10 Proven Ways to Increase Restaurant Sales (Without Stressing Out)
If you’ve ever wondered how to increase restaurant sales without doing anything fancy or expensive, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve just started or have been in this business for years, sales can go up and down based on many small things. But the good news is, there are simple ways to make sure your sales keep growing, especially if you focus on what matters most: good food, great service, and smart systems.
Let’s go through 10 tried-and-tested methods that have worked for many food businesses in Malaysia and around the world. Start with just a few of these ideas, see what works for you, and build from there.
- Make Your Menu Work Smarter
Your menu is more than just a list of food. It can help you increase restaurant sales if you design it smartly. Put your best and most profitable dishes where the eye naturally goes—usually the top right section. You can also group items in a way that encourages people to spend more. For example, offering a combo meal or giving them the option to add a drink or dessert can increase the bill value. And don’t forget to update your menu regularly. Remove dishes that no one orders and bring in seasonal items to keep things fresh.
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- Add Online Ordering and Delivery
People don’t always want to eat out, but they still want to eat your food. That’s why online delivery is so important. Whether you use platforms like GrabFood and Foodpanda or take orders directly through WhatsApp or your website, you reach more people. Many Malaysian eateries have seen their revenue increase by up to 25% after adding online ordering (source: Statista, 2024). Just make sure your online menu is easy to read, and your system is mobile-friendly.
- Train Your Team to Recommend, Not Push
Your staff is the face of your place. A simple suggestion like “Would you like to try our popular dessert?” or “Do you want to add cheese to that?” can increase your average bill. This is not about forcing a sale—it’s about making the customer’s experience better. You can even set small rewards for staff who meet sales goals through these friendly upsells.
- Reward Loyal Customers
It’s always easier to bring back an existing customer than to find a new one. A simple loyalty program can make a big difference. You can give them a free item after a few visits or offer a small discount after they spend a certain amount. With a system like BitesPOS, you can easily track which customer gets what discount. This helps you understand what works and what doesn’t. You’ll also know how much profit you’re making even after giving out these offers. You can also send out special birthday vouchers or surprise deals to get them back in.
- Keep Your Online Presence Clean and Active
The first thing many people do before visiting or ordering is check you online. Make sure your Google Business Profile is up-to-date with your opening hours, menu, and good-quality photos. Also, reply to your reviews—both good and bad. Malaysians read reviews before choosing where to eat. In fact, 91% of consumers aged 18–34 trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (source: BrightLocal, 2023). Posting regularly on Instagram or Facebook about your new dishes or promotions keeps you on their minds.
- Offer Events and Specials That Bring People In
Sometimes people need an extra reason to visit. You can plan something simple like “Pasta Night Thursdays” or “Family Set Sundays.” You can also celebrate festive seasons with a special menu. These events don’t just increase lunch or dinner sales—they also give people a reason to tell their friends about you. If you have extra space, you can also offer your venue for small birthday parties or office meetings for extra income.
- Create the Right Atmosphere
The way your place feels matters a lot. People may not remember every dish, but they will remember how your place made them feel. Simple things like clean tables, proper lighting, comfortable chairs, and good music can change everything. Fast music during lunch can help with quicker table turns, while slow, calm music during dinner can encourage longer stays and more orders. Match your vibe with your food and your customers.
- Use a POS System to Track What Works
A good system can save you hours of stress and show you what’s working. For example, BitesPOS is a simple yet smart tool that helps you track your sales, top-selling dishes, slow-moving items, and even your profit after discounts. You’ll know which promotions work and which ones cost you money. You can also use it to schedule staff, manage inventory, and avoid wastage. All of this adds up to better service and more income.
- Run Promotions That Create Urgency
Don’t just offer discounts for no reason. Instead, make them time-based or event-driven. A good example would be offering a 10% lunch discount from 12 pm to 2 pm on weekdays. Or, create special deals like “RM25 Burger Set Tuesdays” or “RM10 Dessert with Any Meal on Fridays.” These offers bring people in when things are usually quiet. And with a system like BitesPOS, you can track how well these offers work without doing any manual work.
- Give Guests a Memorable Experience
Nothing beats good service. People remember how you treat them—from the moment they walk in to the time they leave. Small touches like remembering their name, offering a clean table, serving quickly, and thanking them before they go—all of these turn one-time customers into regulars. You can also ask for their feedback and show them you’re listening. Happy customers often come back and bring others with them.
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FAQ:
There is no magic trick to increase restaurant sales. But when you focus on the right things, like better service, smart promotions, and using tools like BitesPOS, you’ll start to see real results. You don’t have to try everything at once. Start with two or three ideas from this blog and see how it goes. Track your results and build on what works. Even small steps can lead to bigger growth.
If you’re looking for a system that helps you manage discounts, track profits, and serve your customers better, all from your pos system, BitesPOS can help. It’s simple to use, easy to train staff on, and gives you the data you need to make smart decisions. Join the waitlist now to benefit from it.
