Running a cafe is tough. At ViViPOS we're all about making things simpler. So we've compiled ten tips for cafe owners. In 2015 consider implementing them in your business.
1. Realise and exploit your point of difference
Running a cafe is just like running any other business and a successful business has a point of difference. This is something you do better than your competitors. Ask yourself what makes your cafe unique?
One way to find the answer is to analyse your competition. What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses? Compare them to your cafe. Another option is to ask your customers, especially repeat customers. What is it that brings them back time and again?
Once you have determined what makes your cafe unique, your job is to exploit it. Make sure all the marketing your do for your cafe conveys the message.
One way to find the answer is to analyse your competition. What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses? Compare them to your cafe. Another option is to ask your customers, especially repeat customers. What is it that brings them back time and again?
Once you have determined what makes your cafe unique, your job is to exploit it. Make sure all the marketing your do for your cafe conveys the message.
2. Have a mobile friendly website
According to the online hospitality booking website dimmi, 42% of restaurant and cafe searches in Australia are done on a mobile device. This makes a mobile-friendly website a mandatory marketing tool.
3. Have a great sounding menu
Your cafes menu is usually one of the first points of contact for customers. You need to make a great first impression.
Your menu should be an extension of your cafe's brand and convey the same message.
Consider:
Your menu should be an extension of your cafe's brand and convey the same message.
Consider:
- Describing how the menu-item has been cooked. Use evocative words like pan-fried, poached and wood-fired.
- What makes your dish unique. Is it organic, locally sourced or gluten-free?
- Highlighting seasonal or unique ingredients.
- Including where ingredients are sourced from. As with wine, a foods location can add value to a meal.
- Adding greater description. What type of bread are you serving, what type of grains are you serving in your muesli? Giving greater detail can enhance the perception of a dish.
4. ... and update it often
All good cafes update their menu regularly. Customers will want their menu favourites but adding new items gives customers a reason to come back and try something new. The price of food and overheads can change. Updating your menu regularly can help you reflect the cost of doing business and keep margins sustainable.
5. Have room to expand
Your cafe is more profitable if you serve more people. If your just starting out select a space that is adaptable and gives you room to grow as your business does.
If you are already in your space be on top of local council laws and consider how you can expand your service area. If you decide to expand your space be careful when you select your contractor. Often the cheaper option can be more expensive in the long run.
If you are already in your space be on top of local council laws and consider how you can expand your service area. If you decide to expand your space be careful when you select your contractor. Often the cheaper option can be more expensive in the long run.
6. Small things can save money
In the cafe business where margins are thin, even the smallest cost savings can add up over time.
Consider:
Consider:
- Switching to energy efficient light bulbs
- Invest in energy efficient appliances
- Eliminate slow moving food items from your menu
7. Focus on your guests mood
Inc.com gives the example of US restaurant that assigns each guest a number. Based on a scale of 1-10, staff rank the customers mood. Anything below a 7 indicates the guest is unhappy. The ranking is placed in a number of spots around the restaurant so every staff member can see. Staff make it their mission to get all dinners up to a 9 by the end of their meal. Complementary drinks and tours of the kitchen are just two examples of methods employed to improve a customers mood. The owner considers it their duty to make their customers happy.
8. Build a customer database
A customer database makes it easy to attract business. It's widely acknowledged that it is easier to attract repeat customers than new ones. With social media sites like Facebook increasingly restricting the amount of people who see your content, a customer database makes sense. You own the list and have more control over who sees your marketing messages.
9. Take time out
We mentioned it at the start. Running a cafe is tough and can get stressful. Take time to relax. This includes taking small breaks during the day, switching off after work and longer breaks when you can. If your less stressed you'll be better with customers, staff and your business will see the results.
10. Setup a POS system
Implementing a POS system arms you with knowledge to know what's going on in your business. Is it time you throw out your cash register? There are many advantages to implementing a POS system including:
- Simplify management
- The ability to track sales, cash flow and inventory
- Help save money on food costs and payroll
- Identify the popularity of menu items
RSS Feed