Struggling with sales and watching competitors thrive? Learn how to increase restaurant sales in Kuwait with these practical tips.

The restaurant business is a tough industry where you face stiff competition and picky clientele. On the other hand, success might be just a few good reviews away. If you want your restaurant to become a success, you need to know how to increase restaurant sales.

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Without customers and sales, running a restaurant can be frustrating, especially when you’re putting in a lot of hard work. Not having customers to serve means that:   

• Food inventory goes bad, resulting in waste and higher food costs. This leads to financial losses.
• No work for your staff will force talented cooks and waiters to look elsewhere to practice their profession.  
• Damage to reputation as empty seats paint a gloomy picture and keep potential clients out.  

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If you want to avoid this vicious circle that befalls all too many small restaurants, it’s time to boost your restaurant sales. Learning how to start a small restaurant business in Kuwait is easy, but keeping diners coming in is the real challenge.

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Whether you want to diversify restaurant revenue streams, tighten operating procedures, enhance your digital presence, or refine on-site guest experience, this guide will give you 20 actionable tips to boost restaurant sales and bottom line.

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[Operating a restaurant in Kuwait? Manage finances and payments with next-gen transactions. Mobile, instant, online — download the Kem app for free on Google Play and Apple today.]

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Tip 1: Optimize your menu

A menu is often a customer's first impression of the restaurant. It should showcase offerings in the most appealing way possible. Use high-quality photos of dishes instead of generic stock images, and provide descriptive names and flavor profiles to help customers visualize and select menu items. 

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Samer Abou Daher, Director of People & Culture at Bidfood Middle East, recommends, “New trends are yet to come with menus to share their nutritional information.” Daher says, “Chefs who are not experienced in nutrition and ingredients will be challenged. Health and Wellness is very visible on menus, and we cannot ignore this.”

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“Health and Wellness is very visible on menus, and we cannot ignore this.” – Samer Abou Daher, Director of People & Culture

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Menu engineering means having a well-balanced, curated menu focused on what customers actually buy. Organize items logically with separate sections for appetizers, entrees, sides, etc. 

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Review sales data periodically to identify top-selling items and remove underperformers.

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How can I sell more at a restaurant? The value menu

Some effective tactics to increase sales include upselling and cross-selling additional items to each table, offering combo deals and value menus with multiple dishes for one low-cost price to encourage bigger spending for potential customers.

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Tip 2: Optimize pricing strategies

Pricing strategy requires balancing affordability with profit margins. Survey competitors' price points but don't simply match them – offerings may warrant a premium. Carefully review cost analyses to set prices that allow acceptable margins.

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Consider weekday specials and dynamic pricing that adjusts based on demand. Test pricing changes, review their impact, and adapt to maximize sales.

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Tip 3: Leverage social media channels

Today's customers rely heavily on social networks for business information and recommendations. For restaurant owners who want to know how to increase restaurant sales, the key is to maintain active profiles on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. 

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When planning your social media campaigns in Kuwait, keep in mind that Facebook is the most used platform, followed by Instagram. By focusing on these channels, you can avoid wasting resources on less popular options.

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Social media usage in Kuwait between May 2023 and May 2024

Source: Stat Counter

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Regularly post engaging and search engine friendly content highlighting dishes, specials, events, etc. Boost brand awareness and social media presence by utilizing promoted or sponsored social posts.

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Don’t forget to thank customers who leave positive reviews and actively engage with followers by replying to comments and questions. This increased visibility and interaction will attract new customers through social media.

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Tip 4: Implement an online ordering system

The rise of on-demand food delivery services has conditioned customers to expect effortless online restaurant ordering and delivery options. Partner with delivery platforms like Talabat, Jahez, or Zomato so customers can easily order from the menu for contactless delivery.

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For pickup orders, develop a responsive restaurant website or mobile app that simplifies online ordering. Consider partnering with a secure digital payment platform like Kem to enable QR code ordering and streamline online ordering and delivery. Kem allows individuals to pay through the app, simplifying transactions easily. Ultimately, making it convenient to order from home opens the restaurant to a new customer base.

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Online food delivery is experiencing explosive growth, with this trend expected to continue at least until 2029 and likely beyond.

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Forecasted online food delivery revenue worldwide 

Source: Statista

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Tip 5: Host events and promotions

Holding branded events at the restaurant is an entertaining and effective way to bring in more customers. Plan theme nights centered around holidays or cuisines. Restaurant owners can also host weekend brunch concerts or live music.

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In addition, run limited-time promotions offering deeply discounted specials or prix-fixe menus for exposure. Ensure events are heavily promoted on social media ahead of time. This gives repeat and first-time diners something exciting to look forward to beyond the standard menu.

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If you don't have the right experience to host such events in your restaurant, it might be a good idea to look for a business partner in Kuwait who can help you manage some of the workload.

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Tip 6: Enhance customer service

For restaurant business owners looking into how to increase restaurant sales, here’s a good tip: excellent customer service fosters repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. 

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Develop a thorough training program that equips staff to handle common dining scenarios professionally, empower employees to resolve issues promptly, and provide sincere apologies if needed.

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Ultimately, going above and beyond in improving customer experience will build loyalty and encourage them to recommend the restaurant highly.

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Tip 7: Use email marketing

Once diners visit your establishment or order online, encourage them to join your email list for future special offers and announcements. From then, periodically send newsletters featuring new restaurant menu items, promotions, and upcoming events.

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Make emails visually appealing and easy to read on mobile and nurture relationships by including a personal greeting and call to action. This cost-effective channel keeps the brand in mind and gives existing patrons a reason to return soon.

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Tip 8: Improve restaurant ambiance

The restaurant’s ambiance and atmosphere heavily impact the overall experience. Ensure the interior design, furniture, lighting, artwork, and music style align with the brand identity. Setting the right mood will depend on what and whom you serve. For family-friendly casual dining, opt for brighter lighting and kid-themed décor.

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On the other hand, dim, warm lighting works well for intimate fine dining. A calming playlist sets a pleasant tone for any cuisine. Your space should seamlessly enhance every customer's experience.

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Tip 9: Offer catering services

While dine-in customers are important, catering presents a lucrative new market that can help to increase restaurant profits. Prominently showcase catering menus and services online and in the restaurant. Provide simple form-based ordering and arrange convenient delivery within a certain radius—target corporate lunches, weddings, birthday parties, and other private events.

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Packaging options should maintain food quality and branding consistency. Word-of-mouth referrals will start flowing in from satisfied catering clients.

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Tip 10: Engage with the local community

Supporting and participating in the community you operate within fosters tremendous goodwill. For example, restaurant owners who are trying to figure out how to increase restaurant sales can volunteer to cater charity fundraisers and school functions on special occasions. 

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Set up a booth at street fairs, print t-shirts for your staff with your restaurant's logo, and collaborate on joint promotions with stores located nearby. When possible, source from other local farms and producers, too. This community-focused approach shows your investment in the area and its residents.

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Tip 11: Invest in staff training

While food and atmosphere are table stakes, a highly-trained staff sets top-tier establishments apart. Develop thorough onboarding and ongoing training programs for all employees. Focus on both hard skills like food preparation techniques and soft skills like hospitality, managing demanding guests, and cultural diversity awareness.

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Offer certificates or monetary incentives for mastery of additional skills over time. Ultimately, happy, empowered employees deliver exceptional experiences that drive repeat business.

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Tip 12: Enhance your online presence

Since most diners first research their options online, your digital footprint can significantly impact sales. For a steady stream of clients, maintain an optimized, regularly updated website with a clean design showcasing the brand story, menus, and services.

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Actively manage all listings on Google My Business, Facebook, and other third-party sites to ensure accuracy and increase foot traffic. Promptly respond to all positive and negative reviews to develop relationships online and maximize website traffic and conversion by prioritizing mobile usability and call-to-actions.

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Tip 13: Offer unique and seasonal dishes 

Customers crave new and exciting options beyond standardized fare. Experiment with fun seasonal specials that creatively utilize in-season local produce. Introduce limited-time, global street food creations or fusion dishes. Highlight unique chef specials with printed descriptions or placards on the counter/tables.

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In addition, promote new menu additions before they're available. Adventurous limited-time items and happy hour offers build anticipation.

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Tip 14: Utilize technology

Leverage technology to streamline processes and operations for improved productivity and reduced costs. Deploy modern point-of-sale (POS) systems that hasten order-taking and payments. Use mobile-friendly reservation booking software that syncs with the calendar in real-time.

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Adopting secure digital payment technologies, in addition to reservations and POS systems, can streamline processes further. For example, Kem offers a point-of-sale system for small businesses in Kuwait and KSA. It facilitates contactless peer-to-peer instant payments, making it easier for individuals to pay for orders. 

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Tip 15: Focus on food quality and inventory

Food is at the heart of any restaurant. Customers will return depending on how good the food tastes. 

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Source only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients from reliable local suppliers. Maintain rigorous standards in food safety, preparation methods, portion control, and plating visually appealing dishes. Make sure to periodically refresh recipes or preparation techniques on classic menu items.

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For quick sourcing of new ingredients, Ashwin Radhakrishnan, a product management expert, recommends e-procurement. “This technology allows restaurants to order supplies from vendors directly, at best prices, and to optimize their orders, by eliminating intermediaries and reducing costs using just their smartphones. These marketplaces also unlock doors for newer restaurants giving them access to the top suppliers in the region.”

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“[E-procurment marketplaces] unlock doors for newer restaurants giving them access to the top suppliers in the region.” – Ashwin Radhakrishnan, Product Manager

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How can I increase my restaurant profit? Controlling food cost

Key steps to improve profitability involve controlling food costs through inventory management and wastage reduction, streamlining processes, and optimizing staffing levels while maintaining quality. 

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Regular inventory checks, along with sales data forecasting, allow for precise ordering and minimize the risk of spoilage or stockouts.  Implementing a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) system ensures older ingredients are used first, further reducing waste. 

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Tip 16: Collaborate with influencers 

Influencer marketing strategies effectively tap into trendsetting communities. Research top local bloggers, Instagrammers, and YouTubers within your cuisine niche and connect with a complementary collaboration. Sponsor an influencer dinner event and menu familiarization session.

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Offer to comp food items tagged in positive posts and stories as influencers sample new dishes. Strategically selected influencer partnerships amplify reach through their engaged, qualified follower bases.

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Tip 17: Implement a referral/loyalty program

Word-of-mouth is among the most influential factors in a diner's restaurant selection. Launch a straightforward referral program incentivizing existing customers to spread the word. For example, every new customer at a restaurant who spends a minimum amount receives a free entrée or discount on their next visit.

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In addition, track referrals digitally or through paper cards exchanged upon redemption. Reward top community activists or make the platform competitive with leaderboards. Eventually, the positive buzz will steadily increase the customer base.

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Tip 18: Regularly update your menu

Seasonal changes necessitate menu revisions––but don't wait half a year to tweak your menu, as customers get bored more quickly. Minor monthly or bimonthly upgrades maintain excitement. Rotate 3-5 appealing new items to generate intrigue while swapping a few slow sellers out.

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Analyze sales data on all dishes and demographics to shape future lineup iterations. An agenda that continuously refreshes the menu experience prevents staleness and compels reviews. Keep in mind that updating the menu could be the reason for a new menu design.

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Tip 19: Focus on health and safety

Guest well-being is paramount, especially amid heightened public health awareness. Foster a pristine establishment where cleanliness is the top visible priority. Train all staff to sanitize all surfaces and enforce strict handwashing protocols.

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Don’t forget to procure necessary PPE and hygiene supplies. Proactively addressing potential issues reassures diners and removes concerns as a barrier to entry.

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Tip 20: Gather and act on customer feedback

Valuable insights that can push your restaurant business forward often come directly from customers. Make it easy for diners to provide feedback on their experience by setting up a short online survey, comment card, or suggestion box. You can also install an interactive tablet or kiosk, allowing feedback on the spot. Customers will feel heard when you act on their input and will be more likely to return and spread positive word-of-mouth.

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While the restaurant industry remains competitive, you can take control of your business and sales numbers through smart tactics, operational enhancements, and unique ideas.

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Any restaurateur looking into how to increase restaurant sales should focus on prioritizing menu quality, staff training, community engagement, and exceeding expectations at every touchpoint. 

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If you implement these strategic, ongoing optimizations, your restaurant will have a solid foundation and pathway toward increased profits with higher turnover and repeat customers.

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[Starting a restaurant in Kuwait? Kem is a flexible P2P payment platform that powers small businesses with instant online payments. Signing up takes less than a minute. Download the Kem app for free on Google Play and Apple today!]

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Takeaways

• Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions to make menu items more appealing. Regularly update the menu based on sales data to keep it relevant and engaging.
• Partner with delivery platforms and develop a responsive website or mobile app for easy online ordering and secure payment.
• Participate in community events, support local charities, and collaborate with nearby businesses to build goodwill.
• Balance affordability with profitability by reviewing competitor pricing, analyzing costs, and introducing specials and dynamic pricing.
• Streamline transactions by using Kem's secure digital payment platform, which allows for contactless, peer-to-peer instant payments.