TECH: The Four Types of Digital Signage for Bars & Restaurants
How many of you have been approached by a digital signage company promising you the world if you put their product in your place? Plenty to be sure, but the ironic thing is they were all correct. The problem with digital signage, is…umm…digital signage. Meaning no one knows exactly what it is or how it works in the restaurant industry. There are a lot of different ways to skin this cat and this post will aim to demystify it, so you choose what’s right for you.
DID YOU KNOWS…
The Smartphone Economy
As Deloitte points out in its TMT Predictions 2020 report, out last week, the smartphone’s rise has enabled numerous other industries to generate billions of dollars in sales each year. The so-called “smartphone multiplier,” i.e. products and services depending on smartphone ownership, is expected to drive $459 billion in global sales next year, just shy of the $484 billion Deloitte predicts in actual smartphone sales.
The Biggest Countries of the Future
While in 2020, five out of the ten most populous countries in the world will be located in Asia, the picture will look different in 2100 when five African countries – Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – will be among the world’s ten largest.
The Biggest Chocolate Lovers
When it comes to the league of chocoholics, Switzerland is out in front with annual per capita consumption amounting to an impressive 8.8 kilograms (19.4 lbs). The country is well known for its excellent chocolate industry with Toblerone one of its more recognizable brands. Neighboring Austria and Germany are also high up on the list with 8.1 and 7.9 kilograms (17.8 & 17.4 lbs) respectively.
HEY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Why it matters to you: Your holiday schedule can lead to more profit.
Anyone of you that operate a restaurant with a bar or already do solid carryout business knows the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the real holiday in our industry. Way better than Valentine’s Day, that Wednesday before “Turkey Day” increases your same day sales by almost 35%. Whether it is college-aged folks flocking to your bar to see old friends during the brief trip home or families that have no intention of cooking the night before Thanksgiving, the Wednesday of the holiday weekend has always been a boon for operators. The menu mix tilts decided towards better margin items like alcohol beverages, while the guest demeanor is relaxed, happy and playful. It’s actually fun to work that busy day. Does that mean you should be open for other holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day? That entirely depends on your business, but here’s some food for thought.
For Christmas Eve, why not keep your bar open so those that want to buy gift cards can grab a quick drink to celebrate finishing their shopping? You could extend that to the evening of Christmas day as well. Anyone that opened on Thanksgiving night know people are done with their families after a solid day opening presents and playing with the kids. They are looking for a place to be an adult and see other adults.
New Year’s Eve is more of an appointment holiday and if you aren’t hosting an organized approach, you should probably close a little early and have some fun yourself. That, of course, is in stark contract with New Year’s Day, which, especially for sports-themed operators, is a pretty busy day with folks wanting a place to watch games and relax one more day before heading back to work. No matter what you decide, include your staff. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to work. The holidays are a great end to a long year and being open for them can put more money in your pocket right before the dead zone that is January.
[Source: Toast POS]
ONE [Song]
Why it matters to you: Do restaurants that serve one item have the right idea?
David Chang is among the most respected chef/restauranteurs in the nation. So, when he announced his newest location would be entirely focused on sliders, it’s hard to not take notice that single-themed menus appear to be on the rise.
Take this slide show gallery that features a couple of dozen restaurants dedicated to a single item for sale. From sliders to creative PB&J sandwiches, operators that embrace being extraordinary in one item are popping up all over, but “are they an inspiration to the rest of us?” is a different question. There are plenty of operators who promote a main theme like pizza or tacos, but there are few full-service restaurants that focus on a single food item. Therefore, how do they engage this concept without alienating their entire guest base? Why not dedicate a segment of your menu to that one single item.
Here’s a great example: try macaroni & cheese. Yes, mac & cheese, but done several ways. Use the same paste and same cheese, but throw on add-ons like protein or vegetables for varying menu items. It will allow you to expand your menu, but actually use fewer ingredients overall. You could do the same with tacos, burgers or any other item you want to kick ass on delivering. To accommodate this new segmentation of your menu, remove every item that doesn’t sell well. Don’t be bashful, you are attempting to simplify your menu and focus the guests on this thematic approach. As long as your product is extraordinary and has wide appeal, you will succeed in reducing your menu size, while simultaneously increasing guest loyalty.
Once again, as we always suggest you test this by running it as a weekend special or game day offering only. This ensures you’re right about how guests will respond and gives you the time to perfect your turnout. Either way, single focus menus are a coming trend that is absolutely worth consideration.
[Source: MSN]
