Is your restaurant facing a drop in patronage? This situation can be a real headache, both financially and emotionally, especially for your teams who work hard every day. Fortunately, there are practical solutions to boost your restaurant's patronage: keep abreast of new trends, completely rethink the customer experience and integrate digital solutions. Find all the practical advice you need to boost your business and increase footfall in your collective restaurant.
Before looking to attract more guests, it's crucial to understand the changes impacting the foodservice sector. That way, you'll have everything you need to adjust your offer and win over your customers!
One of the most striking trends is the craze for healthy, sustainable food. Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and environmental impact, opening up opportunities to offer balanced, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals.
👉 Further information: The trend towards organic and local foodservices
In recent years, new regulations such as the Egalim law have encouraged the introduction of organic and local produce on menus, as well as a reduction in plastic waste. The gradual abandonment of disposable plastic packaging is part of a strong environmental approach. It's important to understand that, by adopting these new practices, you're not just complying with legislation: above all, it's a powerful lever of attractiveness to meet the new expectations of your guests.
Since the Covid-19 crisis, therise of telecommuting has had a profound effect on canteen patronage. Attendance now varies considerably according to the day of the week. Tuesday and Thursday are the most popular days, accounting for 22% and 21% of weekly visits respectively. Fridays, on the other hand, are significantly less busy, accounting for just 18% of total visits, reflecting changing work patterns. (Source: Restauration-collective.com).
This reorganization is upsetting the habits of employees, who also havemuch more flexible working hours than before. As a result, many of them regularly resort to online ordering via platforms such as Uber Eats or Deliveroo.
👉 Further information: The impact of teleworking on company canteens
Whether at school, in a hospital restaurant or in the workplace, diners are no longer just looking for a good meal: they want to spend a pleasant moment. Among the most frequent expectations, particularly in terms of service quality, are :
These elements play a key role in the perception of the establishment and in building customer loyalty.
To survive, collective restaurants have no choice but to innovate and reinvent themselves. So, what concrete solutions are there to attract customers? How do you build customer loyalty? And how can you improve patronage during off-peak hours? Here are the answers.
The old-fashioned basement canteen is no longer an option. Today's employees want to take their lunch break in a friendly, welcoming environment. Investing in decor, furniture and plants can really transform your customers' perception of your restaurant. Admittedly, these are major outlays, but they will bring lasting results to your restaurant.
At the same time, diversifying your dishes, focusing on the quality of ingredients and personalizing your menus can cater to a variety of preferences. Add to that fast, efficient service, and you've got all the ingredients you need to win over a discerning clientele!
👉 To find out more: How to make the lunch break employee-friendly
A loyal customer is an invaluable asset. To nurture this relationship, consider creating a customer base that allows you to personalize offers and maintain a lasting bond. Loyalty tools such as loyalty programs or exclusive offers encourage regular returns and reinforce your establishment's reputation.
Have you ever heard of a "canteen-corner"? These small, modular catering kiosks are also known as "food corners" or "food stalls". It's a space dedicated to fast, convenient catering for employees. It offers simple dishes such as sandwiches, salads or snacks in self-service or "grab and go" format, ideal for those with little time. More casual and often smaller than the main restaurant, it offers fast service, and can include areas for eat-in or take-away. It complements the main restaurant by meeting employees' need for flexibility.
Digital solutions transform your guests' experience. Innovorder offers a range of digital solutions designed to make everyday life easier for restaurateurs and their guests:
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You want to offer an innovative catering service? Our experts will accompany you from A to Z in your digitalization project.
