As a FocalPoint coach working with restaurants in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful group sales training can be. When implemented properly, restaurants can drive significant revenue through larger party sizes and repeat visits from loyal guests. This article will explore the most effective techniques I employ to help Sand Springs restaurants profit from group bookings.
Catering to Large Parties
One major opportunity lies in accommodating large parties, from special occasions to tour groups passing through town. Many restaurants aren’t equipped to host groups over 6-8 people. By setting up systems to reserve tables or sections for bigger parties, you can capture this business instead of turning it away to the competition.
Maximizing Check Averages
Once you start regularly hosting larger groups, the next step is maximizing per-person check averages. This starts with creating an easy-to-understand menu showcasing your most profitable dishes. Many guests tend to shy away from the more expensive menu items, so they require some gentle nudging from your wait staff.
For example, if you’re known for your steaks, the server can say “Our 16-ounce New York strip is definitely one of our most popular choices for large parties.” Simple suggestive selling techniques can boost your per-person ticket totals.
Driving Repeat Business
In addition to in-house promotions like happy hour specials, restaurants need to focus on driving repeat business from group patrons. The key is capturing key details like:
- Email addresses
- Anniversary or birthday dates
- Food preferences
This allows you to engage past customers to incentivize their return. Email campaigns promoting seasonal menus or targeting key demographics can re-engage past groups. Lookalike targeting through social media ads also keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Promoting Brand Ambassadors
Repeat business helps minimize slow periods, while brand ambassadors drum up new business through reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. This makes hospitality and service essential for group bookings. When large parties feel catered to, they’re much more likely to post online reviews and spread the word to friends family.
By empowering your staff to go above-and-beyond and adding some automated post-meal surveys, you can easily promote brand advocacy. Even little things like following up with thank you emails or surprise dessert help delight group patrons into becoming lifelong customers.
Implementing a comprehensive approach to group sales opens an untapped revenue stream for Sand Springs’ vibrant restaurant industry. By systematizing processes to secure bookings, maximize spend, encourage returns through loyalty programs and personalized outreach, and facilitate organic referrals, restaurant owners can profit from word-of-mouth momentum. The opportunity for incremental profits through larger parties and brand advocacy is massive. This plan enables restaurants to capture their fair share while better serving the local community. Let’s connect to explore how custom group sales training helps your restaurant hit higher capacity and gains.
