Regardless if you're a full-service, limited service or fast-food restaurant, improving is the key and sometimes the easiest way to learn is by watching others.
Chick-Fil-A
Have you ever thought about why Chick-Fil-A outperforms other chicken places such as Popeye's or KFC by huge margins. We could default to the answer that Chick Fil A isn't really a chicken restaurant but they're actually a sandwich spot but I'm a true believer that if they started serving more than sandwiches and nuggets, they'd still win the day.
This restaurant probably leads the pack in a couple of categories starting with SERVICE. This restaurant is known for getting you in and out and doing it all with a smile. According to NRN, 72% of consumers rated Chic-Fil-A as Best in Class or Above Average and it shows in the lines and the explosive growth that they've had over the years.
Chic-Fil-A also got our attention when it comes to consistency. Instead of just saying pickles, their recipe sandwich includes exactly two pickles.... now that's consistency! And not only does this attention to details helps consistency but it also helps control food cost.
By focusing on ingredient serving amount in your menu, you can set the standard for consistency and controlling food cost.
McDonalds
How many lines have we seen at McDonalds while the line at the Burger King next door is virtually non-existent. We have a list as to why McDonalds outperforms Burger King but this isn't about a comparison between the two. This is an overview as to why McDonalds outperforms almost ALL other Fast-Food Restaurants on a one-to-one basis and how you can implement pieces of their strategy into your own restaurant.
Let's start by recognizing that McDonald's has buying power that most restaurants can't match but this doesn't mean that the below strategy can't be implemented by your restaurant as well.
Although the cost of McDonalds Meals isn't the same low price that we might've found just a few years ago, they continue to provide enough low-cost menu items (including their $1 menu) that continue to create lines and drive customers through the door.
The Loss Leader strategy combined with great food and consistency can help create lines out the door.
Pizza Hut and Dominoes
Pizza delivery can't be limited to Pizza anymore but for restaurants who aren't taking advantage of the delivery era, you're statistically missing out on a real revenue stream.
The Pizza delivery business hit almost $50B in Annual sales but beyond just pizza, it's estimated that 60% of Americans order takeout or delivery at least once per week.
Total sales in the US Food delivery sector hit at estimated $350 billion dollars in annual sales according to Statistia, falling only behind China. By 2028 that number is expected to increase to more than $500 billion.
Roughly 57% of Americans prefer to order delivery or takeout, while 43% prefer to dine in at restaurants.
Marketing your restaurant as a takeout or delivery friendly restaurant can pay real dividends!
In short, by providing great service, consistency and value combined with a strategy for takeout and delivery, you can see your restaurant reach new heights.
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