Restaurants and bars can be very expensive to run, but there are lots of ways to lower costs. From taking advantage of social media to cutting back on free offers, here are six easy ways to cut costs in your restaurant.
Use social media
Today, social media is one of the biggest marketing tools online, so you should definitely set up business profiles on Facebook and Instagram. It can also be useful to promote posts locally online to reach out to new customers.
Drop the free options
In the past, it was normal for restaurants to include free options such as bread and butter, but this isn’t common anymore – mostly because it is an unnecessary expense. If you provide delicious food and great service, you won’t see a drop in bookings, as no-one chooses restaurants based on the free options nowadays.
Be aware of portion sizes
If you notice that you are throwing away lots of food at the end of every sitting, it could mean that you are serving portions that are too large. This is a waste of both food and money, so try reducing portion sizes so that you don’t waste as much.
Be open with your employees
If you want to reduce costs at your restaurants, you should tell the employees about your money saving goals. This way they can also try to use less food, and they can make an effort to switch off equipment that isn’t being used.
If you need to replace the commercial warewashers in your restaurant and you are on a budget, there are options you can take by looking into specialists.
Only cut costs where you need to as some areas need to stay in a certain condition for example the bathroom. Maybe getting a Washroom service provider Gloucestershire company in to place products into the toilet facilities will help encourage more custom. You can get all sorts of accessories like vending machines that can actually make you money. Just check out companies like simple hygiene solutions.
Reward your employees
If you want your employees to really pitch in and help, you should offer them rewards for their efforts, such as free meals, extra overtime or even gift certificates. This will give them an incentive to help you, so you will really notice a cut in costs.
Don’t provide water unless you are asked
Free water is normally a standard in most commercial restaurants, but you don’t have to put it on the table as soon as they arrive. After all, lots of customers completely forgo the water in favour of another drink, but providing the water creates extra washing up for you.
Instead, leave the table clear, and promptly provide water if a customer asks.