How Do I Grow My Food Service Business? - Complete guide 2024

Starting and running a food and drink business is one thing; making it grow is another. As a business owner, you have many things to focus on, especially in a world after the pandemic where customer numbers aren't certain. So, we've made a list of seven ways to help your food and beverage business grow and be successful in the long run.

Best Ideas To Grow Your Food Service Business

Storytelling

Every food and beverage business has a unique tale. Dive into yours. What sparked your solo venture? What ignited your passion for food? Do your recipes have a family history? Maybe there's a quirky tale behind your signature dish?

Sharing your story sets you apart and forges a connection with customers. Cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner discovered people remember stories 22 times more than lone facts, enhancing memorability.

Your F&B venture is beyond profit—it's about sharing who you are. Storytelling unveils the human side, fostering a community around your brand.

E-Commerce

The world is going digital, and so is the food and beverage scene. If you own a cafe or restaurant, having an online store can bring in extra income. It not only boosts business growth but also shields you from future lockdowns and restrictions.

Imagine selling meal kits, dessert boxes, or your special sauce for customers to relish at home. You could even explore recipe books or cool merchandise like cooking aprons with your restaurant's name. It's a tasty way to adapt to the times.

Get efficient with tech

We get it, finding enough staff for your restaurant is tough right now. Use tech to make things easier and keep everything in one place. Try things like Point of Sale (POS) systems, QR codes for table payments, and kitchen display screens. These tools can help your team work better.

Remember, if details slip away, so can your sales. Being organized is super important, especially now. If you often handle private dinners and events over the phone, tech can be a big help. Think about using Tripleseat to keep things in order.

Make your menu shine

Is your menu a bit messy, with starters, mains, and desserts all over the place? Time for a menu update. Even if your food is tasty, it needs to make money. Simple changes like renaming or moving your top earners on the menu can help. Put these winners in the spotlight with good pictures in key spots to grab your customers' attention.

It's a good idea to spruce up your menu a couple of times a year, by adding some seasonal dishes. Tell everyone about your menu on social media and other places. This way, your menu not only tastes good but looks good too!

Tap into Social Media Trends

Keep a close eye on social media trends and make them yours. New viral stuff pops up all the time on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, so join in.

For instance, lots of cafes and restaurants jumped on the TikTok wrap trend in January 2021, putting their spin on the folded tortilla.

Emphasise Your Values

Give importance to your brand values. Moreover, show these values in front of potential customers. Because many people are concerned about the following issues.

• Sustainability

• Zero waste

• Locally sourced ingredients

• Ethical choices

• Health and wellness

Many cafes and restaurants are adding more plant-based options. People in the UK are eating less meat, even those who usually do. A survey found that 65% are open to eating less meat for health and environmental reasons. Showcasing your values adds extra worth to your business, so make sure they're a big part of everything you do.

Themed events attract customers

Your restaurant can host plenty of special events—like a father-daughter night, wine and cheese tasting, or a workshop. 

If you already do private dining or events or are thinking about it, let event management software help. It makes handling events and talking to your staff and customers a breeze. Pick slow business times for events. Your restaurant can host creative events to bring in new customers. Partnering with local businesses, like a yoga studio, artist, or florist, is a smart move. It's a win-win!

In addition, make your packaging also appealing. For this, you can purchase custom takeout boxes. These will help you to promote your business through custom features.

Improve Your Cash Flow

Cash flow is like your business heartbeat, and not having enough can slow growth. Sometimes, you need to spend more to grow, so having cash in the bank is important.

To boost cash flow, set up good systems. Watch your spending closely. Manage creditors carefully to avoid interest-eating funds. Choose suppliers with fair prices and flexible payment terms. Keep the cash flowing smoothly!

Offer signature packages

For any restaurant, having special menu items and a clear private dining, event, or catering package is a great way to attract new and repeat customers. Show off your tasty offerings with clear digital and printed materials, featuring pro photos and well-researched pricing.

Customers are ready to spend more on special occasions and events, so make the most of it. 

Understand Your Finances

It's important to understand how much finances you have. You can't make your business bigger with unclear numbers. Just knowing total revenue and profits isn't enough. Dig into the details to fine-tune your business and make it grow better.

Increase Efficiency

Boosting your profits is a big deal for business growth. Long and costly operations eat up your resources and slow down progress. But, using digital tools and systems makes a difference. You can get more done with less effort. This not only fuels business growth but also makes the journey more enjoyable.