Jingle All the Way to Profit
Upselling Tips for Seasonal Menus
The holiday season is here, and diners are looking for festive dishes to celebrate with family and friends. For restaurant operators and chefs, this is the perfect time to boost revenue by incorporating seasonal menu items and upselling effectively. With thoughtful strategies and support from FoodPRO, you can maximize holiday profits while delighting your guests. Here are our top tips to jingle all the way to profit this season:
1. Design Festive Menu Offerings
Holiday-inspired dishes and drinks are irresistible to diners during this time of year. Think roasted turkey dinners, peppermint desserts, or spiced holiday cocktails. Highlighting seasonal ingredients creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging guests to indulge.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
FoodPRO’s extensive product catalog features everything you need for festive menus. From premium meats to specialty ingredients like seasonal spices and dessert options, our team can help you source the perfect products to make your holiday menu stand out.
2. Train Your Team to Upsell
Your servers and bartenders are your best allies in upselling. Equip them with the knowledge to recommend pairings, highlight premium options, and create excitement about seasonal specials. For example, a server might suggest a glass of mulled wine to accompany a holiday roast or a decadent dessert to end the meal.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
We offer training resources and consultation services to help you empower your team. From product knowledge to tips on creating engaging table-side presentations, FoodPRO is your partner in staff success.
3. Bundle Deals and Pairings
Create combo deals like a three-course holiday dinner or drink-and-dessert pairings. Bundles make it easy for diners to see value while spending a bit more per check.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
Our PROvantage marketing services can help you design and promote attractive bundles that increase average ticket size. We’ll work with you to create eye-catching table tents, menu inserts, or social media graphics that bring your bundles to life.
4. Highlight Limited-Time Offers
FOMO (fear of missing out) is real! Use language like “limited-time” or “while supplies last” to create urgency. Seasonal menus are naturally time-sensitive, so emphasize this in your promotions.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
With our wide range of holiday ingredients and ready-to-use products, you’ll always have what you need to execute limited-time offers smoothly. Plus, our marketing team can assist with promotional materials that drive diners to your restaurant before the season ends.
5. Feature Premium Options
The holidays are a time when many diners are willing to splurge. Highlight premium ingredients or special preparations that elevate your dishes. Think Wagyu beef, truffle-infused sides, or tableside flambé desserts.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
We provide access to top-quality premium ingredients and innovative products. Need help sourcing something special? Our dedicated team is ready to assist.
6. Leverage Technology for Upselling
If you use digital menus or online ordering platforms, include prompts for add-ons like appetizers, drinks, or dessert. These subtle suggestions can significantly increase ticket sizes.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
Our newest platforms like the FoodPRO Ordering App make it easy to integrate upselling options into your digital ordering process. We’ll help you set up effective prompts that enhance the guest experience and boost revenue.
7. Promote Gift Cards and Catering Services
The holidays are also a time when diners are looking for gifts and catering solutions. Upsell gift cards as the perfect stocking stuffer and showcase your catering services for holiday parties and events.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
We offer marketing materials to promote your gift card and catering options. From flyers to social media templates, our PROvantage team can help spread the word about these valuable revenue streams.
8. Measure and Adjust
Track your seasonal menu’s performance to see which items are selling best and where there’s room for improvement. Use this data to refine your offerings mid-season if needed.
How FoodPRO Can Help:
Our analytical tools and consultations can help you measure success and make data-driven decisions. Whether it’s sales trends or product performance, we’ll help you optimize for maximum profitability.
The Bottom Line
This holiday season, don’t just celebrate—profit! By designing enticing seasonal menus, training your team, and leveraging the right tools, you can make this your restaurant’s most successful holiday yet. FoodPRO is here to support you every step of the way with top-notch products, expert advice, and marketing solutions. Let’s make this season merry, bright, and profitable together!