Don't go in circles, by going in circles
Drive in concentric circles away from your restaurant for 10 minutes, 15 minutes and 20 minutes. This is your trade area. Most likely 90% of your guests come from this area. Then mark where your competitors are located. Then you know your trade conditions.
You can also walk or take the subway, if you are urban. This works for seasonal as well as regular operations and is real proof that all business is local.
More Restaurant Hacks:
Got a cool restaurant hack of your own? Let us know!