Every restaurant’s inhouse revenue is limited by the number of seats available for customers. This has led to the large use of takeout and delivery services to expand earnings. However, due to the lack of control on the delivery marketplaces (UberEats, Grubhub, etc.), it's more important than ever for restaurants to have a strong takeout business. However, managing takeout orders can be challenging, especially if you're short-staffed or don't have a system in place to handle the volume of calls. Here are some tips to help you maximize your takeout business with call forwarding, customer service, and restaurant call handling solutions.
1. Utilize call forwarding for restaurants
Call forwarding is an effective way to ensure that you don't miss any takeout orders. During peak hours, all the calls come in at the same time. This causes restaurants to miss out on phone calls and orders. With call forwarding, calls to your restaurant can be automatically redirected to another number, such as another cell phone or an auto-attendant, so that someone is always available to answer the phone. This means that you'll never miss a takeout order, even during peak hours or when your staff is busy attending to in-person guests.
2. Provide excellent customer service for restaurants
Providing excellent customer service is key to building a loyal customer base and maximizing your takeout business. Train your staff to be friendly and helpful on the phone, taking the time to answer questions and make recommendations to customers. Make sure that your takeout menu is up-to-date and easy to read, with clear descriptions of each dish and any relevant allergen information. Consider offering special deals or promotions for takeout orders to encourage customers to order from your restaurant again.
3. Use restaurant call handling solutions
Restaurant call handling solutions, such as virtual assistants or automated phone systems, can be a great way to streamline your takeout business. These solutions can handle multiple calls at once, reducing wait times for customers and allowing your staff to focus on other tasks. Some systems, such as StrideQ, even offer handling reservations and catering requests, further freeing up your staff to focus on quality service.
4. Offer online ordering for restaurants
Online ordering can be a great way to maximize your takeout business, as it allows customers to place orders quickly and easily from the comfort of their own home. Make sure that your online menu is accurate and up-to-date, and that your restaurant is listed on all relevant platforms to maximize your exposure. Additionally, look at online ordering that won’t charge large commissions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by using call forwarding for restaurants, providing excellent customer service, using restaurant call handling solutions, and offering online ordering, you can maximize your takeout business and increase your revenue. It's important to invest in these solutions to ensure that your takeout business runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on what really matters - serving delicious food to your customers.