Aussies eating out is great for small business growth

Now that we’re on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that Aussies are treating themselves after being stuck at home on and off for 2 years. 

When the states slowly reopened, restaurants, cafes and takeaway food services have offered a much needed break from cooking and cleaning at home, and this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. 

New data shows that Australians are spending more money eating out and on takeaway food each month, in news that will no doubt be music to the ears of for cafes, restaurants and takeaway food service providers. 

The Australian Beauru of Statistics has recently reported that (in seasonally adjusted terms) these industries have been steadily rising for the past year – and for the month of July 2022  rose 1.8% ($87.3m). 

What this means for small business owners 

If you’re a small to medium sized business operating in these sectors, you’ll need to be prepared for the increasing demand. 

6 ways small food service businesses can keep up with increasing demand

1) Hire additional staff

This is one of the most important things you can do to keep up with demand. Make sure you have enough staff on hand to take orders, prepare food and serve customers.

Hiring additional staff can be a daunting task, but there are plenty of resources available to help you find the right candidates. Try using an online job board or recruiting agency that specializes in the food and beverage industry.

Another great way to find staff is to reach out to your network of friends and family members who may be looking for work.

Don’t forget to train your new hires thoroughly so they are ready to hit the ground running!

 

2) Increase your stock levels

Make sure you have enough ingredients and supplies on hand to meet the demand of your customers. This may mean placing larger orders with your suppliers or stocking up on non-perishable items.

If you’re worried about increasing your inventory, try starting small by slowly increasing your stock levels over time. This will help you avoid any wasted product and keep costs under control.

It’s also a good idea to create a system for tracking inventory so you can stay on top of what needs to be ordered. This can be as simple as keeping a running list of items that need to be restocked.

When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have too much stock than not enough. 

 

3) Promote your business

Make sure your potential customers know that you’re open for business. Promote your restaurant, cafe or takeaway food service through social media, word-of-mouth and traditional marketing channels like print or radio advertising.

If you’re not sure where to start, try creating a marketing plan that outlines your goals and budget. This will help you focus your efforts and get the most bang for your buck.

Don’t forget to take advantage of free marketing opportunities, like listing your business on online directories or setting up a Google Maps profile.

 

4) Look for innovative ways to serve your customers

With people venturing out more, there will be an increased demand for takeaway and delivery options. If you don’t already offer these services, now is the time to start.  There are a number of ways you can set up a takeaway or delivery service, so it’s important to choose the option that best suits your business. 

You can also research innovative ways to improve your business efficiency. 

5) Update your website and online ordering system

If you want to make it easy for customers to order from you, it’s important to have a user-friendly website and online ordering system.

Make sure your website is up-to-date with your latest menu offerings and that your ordering system is quick and easy to use. You might also want to consider adding a delivery option for customers who are unable to come to your location.

If you don’t have an online ordering system, there are a number of great options available that can be easily integrated into your website.

Online ordering systems can save you time and money by streamlining the ordering process for both you and your customers.

Another great way to make things easier for your customers is to offer online payment options. This will allow them to pay for their order without having to visit your location in person.

 

6) Use social media 

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are not only to post pictures of your menu items. They’re also a great way to advertise any specials or promotions you may be running. You could even create a loyalty program where customers receive a discount after a certain number of visits.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your business is ready to meet the increased demand from Australians eating out more often. With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be able to serve your customers better than ever before!

 

FAQs

How do I improve customer service in my business?

There are a number of ways you can improve customer service in your business, such as training your staff to be more friendly and efficient, offering a loyalty program, and making sure your website and online ordering system are user-friendly. How to improve customer service in your business – OnDeck Australia

What are some creative marketing ideas for my restaurant?

Some creative marketing ideas for restaurants include listing your business on online directories, setting up Google Maps, using social media platforms to advertise specials or promotions, and creating a loyalty program.

What is the best way to promote my business?

The best way to promote your business depends on a number of factors, such as your budget, target audience, and the type of product or service you offer. Some effective promotional strategies include advertising in local newspapers or online, setting up a booth at community events, and distributing flyers or coupons in the area.

How can I grow my small business faster? 

There are a number of things you can do to help grow your small business faster, such as creating a business plan, investing in marketing and researching your competitors.

 

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