The lifeblood of any vibrant town flows through its beloved restaurants. However, keeping these treasured establishments profitable presents immense challenges few outside the industry appreciate. As a FocalPoint coach working closely with local eateries, I’ve seen firsthand the intense sales-related difficulties owners and their teams grapple with daily. Successfully running a restaurant requires excelling across many moving parts - from supply chain logistics to quality control to customer service. Yet one critically overlooked opportunity hidden in plain sight is the sales potential within your existing staff.
Through targeted training tailored to address the specific realities Plattsmouth restaurants face, I show owners how to build competent sales teams equipped to grow the business. Below I’ll discuss why sales capabilities are integral for restaurants, common pitfalls I’ve observed, and how my program can transform your establishment.
Why Sales Capabilities Are Mission-Critical For Restaurants
At their core, restaurants rely on a steady flow of satisfied customers becoming regulars and fans who spread positive word-of-mouth about their experiences. Your staff serve as the linchpin determining whether impressive ingredients and menus translate into register rings. Without competent servers fluent in tactfully guiding customers towards higher check averages, you leave hard-earned money on the table.
Moreover, earnest customer interactions build goodwill that pays dividends over time. Foster genuine relationships beyond just taking orders and your business becomes a beloved community staple where people want to bring out of town friends or host special events. Alternatively, perfunctory service risks complaints spreading online.
Overcoming Common Restaurant Sales Struggles
In collaborating with local owners to assess their current sales practices, I’ve pinpointed a few consistent skill gaps representing lost revenue opportunities:
- Minimal attempts to suggestively upsell drinks, appetizers, desserts or premium menu items
- Discouraging customer questions about dishes due to limited understanding
- Inability to read body language cues and adapt approaches accordingly
- Losing sales due to poor menu presentation skills
For example, one pub I worked with left thousands in additional alcohol sales unrealized annually because bartenders stuck to taking orders. Once we implemented light-touch upselling after I trained them on different beer types and profit margins, booze revenue increased 21% almost immediately.
Another restaurant used only basic descriptions of daily specials. Servers lacked fluency discussing preparation methods or standout ingredients. After educating staff on culinary details, their improved depictions drove a 17% jump in specials sales.
The Core Elements of My Sales Training Program
- Customer Relationship Building 101
- Strategic Upselling Approaches
- Menu Mastery
- Reading Body Language Cues
- Customer Feedback Skills
- Complaint Management
The interactive sessions blend theory and relatable examples with role playing. Participants receive summaries of all concepts plus scripts, worksheets and assessments. To accommodate busy restaurant schedules, I schedule sessions flexibly and conduct the engaging training onsite.
The Powerful Impacts of Investing In Sales Training
While every restaurant faces unique problems, advanced sales skills lift revenues, check averages and guest satisfaction. My approach arms staff with techniques scientifically-proven to encourage customer loyalty and referrals.
In addition to doubled digit growth in key metrics like per-check sizes and specials sales, previous clients also experienced:
- More 5-Star Reviews & Community Goodwill
- Expanded Special Events/Catering Sales
- Higher Tips For Staff
Sustaining Sales Improvements Over The Long-Term
While the training delivers tremendous value itself, I emphasize learnings must continue beyond our sessions. During onboarding at my restaurant clients, new hires shadow top performers to ingrain excellent practices from day one. I also conduct bi-annual refreshers to ensure skilled selling remains top of mind for staff amidst busy shifts.
The expertise gleaned from these periodic touchpoints help alleviate attrition impacts and continuously strengthen capabilities restaurant-wide. The modest time investment pays for itself manifold in the form of delighted guests, enhanced workplace culture, and healthier bottom lines.
To discuss how my strategic sales training can ignite revenue growth at your Plattsmouth restaurant, contact me today!
