novelty, fun, or a break from routine.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Value + experience = perceived worth.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> If guests feel they’re getting a lot (good food, ambiance, fun, generosity) for the price — especially compared to eating at home — they’re more likely to come out even when budgets are tight.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Emotion trumps menu mechanics in tough times.</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Nostalgia, comfort, and the chance to feel pampered or travel (even imaginatively) can be far more motivating than “just a meal.”</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><b><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12714 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Mini-Vacation-Restaurant.jpg" alt="Cute Girl in Restaurant" width="353" height="353" />How to turn your restaurant into a “home away from home” mini-vacation</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are actionable ideas for owners/operators to reframe their offer — and tap into demand even when consumers are cost-conscious:</span></p>
<h4><b>🎯 Themed Prix Fixe “Getaway” Menus</b></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead of traditional à-la-carte dining, offer themed set meals — for example:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>“Bahamas Night”</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> — shared tropical appetizer (think coconut shrimp or jerk-seasoned bites), two entrée selections (fish tacos, jerk chicken pasta, etc.), and a shared dessert (key lime pie or rum-glazed banana foster), all for </span><b>$39.99 per couple</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Serve with island-inspired mocktails or cocktails.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>“Roman Holiday”</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> — antipasti starter, family-style pasta or chicken parm, shared tiramisu — evoking an Italian trattoria vibe, for </span><b>$2-for-$45 couples prix fixe</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">These bundles promise escapism and ease: no budget shock (fixed price), no thinking about “which appetizer / entrée / dessert.” It’s a deal and a mini-holiday all in one.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><b>💑 Date-Night Bundles &amp; Value Lunch Program</b></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Date Night / Early Dinner Bundles</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Shared appetizer + two entrées + shared dessert for a fixed price. Great for couples — maybe “two-for-39.99,” or slightly higher depending on region/food cost.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Lunch-for-Two Deals</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Sandwich, side dish (e.g., soup, salad, fries), and two drinks for </span><b>$24.99 for two people</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> — perfect for friends or coworkers seeking affordability and convenience mid-day.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These packaged deals give guests a sense of control and value when wallets are tight.</span></p>
<h4><b>🎉 Add Entertainment / Atmosphere — Make It An Event</b></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Live music nights (acoustic, jazz, Latin, depending on your cuisine/theme) — make it feel like a night out, not just dinner.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Theme nights: “Taco Tuesday Mexico Fiesta,” “Mediterranean Escape,” “Caribbean Friday,” etc — with décor, playlist, and even small details like themed napkins or menu descriptions.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Occasional seasonal events: “Summer Luau,” “Winter Warm-Up” (comfort foods, warm drinks), “Holiday Escape” menus — giving regular customers a reason to stop by.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4><b>📲 Use Smart Digital Marketing &amp; Loyalty Triggers</b></h4>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Promote the bundles through social media and email as “mini-vacations without leaving town.”<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12716 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Two-For-Lunch-Deals.jpg" alt="" width="323" height="323" /></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Loyalty perks: e.g., after 5 “getaway meals,” offer a free dessert or discounted next prix fixe night.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Early-week or slow-night specials (Tuesdays, Wednesdays) — earlier seatings, discounted bundles — to drive traffic on slower nights.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><b>The Benefits for Independent Restaurant Operators</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You capture guests who are willing to dine out but are more cost-conscious.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You increase perceived value and emotional connection — it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You streamline ordering &amp; food cost control: prix fixe menus simplify prep, reduce waste, and help manage margins.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You build loyalty and recurring visits — when people know they can get a “vacation in town” for $40–$50, they may choose it over other discretionary spending.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Why This Matters Now</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Given high food and labor costs — many operators report food costs up nearly 29% over last year, and rising pressure on profit margins. </span><a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/with-costs-up-and-demand-down-restaurants-are-making-moves-that-impact-consumers-according-to-popmenus-state-of-the-plate-study-302617926.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">PR Newswire+1</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> And with consumers telling pollsters that dining out is one of the first places they cut back when money gets tight. </span><a href="https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/29367-foodservice-traffic-continues-to-fall-as-consumers-cut-costs?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food Business News+2EMARKETER+2</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In short: when the economy tightens, people don’t necessarily stop eating out — but they’re more selective. If you can offer value, comfort, and a little “escape,” independent and family-run restaurants have tremendous opportunity to win back those budget-conscious but experience-hungry diners.</span></p>
<p><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-weight: 400;" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/selling-restaurant-food-in-a-down-economy/">Selling Restaurant Food in a Down Economy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to turn around a restaurant business.</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/how-to-turn-around-a-restaurant-business/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:07:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Foodservice Brand Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Engineering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Makeover]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Matrix]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Menu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant menu design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Social Media]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12650</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Turning around a restaurant can be a difficult task, especially in smaller communities and neighborhoods. But it can be done. To turn around a restaurant business, you’ll need to do some tricky marketing. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/how-to-turn-around-a-restaurant-business/">How to turn around a restaurant business.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12653" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Turn-Your-Restaurant-Around.jpg" alt="Steps to Restaurant Growth" width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Turn-Your-Restaurant-Around.jpg 1080w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Turn-Your-Restaurant-Around-980x980.jpg 980w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Turn-Your-Restaurant-Around-480x480.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1080px, 100vw" /></h2>
<h2><b>How to turn around a restaurant business.</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turning around a restaurant can be a difficult task, especially in smaller communities and neighborhoods. But it can be done. To turn around a restaurant business, you’ll need to do some tricky marketing. </span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What follows is a plan to turn around a restaurant business based on more than 30 years of marketing experience in the foodservice industry.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h2><b>Short Term Stop the Bleeding, Drive Traffic</b></h2>
<h3><b>Fix Internal Culture First – Immediately</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many times, what’s driving people away is internal problems. High turn over in staff, internal admonishment, and problems with employee worker satisfaction. The fact is, if you’re going to turn around a restaurant business, you will need to start by taking a good look at your own staff first.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Have a deep look</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> as the owner: if employees are quitting because of a manager, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">even if that manager follows orders</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, they may be the wrong fit culturally. A team that hates their leader is a poison pill.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consider </span><b>retraining or letting this manager go</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and start again. There is an only saying: Never Hire Anyone You Can Fire. Sometimes, before you can turn around a restaurant business, you’ll need to turn around your staff.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Hold one-on-one stay interviews</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with remaining staff to identify root causes and stop further turnover. Let them be heard. When people think they are being listened to, they tend to respond. And you may find out things you’ve never thought of.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Emergency Visibility &amp; Community Reconnect Blitz</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s the difficult part. In order to turn around a restaurant business, you will need to spend money on marketing and advertising. This won’t just be for social media either. It may include a menu makeover (done professionally), and may also include other incentives like discounts and offers for your guests.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Targeted Google Ads &amp; Facebook Ads</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in a 5-mile radius of your store(s):</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Promote a </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;Come back and taste why we’re the best&#8221;</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> offer — e.g., </span><b>Buy 1 large pizza, get the 2nd half off </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">(or similar depending on your product offering).</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add urgency: </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">This month only!</span></i></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Local Press &amp; Social Media Push</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">:</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;[Location] is getting crowded — but here’s why </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">you can still win!</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">” Write a short press release or article and push it out locally and on social media.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Film a 30-second </span><b>owner&#8217;s video from the kitchen</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, talking about the passion behind the food. If you’re uncomfortable with that, get a manager or server to stand in front of the camera for you. But video is king.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Email &amp; SMS the List</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Use his existing email/SMS lists for a &#8220;we’re still here, and better than ever&#8221; campaign.</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">3-part sequence: heartfelt message → special offer → last chance.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Turn Customers into Advocates</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To turn your restaurant business around, do everything you can to engage with some of your top customers. Get them to come in, and get them to bring a friend. And especially, do what you can to get higher review ratings.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Incentivize 5-star </span><b>Google Reviews</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">, especially in any business (where they’re getting drowned out).</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Give diners a free dessert or $5 off the next visit when they show a posted review (just don’t tell anyone you did that).</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><b>LONG TERM (Next 12–18 Months are crucial): Stability, Growth, Market Leadership</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once the new manager is in place, and they are well trained, it’s time to let them run the business. Here is a pivotal point in your thought process. Because this is the hardest part of turning around a restaurant business: Knowing when to work on the business rather than in the business.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ideally, the restaurant should run better without you in it. But that will only happen if you’re doing your job by training great people and then letting them do their thing.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>But you do have an ongoing role in the business. The following are important things you will be responsible for.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><b>Operational Reset + Training System</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Implement a </span><b>weekly leadership check-in</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (could be 30 mins virtual). Use this to:</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Align the teams.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Set standards.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Solve people&#8217;s issues before they explode.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Create a </span><b>basic training system</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for all roles — videos, PDFs, checklists — so when someone quits, you&#8217;re not starting over from scratch.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Allow your Manager to lead some of these meetings, but make sure they are on the same track as you.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure the message is clear, and that it is being carried out correctly.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Never conflict with your manager in a meeting. Do that in private.</span></li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Digital Domination in Local Search</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The biggest threat right now is visibility. Your competitors are now dominating Google Maps.</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><b>Fix NAP listings (Name, Address, Phone)</b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Add </span><b>10+ new local backlinks</b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Weekly Google Business Profile photo posts, new reviews, and Q&amp;A updates</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Make sure to rank in 30-60 days with consistency.</span></p>
<h3><b>Brand the Business with a “Local [restaurant style] Hero” Strategy</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Position your business as </span><b>&#8220;The [business style] of [your city, town, etc.]&#8221;</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> — the original, local, family-owned spot with quality you can taste.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Use your story: &#8220;before the chains, before the churn — there was [your brand].”</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Community involvement:</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sponsor local sports teams</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Run a “Product for a Year” contest</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Invite people in for kitchen tours and event nights (entertainment, music, comedy, cooking, etc.)</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Menu Optimization for Profit</b></h3>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Use our expertise: conduct a </span><b>Menu Matrix™</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> if you haven’t already.</span>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Raise prices 5–10% on bestsellers.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reformat the menu visually to increase average check</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turning around a restaurant business is no easy task. But it is possible with the right marketing and food consistency. It is essential to start with a menu matrix review to find out what is working and what isn’t. And it’s also important to have a good look at your staff and make sure they are all doing everything they can to help you regrow your business. To have a free 15 minute consultation with Mark Laux, <a href="https://hotoperator.com/contact-us/">click here</a>.</span></p>
<p><br style="font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-weight: 400;" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/how-to-turn-around-a-restaurant-business/">How to turn around a restaurant business.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>What Low Consumer Confidence Means for Restaurants</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/what-low-consumer-confidence-means-for-restaurants/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 14:10:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Cost Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumeerconfidence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer index]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12615</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When people start to feel uneasy about the economy, restaurants are often one of the first places they cut back. Whether it’s skipping the morning coffee run or trading dinner out for something homemade, low consumer confidence can seriously shake up the restaurant industry.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/what-low-consumer-confidence-means-for-restaurants/">What Low Consumer Confidence Means for Restaurants</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12618 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/5-meal-deal.png.webp" alt="Burger, Fish Sandwich, Fries and a Coke" width="482" height="397" srcset="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/5-meal-deal.png.webp 482w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/5-meal-deal.png-480x395.webp 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 482px, 100vw" /></h2>
<h2><b>When Confidence Drops, So Does Dining Out: What Low Consumer Confidence Means for Restaurants</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s face it—when people start to feel uneasy about the economy, restaurants are often one of the first places they cut back. Whether it’s skipping the morning coffee run or trading dinner out for something homemade, low consumer confidence can seriously shake up the restaurant industry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And that’s exactly what’s happening right now.</span></p>
<h3><b>People Are Feeling Nervous—And It Shows</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In April 2025, the Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 92.9. That might not sound dramatic, but anything under 100 signals that folks are feeling more pessimistic than optimistic. The last time we saw numbers like this was during the pandemic.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why does this matter? Because when people get worried about inflation, job security, or just the overall economy, they tend to pull back on spending—especially on non-essentials like dining out.</span></p>
<h3><b>🍟 Even the Big Guys Are Taking a Hit</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-12616 aligncenter" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Earnest-Chart-Template-2025-02-26T141241.245-1024x768-1.png" alt="Consumer Confidence Chart" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Earnest-Chart-Template-2025-02-26T141241.245-1024x768-1.png 1024w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Earnest-Chart-Template-2025-02-26T141241.245-1024x768-1-980x735.png 980w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Earnest-Chart-Template-2025-02-26T141241.245-1024x768-1-480x360.png 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw" />You’d think fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Chipotle would be pretty recession-proof, right? Not so much this time around.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>McDonald’s</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> just posted its biggest drop in U.S. sales since the COVID lockdowns—down 3.6% in Q1. A lot of that is from middle-income guests who are skipping their usual breakfast stop on the way to work.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Starbucks and Chipotle</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are also seeing sales slow, especially with their more affluent customer base tightening their belts.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Domino’s</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> noticed that people are choosing to walk in and carry out rather than order delivery to avoid extra fees. That’s a clear sign people are getting more intentional about every dollar they spend.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even brands that usually hold strong in tough times are adjusting their game plans.</span></p>
<h3><b>🧠 People Are Changing the Way They Dine</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With confidence down, we’re seeing some big shifts in how people are eating:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">They’re going out less often, especially to sit-down places.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">They’re looking for value—think $5 meal deals, coupons, and happy hours.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">They’re cooking at home more, even for meals like breakfast that used to be easy wins for quick-service spots.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All of this adds up to a big question for restaurant operators: how do you stay relevant when your customers are feeling cautious?</span></p>
<h3><b>💡 How Restaurants Are Adapting</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smart operators aren’t just sitting back and waiting this out. They’re pivoting fast:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>McDonald’s</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is rolling out a $5 meal to win back price-conscious customers.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Taco Bell</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><b>Chili’s</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are leaning into promotions to drive traffic.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Menu innovation is picking up too—new items that feel exciting </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> affordable are helping get people back in the door.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">And loyalty programs and great service? They matter now more than ever.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s all about showing your guests that you get what they’re going through—and giving them a reason to still treat themselves now and then.</span></p>
<h3><b>🚨 Bottom Line</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consumer confidence may be down, but that doesn’t mean restaurant sales have to be. The brands that listen, adapt, and find smart ways to offer value are the ones that will come out ahead.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Want to dive deeper? Check out this </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rebuilding-consumer-confidence-restaurant-industry-jay-ashton--slv0c?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">LinkedIn article</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> for more insights into what’s working and what’s next.</span></p>
<p><b>Let’s keep the conversation going.</b><b><br />
</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are you seeing changes in your guests’ behavior? Have you tried any new tactics that are helping? Drop your thoughts in the comments or shoot us a message. <a href="mark@hotoperator.com">Contact Mark here &gt;&gt;&gt;</a></span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/what-low-consumer-confidence-means-for-restaurants/">What Low Consumer Confidence Means for Restaurants</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>6 Restaurant Trends and What They Mean (number 4 is essential)</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/6-restaurant-trends-and-what-they-mean-number-4-is-essential/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:47:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mental Anchoring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Engineering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Matrix]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Cost Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Server Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cool restaurant billboards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foodservice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HotOperator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant social media]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12512</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>6 Restaurant Trends and What They Mean (number 4 is essential) According to The National Restaurant Association, the foodservice industry is on target to reach $1 Trillion dollars in sales this year. And when asked what stands out in the industry, here’s what they had to say (and what HotOperator recommends for taking advantage of [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/6-restaurant-trends-and-what-they-mean-number-4-is-essential/">6 Restaurant Trends and What They Mean (number 4 is essential)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">6 Restaurant Trends and What They Mean<br />
(number 4 is essential)</span></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/state-of-the-industry/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The National Restaurant Association</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the foodservice industry is on target to reach $1 Trillion dollars in sales this year. And when asked what stands out in the industry, here’s what they had to say (and what HotOperator recommends for taking advantage of those trends).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But before we get to that. Keep in mind, a strong message became clear: People want human contact when dinning out. You know, people helping people. So, take note before you try to tighten staff with computers.</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Key findings:   </span></h3>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12518 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Market-Tips-Files.jpg" alt="Sales Increase" width="130" height="130" />1. Sales are up: The foodservice industry is forecast to reach $1 trillion in sales in 2024.</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is this sales in more people going out to eat? Nope. It’s mostly higher prices. To offset this, make sure you are mental anchoring your restaurant menu. Have comparative prices that show the guest just how little they are spending.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12517 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Hiring-HotOperator.jpg" alt="Mels Diner Server" width="165" height="165" />2. Restaurants are hiring: The industry workforce is projected to grow by 200,000 jobs, for total industry employment of 15.7M by the end of 2024. 45% of operators need more employees to meet customer demand.</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Which is great. But it also offers another problem. Many operators are struggling to find workers (and keep them). A strong brand marketing campaign will help your restaurant stay top-of-mind. And that makes your restaurant more attractive to employees along with consumers.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12516 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Competition-Strong.jpg" alt="Business Arm Wrestle" width="141" height="141" />3. Competition is strong: In 2024, 45% of operators expect competition to be more intense than last year.</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is difficult for most independent operators. Chain restaurants are taking a larger and larger portion of the market. To combat this, independent operators will need to use guerrilla marketing programs to stay in front of chains moving into their market. Try things like local bonuses. Special menu items that only local guests know about. And treat guests like royalty. </span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12515 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Low-Profits.jpg" alt="No Profits?" width="198" height="198" />4. Costs are up: 98% of operators say higher labor costs are an issue for their restaurant. 97% cite higher food costs. 38% say their restaurants were not profitable last year.</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This points to a lack of marketing which puts stress on any restaurant. Simply put, a weak brand will not push their value up in the eyes of local guests. Our recommendation? Do a brand analysis along with a menu matrix to find out what your guests really think of your business. Every day you have a focus group going on in your restaurant. People are voting for your business with their pocket books and their feet. They are telling you if they like your business, and they are telling you what they like most about dinning with you (and what they don’t like)</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But don’t do this on your own. You need an objective view. You need an expert to look at your business and offer advice. It might be painful, but it is necessary.</span></p></blockquote>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12514 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Value-Prop.jpg" alt="Value Chart" width="229" height="229" />5. Consumers are value conscious: Nearly half of consumers are taking a wait-and-see stance when it comes to spending. Operators who offer a solid value proposition for dining out can nudge customers out of their holding pattern.</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is not a deep thinking thing to say. That’s because consumers are always value conscious. Where most people make a mistake is thinking that value conscious is all about price. But it’s not just about price. It’s about price and function together. A product can have a higher price only if you offer reasons that will support that higher price. Most operators get this wrong in their business and never think to support each item with the proper description and highlight.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12513 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Mini-Vacation-1.jpg" alt="Mini Vacation Car" width="207" height="207" />6. Consumers love restaurants: 9 in 10 adults say they enjoy going to restaurants. Restaurants allow them to enjoy a favorite meal that has flavor and taste sensations they can’t easily replicate at home.</span></h4>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So it’s not all bad news. Of course people want to eat out. It’s fun. In fact, it’s a mini vacation. <a href="https://hotoperator.com/hotoperator-introduces-again-the-nudge-restaurant-marketing-process/">So, you need to nurture those feelings with your guests.</a> That means you have to train your staff on how to work with guests so they make better choices when they order from you. And how to get your servers to leave their own struggles at the door when they come to work.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re looking for help to build a better brand in your restaurant, give Mark a call. He’s an expert in restaurant branding, menu development, social media and content development. He’s been doing this stuff for nearly 4 decades, and has worked with more than 200 restaurants across the country. This gives him a unique ability to learn from other independent operators what’s working and what isn’t.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><a href="https://hotoperator.com/contact-us/">Hey, the first 15 minutes are free.</a> To take advantage, call 800-316-3198 and leave a message. Mark will get back to you.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone  wp-image-12499" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Mark-Laux_1-scaled.jpg" alt="Mark K. Laux" width="352" height="282" /></p>
<p><br style="font-weight: 400;" /></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/6-restaurant-trends-and-what-they-mean-number-4-is-essential/">6 Restaurant Trends and What They Mean (number 4 is essential)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>8 Cool Restaurant Promotions (Number 4 is Really Cool)</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/8-cool-restaurant-promotions-number-4-is-really-cool/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:10:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Foodservice Brand Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12504</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Here are 8 Restaurant Promotions that you can execute in your restaurant that will capture the attention of your top guests.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/8-cool-restaurant-promotions-number-4-is-really-cool/">8 Cool Restaurant Promotions (Number 4 is Really Cool)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_12496" style="width: 315px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12496" class=" wp-image-12496" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Busy-Restaurant-3.jpg" alt="" width="305" height="203" /><p id="caption-attachment-12496" class="wp-caption-text">Girls Night Out</p></div>
<h1>8 Cool Restaurant Promotions (Number 4 is really cool)</h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a local restaurant operator, you have a direct connection to your local guests.These are people you know and can carry on a meaningful conversation together. </span></p>
<h3><strong>Here are 8 Restaurant Promotions that you can execute in your restaurant that will capture the attention of your top guests. </strong></h3>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Networking Events</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Attend or host networking events in your community to connect with potential customers and partners, and promote your business. Hosting the local clubs, associations and groups for a special lunch or dinner can do a lot to get people excited about your business.<br />
</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Approach these groups with a special sell sheet that outlines the investment in the event. My advice is to discount the event. It’s about getting a large group of people to try your business for the first time, or the first time in a long while.</span></p></blockquote>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Exclusive Previews</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: New products are the lifeblood of any restaurant. When you come up with a new item on your menu, offer exclusive previews or early access to new products or services for your loyal customers or email subscribers.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
<p></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Collaborative Giveaways</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Partner with other local businesses for joint giveaways, combining audiences and increasing reach for all participants. Go to car dealerships and real estate salespeople and offer them $10.00 off coupons that they can send out with their thank you cards. In this way, you are getting new customers in, and they will have a recommendation from someone they already trust.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
<p></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12493 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Promotions.jpg" alt="Angelos Promotion" width="250" height="332" />Themed Pop Culture Promotions</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Align your promotions with popular cultural events or trends, such as movie releases or sports events, to attract attention. This is particularly effective with ‘dinner and a movie’ or ‘dinner and a play’.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
<p></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Customer Feedback Campaigns</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: You have to be careful with this idea, as sites like Yelp will punish you for running them. But if you position and run campaigns encouraging customers to leave feedback and reviews in exchange for a discount or small reward, that can work. Just set it up as an educational program and that you’re asking for their help. And, make sure they don’t all say the same thing. This will get you banned altogether.<br />
</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Again, this can be one of the most powerful programs, but it has to be handled carefully or it can have some negative implications for the review sites.</span></p></blockquote>
</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Limited Time Products</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Release limited edition products to create exclusivity and urgency, encouraging quick purchases. This is especially important over slow periods in your business.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">
<p></span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Content Collaborations</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Work with bloggers, vloggers, or podcasters to create content that features your business, reaching their established audiences. Offer tit-for-tat incentives for their collaboration in the program.<br />
</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Silent Charity Auctions</b><span>: Host silent auctions for catering events or exclusive experiences, with proceeds going to charity, attracting attention and goodwill. These can be simple, like offering a catering event for 20 people, to something more elaborate that includes a local band and up to 50 people.</span><br />
</span></li>
</ol>
<h4><a href="https://hotoperator.com">Give Mark Laux a call (920) 420-2076 or reach out through his website of some expert advice.</a></h4>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/8-cool-restaurant-promotions-number-4-is-really-cool/">8 Cool Restaurant Promotions (Number 4 is Really Cool)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>8 More Restaurant Promotions (Number 5 is Hot Right Now)</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/8-more-restaurant-promotions-number-5-is-hot-right-now/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:42:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foodservice Brand Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12501</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>HotOperator has come up with 8 More Restaurant Promotions. Before you run off and try these in your restaurant, take a moment and see if you might need a little professional help.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/8-more-restaurant-promotions-number-5-is-hot-right-now/">8 More Restaurant Promotions (Number 5 is Hot Right Now)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">8 More Restaurant Promotions (Number 5 is Hot Right Now)</span></h1>
<div id="attachment_12497" style="width: 268px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-12497" class=" wp-image-12497" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Busy-Restaurant-2.jpg" alt="" width="258" height="172" /><p id="caption-attachment-12497" class="wp-caption-text">Customers Enjoying Meals In Busy Restaurant</p></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Running a restaurant can be tricky. Especially when you have to operate all the day-to-day drama along with marketing the business as well. That’s why HotOperator has come up with 8 More Restaurant Promotions. Before you run off and try these in your restaurant, take a moment and see if you might need a little professional help. </span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, here are 8 More Restaurant Promotions can be helpful, but they can also be harmful if they are not well executed.</span></h3>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Influencer Partnerships</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Collaborate with local influencers to promote your business to their followers through reviews, shout-outs, or sponsored content. </span>Every community has a celebrity of sorts that can be offered a little something to post on your page for a few days. Take advantage of that connection and have a bump in local credibility.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Customer Testimonials and Reviews</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: If you’re working with HotOperator, you&#8217;re already doing this. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and testimonials, and feature these on your website and social media.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
<b></b></span><b></b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Community Involvement</b>: Sponsor local events, sports teams, or charities to build goodwill and increase brand visibility in your community.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Birthday Discounts</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Offer special discounts or freebies to customers on their birthdays to make them feel valued and encourage repeat business.<br />
</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12494 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/PrixFixe-Menus.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="185" />Prix Fixe Programs</b>: Create bundles or packages of your products at a discounted rate to increase average order value. These can be for a day part, and limited time, or just a single day event. These can be developed as a separate menu, or added to your everyday menu.<br />
</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Special Guest Events</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">: Like a special local celebrity, or a beer or wine pairing events to get your guests to visit and enjoy themselves.|<br />
</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Affiliate Program</b>: Create an affiliate program where customers and partners can earn commissions by referring others to your business.<br />
</span><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Game Promotions</b>: Getting your servers and other staff to focus on add-on items and new offerings can take some promotions on your end. Talking about extra tips is one thing, but getting a server to actually ‘sell’ something is a different story. Here’s the thing: servers are all coin operated. So offering them an extra buck or two for a short time can get their attention (and you more sales in return).<br />
</span></li>
</ol>
<h2><a href="https://hotoperator.com"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12499 aligncenter" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Mark-Laux_1-scaled.jpg" alt="Mark K. Laux" width="265" height="212" /></a></h2>
<h2><a href="https://hotoperator.com">Give Mark Laux a call at (920) 420-2076 for expert advice.</a></h2>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/8-more-restaurant-promotions-number-5-is-hot-right-now/">8 More Restaurant Promotions (Number 5 is Hot Right Now)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>Are you getting complaints about your restaurant menu prices?</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/are-you-getting-complaints-about-your-restaurant-menu-prices/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:40:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foodservice Brand Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menu Engineering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=12415</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A lot of restaurant operators I work with are getting complaints about their restaurant menu prices.  Here are 7 things you should do to support higher prices in your restaurant. 1 &#8211; Understand Value and Price in Foodservice Prices are supported by product or service function. In the restaurant business, that takes into account a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/are-you-getting-complaints-about-your-restaurant-menu-prices/">Are you getting complaints about your restaurant menu prices?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">A lot of restaurant operators I work with are getting complaints about their restaurant menu prices.</span></h1>
<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-4052 aligncenter" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/money3.jpg" alt="HotOperator Money" width="600" height="425" srcset="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/money3.jpg 600w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/money3-480x340.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw" /> </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are 7 things you should do to support higher prices in your restaurant.</span></h1>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">1 &#8211; Understand Value and Price in Foodservice</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prices are supported by product or service function. In the restaurant business, that takes into account a number of factors. But ‘value’ is not about lower prices. It’s about price and function being close together, where price is slightly more important in the decision than function. But they have got to be close together to create value that a consumer will continue to purchase. In other words, your burger as a product has to function well enough to create value. And this value is a variable.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What to do? Consider if your burger is worth the price. Is it consistent, enough to fill a plate and different enough to get someone to want one more than once.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">2 &#8211; Getting More Butts in Seats</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A wise man once said: Getting more customers is actually pretty easy: just lower prices. Making more money for each item you sell is pretty easy, too. Just take a price increase. But the real genius in marketing is to do both at the same time. It takes real skill and strategy, not just tactics. So much of the restaurant business today is tactical. There is not enough strategy, especially with independent operators.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tactical thinking also includes missing brand awareness strategies. Brands are evolutionary, not revolutionary. Which means they must be updated slowly if at all (unless you have a lot of money to spend on advertising). And it’s not just about design, it’s also about voice, structure and guest impressions. Especially for a smaller operation. If you would like, I have a brand deck I can send you. Just reach out and I’ll email it to you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sadly, most independents don’t understand brand awareness. They don’t realize their brand probably hasn’t had enough support to be top of mind with guests. My advice, leave it alone unless you’re changing your operation completely.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What to do? Get my deck on brand development. It’s free and insightful.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">3 &#8211; Get A Better Menu</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course I would say that, but every operator I speak with lately wonders how to get more people into their restaurant. And when I look at their menu, it’s more of a memo than a menu. A better menu tells the guest what you think of them, not just the food. And, it’s strategic. A restaurant menu needs to tell your servers what you want to sell, and offer your guests the same information.<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-12419 size-medium" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Hollys-Image-190x300.jpg" alt="" width="190" height="300" srcset="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Hollys-Image-190x300.jpg 190w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Hollys-Image.jpg 278w" sizes="(max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hotoperator.com/hotoperator-menu-gallery/"><strong>A great menu will do that. And, it will encourage your guests to dine with you more often.</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s the thing, of course everything you sell is good, right? If it wasn’t good it wouldn&#8217;t be on the menu. But some things are better than others at getting people into your restaurant. And still others can do that and make you more money. Those are the menu items you want your menu and your staff to be promoting.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What to do? <a href="https://hotoperator.com/contact-us/">Get a professionally design-engineered menu</a> and teach your staff how to use the menu properly.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">4 &#8211; Offer a Quality Guarantee.</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12417 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Quality-Guarantee.jpg" alt="" width="119" height="119" />It is essential to put your higher prices into perspective for your guests. Explain to them that quality food is more important than changing a product to save half a buck, or worse making the product smaller.  </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, put it on your menu: “OUR QUALITY GUARANTEE! We will not sacrifice quality or portion size to lower prices! You’ve come to expect great quality from us and that’s our commitment to you!”</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What to do: Make an announcement on your menu.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">5 &#8211; Train Your Staff. </span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When anyone who works for you hears anyone say anything about the prices being too high, have them look the guest in the eye and say: “We had a choice. We could either lower the quality of our food, make the portions smaller, or take a modest price increase. We figure it is our duty to you to make sure the quality of our food never changes, so we chose to take a small price increase.”</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What to do? Train your staff (boy, it&#8217;s like nobody is listening).</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">6 &#8211; Use Social Media.</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12418 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Potato-Chips.jpg" alt="" width="241" height="241" />Most operators don’t use social media well, and certainly not often enough. But when you do use social media, it’s not just about your specials menu, or the latest food item. It’s also about communicating with your guests. So make a few posts that communicate why you’re costing a little more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Here’s an example:</strong> Make a social post on social media about the size of potato chips in the bag at a grocery store. Everyone can relate to this. Ask: “Did you ever notice that the amount of chips in the bag gets smaller but the price stays the same? Potato chip companies do it all the time. At Holly&#8217;s, we think that&#8217;s cheating customers. We would never do that. We&#8217;ll be honest with you. The prices of the quality food we offer has gone up, so we&#8217;ve had to take a small price increase. Thank you for understanding, and sorry about the potato chips you just bought.”</span></p>
<blockquote><p><strong>What to do? Post on social media about the quality of your food.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">7 &#8211; Use Mental Anchoring</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have some comparisons on your menu that show your guests how little they are actually spending in your restaurant. Here are a few ideas, but if you want something just for your business, reach out.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sell a car on your menu &#8211; no, seriously, sell a brand new car or truck. Your 15.99 burger suddenly looks cheap compared to a $120,000.00 Ford Pickup.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Compare your food to local homes &#8211; just list the average price for a new home. Again, it’s just for comparison.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Put a 1,000 wing party on your menu &#8211; if you’re selling wings at $1.25 each, that comes to, wait, let me get my calculator, oh, yeah $1,250.00. Again, your burger looks cheap by comparison.</span></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Offer a steak combination</strong> &#8211; even if you’re not a steak joint. The most expensive product on a menu is nearly always the slowest seller. Look at Texas Roadhouse as an example. They have expensive steaks, but their best seller is the Sirloin, which is their cheapest. So, take your most expensive item on your menu, add another expensive item together with it, and add the two prices together minus the sides.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br />
</span><strong>What to do? Mental Anchor your menu. If you need help with that, reach out here.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you need help coming up with ideas on how to increase sales in your restaurant(s), build a better menu, or develop a restaurant marketing plan, give us a call! Mark Laux can be found here: </span><a href="http://www.hotoperator.com/contact-us/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">http://www.hotoperator.com/contact-us/</span></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/are-you-getting-complaints-about-your-restaurant-menu-prices/">Are you getting complaints about your restaurant menu prices?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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		<title>Foodservice Brand Marketing</title>
		<link>https://hotoperator.com/foodservice-brand-marketing/</link>
					<comments>https://hotoperator.com/foodservice-brand-marketing/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Laux]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:01:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foodservice Brand Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foodservice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HotOperator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laux]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://hotoperator.com/?p=10935</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>From the farm to the table and into consumers mouths, foodservice marketing is key. How food companies make a lot of money with foodservice brand marketing.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://hotoperator.com/foodservice-brand-marketing/">Foodservice Brand Marketing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://hotoperator.com">HotOperator</a>.</p>
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				<div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">      <img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-10942" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Eat.jpg" alt="Independent Restaurant " width="1080" height="1080" srcset="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Eat.jpg 1080w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Eat-980x980.jpg 980w, https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Eat-480x480.jpg 480w" sizes="(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1080px, 100vw" /> </span></h2>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Foodservice Brand Marketing from Farm to Table</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you think about Foodservice Brand Marketing, you may not think it’s terribly important from the outset. Especially when you consider all the restaurant operators trying to keep your foodservice brand marketing away from their customers.We have worked in the foodservice industry for more than three decades. We can tell you that foodservice brand marketing is essential to having long term success in the foodservice business.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you were going to design the perfect way to sell food away from home, you would not come up with this process. It’s too complicated, for one thing. And for another there are too many hands out waiting to skim a little something off the top of your profits. From the farm to the table and into consumers mouths, there are dozens of people who all have to get paid. Over the years, we have helped a lot of foodservice companies make a lot of money in this very imperfect system.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Foodservice Marketing is Different</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-10950 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Red-Hot-Blue.jpg" alt="Cool Foodservice Logo" width="231" height="231" />Unlike a consumer brand, foodservice brand marketing needs to reach consumers indirectly. It also needs to mean something to every point along the way. If you are a private label company, your brand is being sold through a distributor, retailer or chain restaurant. And while your actual name may never come up along the way, you are still responsible for the foodservice brand marketing needed to get the product to sell.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sadly, most private label companies are not at all good at foodservice brand marketing. Worse yet, neither are foodservice distributors or retailers. And restaurant chains are not at all interested in most of the details in their foodservice brand marketing. Instead, they are more interested in their own sales. As an example Jimmy John’s is not a famous sandwich shop because of the BBQ chips they sell. They are more interested in the sandwich, the delivery, the cute slogans and making you ask for paper napkins.</span></p>
<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s Walk through the Foodservice System</span></h4>
<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Brand Manufacturing.</strong> </span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My company has represented a large number of brands in foodservice. With each one we have always promoted selling based on the foodservice brand promise: you know our products will always be of the finest quality. Products are always consistent and they can be trusted. Plus, your customers are worth the few pennies extra you have to pay for that consistency. Brand reputations matter, even in foodservice brand marketing. It is that simple.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We also recommend building an offering and a sales position that will attract restaurant operators and keep them asking for the brand by name. This can be done with promotions, <a href="https://www.foodservicerewards.com/foodservicerewards/logon.do">Foodservice Rewards®</a>, exclusivity, guerilla marketing at the street level and better sales teams. But never, under any circumstances abandon your brand.<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-10938 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Blue-Bunny.jpg" alt="Laux Marketing" width="275" height="275" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is also essential at this level to have a great relationship with the end user. This is difficult for most food manufacturing companies because foodservice distributors hord this information. They keep it under lock and key with anyone who sees their customer list sworn to secrecy. This is why we recommend offering Foodservice Rewards. This is a program that offers you access to restaurant operators. Further, it gives you the chance to market directly to them and bypass the distributor.</span></p>
<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Private Label Manufacturing.</strong> </span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When we work with private label companies, the first thing we try to impress on them is they are not ‘label’ companies. Instead, they are private foodservice brand manufacturers. As a point of difference, this means to the industry that you are going to take responsibility for developing the brand. It also means maintaining a level of trust equal to or better than any other foodservice brand marketing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rather than making your retail brand fit into foodservice, you are making a foodservice brand specifically for that industry. It is a foodservice brand marketing promise that you will create and nurture the brand. You are now the foodservice brand marketer. From the manufacturer through the distributor, the restaurant operator and all the way to the consumer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pitching a new product requires a foodservice brand marketing plan, neatly laid out with potential graphics and a sales approach. Keep in mind, distributors are not great at selling new items. In fact, they are not good at selling anything. They generally take orders and have great relationships with their customers. This is because distributor sales representatives are very cautious about offering anything to their best customers that might upset them. They would prefer to be asked for something by a restaurant operator and then be a hero and get it for them. So your foodservice brand marketing has got to be set up correctly. To do this, you must pull through the system. Foodservice brand marketing that is developed correctly will appeal to restaurant operators who will see its value immediately and ask for it.</span></p>
<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Foodservice Distributors.</strong> </span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-10951 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/SYSCO-Brew-City.jpg" alt="Distributor Foodservice Marketing" width="293" height="293" />We have worked with hundreds of foodservice distributors over the years and have never seen anything that could be called foodservice brand marketing. They private label, and then swap out branded products. They generally do not put energy behind foodservice brand marketing. There are a lot of theories as to why this is. In my experience, they simply do not spend the time or money on developing foodservice brand marketing. Their perception is foodservice brand marketing will never see the light of day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is and always has been a mistake on their part. Of course, swapping out brands for private label products helps them secure the customer in the short term. But after doing countless research studies on foodservice brand marketing and the impact of product fluctuations on the restaurant industry, I know first hand how dangerous this is. Especially to independent restaurant operators. Consumers do not want a restaurant product to change. In every focus group we have ever conducted, consumers will say they would prefer to pay a higher price for a product than to have it be different to save money. Consumers are very sensitive to product changes.</span></p>
<blockquote>
<h6><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consumers do not want a restaurant product to change.</span></em></h6>
</blockquote>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We have developed foodservice brand marketing programs for a number of foodservice distributors over the years. In most situations they have fumbled the product at the goal line. Even when we start correctly and build a nice brand position. When the foodservice marketing brand depends on foodservice distributors they seldom get behind the product. Or worse yet have a foodservice distributor sales director or vice president decide they know better and only offer the product to a select few customers. That or customers they think they need some leverage with because they might lose the business all together.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Good foodservice brand marketing needs to work through the foodservice distributor, but not depend on them. It’s best to do as much as you can to leverage the distributor sales representative. If you can make the case with the restaurant operator, the restaurant will order the product and resist the distributor swap.</span></p>
<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>A Word About Brokers</strong>. </span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After working with foodservice brokers over the years, they can be a real benefit if. But only if you are one of their top three or four clients. In other words, if you pay them a lot of money, you get a lot of service. If not, you simply don’t get a lot of attention. If you are a small client in a foodservice brokerage, the best you can hope for is one account executive part time making calls on your behalf.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I was working with Anchor Food Products before they sold to McCain, we would often put a lot of pressure on our brokers to ‘drag a bag’ with our products. Most often this was at the expense of smaller clients within the brokerage. In some instances, if our products were aligned with the same broker that had Tyson foods as an example, we might even move our brands to another broker to get more attention.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you decide to use brokers, pay close attention to their client lineup. Do your best to be as high at the top of their list as you can. And be prepared to spend a lot of time in each market training them to be able to sell your foodservice brand marketing. This part is essential. Your message needs to go through the broker to the restaurant operator correctly. Otherwise the restaurant operator may not understand the value of your foodservice brand marketing.</span></p>
<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Independent Restaurants</strong>. </span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of the profits from the food industry come from independent restaurant operators. This is because they simply do not have the buying power to demand a lower price. While independent restaurant operators should be worshiped for their contribution to the business, they are not. Distributors will swap out products causing mission drift. And they get advice from multiple, often conflicting sources. This causes confusion for the restaurant operator.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">From the food manufacturer standpoint, this can be a very lucrative source of business. But it is very difficult to get to. Most restaurant operators do not make decisions quickly. They are pulled in a number of directions and have very little understanding of foodservice brand marketing. We have given presentations at the National Restaurant Show, the Western Restaurant Show, countless distributor food shows as well as working with literally thousands of restaurant operators over the years. And when we start to talk about foodservice brand marketing, we lose their interest. Even though their brand is the most important part of their business.<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-10944 alignright" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/El-Barrio.jpg" alt="Restaurant Brand Marketing" width="291" height="291" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the upside, well run independent restaurant operators have a very thorough understanding of their guests. They fuss over them, talk to them and know what they like and don’t like. Your foodservice marketing brand and program needs to offer support in the form of products that will make them money. Offer consistency they can depend on. And provide marketing materials that will put butts in seats. Successful foodservice brand marketing is about thinking your offering through the restaurant to the consumer and getting the consumer to buy something over and over again.</span></p>
<h5><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Chain Restaurants.</strong> </span></h5>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-10936 alignleft" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Anchor-Agave.jpg" alt="Chain Restaurant Brand" width="353" height="353" />Your foodservice brand marketing will need to be adjusted to partner with the restaurant you want to work with. It is important to offer something for the chain restaurant that they can present as their own. Exclusivity is king. Most chain restaurants will want to be able to say they are the only restaurant operator who has a particular item.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To be successful, you will need to either invent or reinvent a category for the restaurant customer. Restaurant chains are typically the most sophisticated foodservice brand marketers of the foodservice industry. So your approach will need to be well researched, perfectly positioned and profitable for them. Further, make sure you do not offer something that will pull sales from an item they are proud of or that is already branded. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That happened once with a client we were representing. Wells’ Dairy Blue Bunny had developed a fried ice cream product for Outback Steakhouse. The dessert would ‘blossom’ into petals when it was plated. It was a very cool product and well designed. However, Outback was not impressed because they were sure the dessert would pull attraction from their bloomin onion. Needless to say, we were sent packing and didn’t get a sale.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Foodservice Brand Marketing.</strong> Thanks for taking this tour through foodservice brand marketing with us. If you are looking for help growing your foodservice brand marketing at any point in the process, contact us here.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-10939 aligncenter" src="https://hotoperator.com/wp-content/uploads/Call-Me.jpg" alt="" width="354" height="354" />M+K Laux dba HotOperator is a </span><b>farm to table marketing consulting firm</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Mark and Kelly are a marketing team and managing partners of HotOperator. They have been working in the food business since 1989. Either can be contacted through the </span><a href="https://hotoperator.com/contact-us/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">HotOperator website</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or by calling </span><b>800-316-3198</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. or contact <a href="https://laux.com">Laux here</a>.</span></div>
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