Restaurant owners typically face many challenges at the start of a new year. Traditionally a lull period in the industry, the first few months often find restaurateurs struggling to get their business back on track. After the frantic activity during the holidays, the first quarter is usually a letdown, so much so that January is often described as a ‘lost’ month.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. With careful planning and preparation, restaurant owners can minimize the doldrums associated with the start of the year and create positive change. Along with ensuring that your restaurant insurance is up-to-date, you can also use this period for reflection, strategizing, and reorganization.
Here are some ideas for New Year’s restaurant resolutions that could make 2022 your best year yet!
Reorganize your operations
No matter how efficiently you run your business, there is always room for improvement. Consider using this lull period to think about reorganizing your operations for maximum productivity and better efficiency.
One area that you might want to look more closely into is your reservations. If you have been relying on the same system for many years, there is a good chance that you can greatly improve customer flow and traffic in and out of your business. Now might also be a good time to consider transitioning to a digital system for increased efficiency over the phone-and-datebook method you have been using.
Improve efficiency
Other areas of your operations could probably benefit from increased efficiency as well. If you’ve been putting off dealing with lapses and oversights in running your business, now is as good a time as any to address them.
For starters, think about your point-of-sale (POS) system. If you’re still using your trusty old cash register to ring up sales and bill your customers, now might be a good time for an upgrade. With its built-in third-party integration and associated apps, a cloud-based system might be just what you need to take your business to the next level.
Consider a makeover
For many, the New Year is a time for reinvention and renewal. These qualities make it ideally suited for a makeover. After all, what better time is there to change up your restaurant’s look than the New Year?
If you’ve already been itching for a change over the past year, consider turning your ideas into reality. If you don’t have a clear picture of how you want your restaurant to look, you may also turn to design experts for help.
Show some appreciation to your workers
Like many in the restaurant industry, your employees have probably been through a rough year. If you’ve unfortunately had to lay some people off, you are likely left with some of the most valuable and experienced members of your team. Why not take the time to show them how much you value their loyalty and service?
Besides offering additional perks (always welcome), consider revamping your safety and scheduling policies. You might also focus on improving communications, enhancing efficiency, and boosting morale.
Streamline your menu
There is something to be said about sticking to the same food items year in and year out. After all, your most loyal customers probably frequent your establishment to enjoy the same favorites they have ordered throughout the years.
Even so, streamlining your menu can be a wise decision. Doing so will allow you to introduce exciting new fare while maintaining the tried-and-proven dishes that have kept your loyal clientele coming back for more.
Explore new market opportunities
Now might also be a good time to explore new market opportunities. The pandemic is still a factor in many restaurant-based operations, so it might be worth adding delivery service if you haven’t done so already. Initially, it might require some effort and additional resources, but offering delivery could open up a whole new revenue stream for your restaurant.
Understandably, it can be challenging to get things rolling when the New Year comes around. There is little that any restaurant owner can do about people opting to stay home rather than dining out after the flurry of activity over the previous months.
Even so, making use of the time for planning and strategizing will pay off in more ways than one. Follow the tips outlined above, and 2022 may be one of your most successful years.
About Blue Sky Insurance Agency
For over 20 years, family owned Blue Sky Insurance Agency has proudly specialized in insurance and tax services for Virginia residents. Our philosophy is simple: “If you can dream it, we can insure it.” We strive to provide value to our clients by establishing and building relationships and focusing on more than just rates. We are dedicated to providing holistic and strategically tailored solutions to protect all of your assets, and to provide peace of mind wherever life takes you. To get in touch with us, fill out a complimentary quote form, or call us at one of our two locations:
North Chesterfield
Phone: (804) 745-4044
PO Box 35674
North Chesterfield, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Richmond
Phone: (804) 404-2030
9932 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm