How Independent Restaurants Can Survive and Thrive in Today’s Tough Market
The restaurant industry is facing more challenges than ever before, and small independent restaurants are feeling the pressure, especially when compared to larger chain restaurants that have more resources to weather the storm. With major names like Jamie’s Italian, Prezzo, and Byron Burger facing serious struggles, independent restaurants are under even more strain to remain profitable. However, there are some strategies that can help them not only survive but thrive in this competitive climate.
Leverage Facebook Ordering for Greater Reach
In today’s digital world, a mobile app for browsing and placing orders has become essential for many restaurants. But for independent eateries, developing a custom app can be both costly and time-consuming. Enter Facebook Ordering, a more affordable and customizable option for small restaurants. Facebook allows restaurants to take orders directly through their platform, providing an easy way to connect with customers and manage orders.
While using social media for business is now a must to boost visibility and build a following, it’s important to keep content fresh and engaging. As Forbes highlighted, one restaurant saw a 10% surge in sales after implementing Facebook Ordering, proving how effective this tool can be.
Offer Free Wi-Fi for Your Customers
Another simple but important step that independent restaurants can take is offering free Wi-Fi. Today’s customers expect to stay connected wherever they go, including when they’re dining out. Providing free Wi-Fi may seem like a small gesture, but it can be a game-changer for customer retention. Moreover, it’s an affordable investment that can deliver substantial value in the form of increased foot traffic and repeat business. You can find reasonable business Wi-Fi deals that won’t break the bank, and the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Extend Your Reach with Delivery Services
Online food delivery platforms like Just Eat and Deliveroo have become significant players in the foodservice industry, and they can be a real asset for independent restaurants. Partnering with these platforms can help restaurants reach a broader audience, especially in areas where they might not have the same level of brand recognition as larger chains.
In fact, statistics suggest that restaurants using delivery services like Deliveroo and Just Eat generate 30% more business compared to those that don’t. Additionally, during quieter times, you can boost sales by offering discounts or sending promotional vouchers to loyal customers using real-time voucher services like City Munch. This strategy can help keep customers engaged and increase orders, even when business is slow.
Improve Your Supply Chain with Smarter Solutions
For independent restaurants, managing a cost-effective supply chain can be one of the toughest challenges. Large chains have the advantage of established supply networks that offer consistent pricing and quality. However, independent restaurants often have to deal with fluctuating prices for the same ingredients, and the lack of transparency in traditional supply chains makes it hard to negotiate better deals.
One way to combat this is by combining the buying power of independent restaurants. By pooling resources, restaurants can secure better prices and reduce operational costs by up to 20%. This is where GoKart, an app specifically designed for independent restaurateurs, comes in. GoKart helps restaurants access the best prices for ingredients, offers free next-day delivery, and provides a simple, user-friendly platform for placing orders. This app helps to streamline the ordering process and offers a much-needed solution to supply chain inefficiencies.
Minimize Costs and Maximize Profits
Running a restaurant is not for the faint of heart. While there are certain expenses that are out of your control, like lease costs, taxes, and wages, there are areas where you can reduce costs and increase profitability. For example, consider downsizing to a smaller, more efficient space and selling off unnecessary furnishings and equipment. Streamlining your operations and finding cost-effective solutions in areas like supply chains and marketing can make a significant difference.
In addition, adopting new technologies that make ordering, delivery, and supply chain management more efficient can help independent restaurants cut costs, increase their reach, and ultimately maximize profits.
Anx Patel’s Advice for Independent Restaurant Owners
Anx Patel, CEO of GoKart, has spent 17 years in the retail, wholesale, and technology sectors and is passionate about using technology to improve business operations. Patel suggests that technology has breathed new life into the restaurant industry, especially for independents who can now leverage apps and online tools to streamline their operations. While some aspects of running a restaurant are fixed costs, finding ways to minimize outgoings and increase income is key to a successful, thriving independent restaurant.
FAQs
Q1: How can independent restaurants improve their reach and sales?
Independent restaurants can extend their reach by partnering with delivery services like Just Eat and Deliveroo, which have proven to generate 30% more business. Additionally, using platforms like Facebook Ordering can help restaurants connect with more customers.
Q2: What are the benefits of offering free Wi-Fi in my restaurant?
Providing free Wi-Fi helps attract more customers who expect to stay connected while dining out. It’s a low-cost investment that can lead to increased foot traffic and repeat customers.
Q3: How can independent restaurants reduce supply chain costs?
By using apps like GoKart, which allows independent restaurants to pool their buying power, businesses can access better prices for ingredients and reduce operational costs by up to 20%.
Q4: Why is work-life balance important for restaurant owners?
Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential for preventing burnout. A healthy work-life balance helps owners stay motivated, productive, and better able to manage the stresses of running a restaurant.
Q5: What is GoKart and how does it help independent restaurants?
GoKart is a mobile app that helps independent restaurateurs access the best prices on ingredients, place orders quickly, and receive free next-day delivery. It combines technology and human interaction to offer a more efficient service for restaurant owners.
Conclusion: Embrace Innovation to Thrive
The restaurant industry is highly competitive, but with the right tools and strategies, independent restaurants can not only survive but thrive. By embracing technology—from Facebook Ordering to GoKart’s supply chain management—small businesses can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and connect with more customers. Investing in these innovative solutions can help independent restaurants stand out, improve profitability, and set themselves up for long-term success in a challenging market.
Now is the time for independent restaurateurs to embrace technology, streamline their operations, and boost their business.