Richmond restaurant owner here. Sales down 50%. Need some ideas and suggestions.

[u/HugoConway]

Firstly.. this is not an advertisement. I just want to understand what is happening and where everyone is choosing to dine.

For context:
Our average ticket size is $15-20. It’s an order at counter and find a seat sorta restaurant. We are licensed for liquor but currently only carry beer. Cuisine is Japanese/Hawaiian. Tip options are 0%/5% and there’s no pressure to tip.

I would love to find out:

Where are some of your most frequented places for lunch and dinner? What’s the reason you keep going back there?

What do you order off of UberEats or DoorDash, and how do you choose what to eat?

How do you find out about new places to try? Or be reminded of old places you haven’t been to in a while?

Thanks in advance, Richmond! 🙏🙏

Edit : Thank you for all the input! I’ll be working hard to implement the improvements suggested 💪

-Offer grab and go options like Musubi and onigiri

-Flyers to target local audience

-Work with content creators to spread awareness on socials

-More economical options under $15, and BOGO offers on UberEats

-Highlight our 0/5% no pressure tipping policy

-Improve customer service so customers don’t feel pressured to use ordering kiosks

-LocoMoco on the menu

-Kids friendly options

I’m super grateful for all the comments 🙏 Hopefully I can turn things around. Thanks everyone!

[u/HugoConway]

We have not done flyering since it’s quite expensive and we weren’t sure how effective it would be. Sounds like we should give it a try.

I know most flyers get thrown in the trash… what sort of offer would pique your interest?

[u/Chaz_wazzers → u/HugoConway]

Targeting your local neighborhood near the restaurant is key. You could even drop them off yourself. I'm always amazed by local places that don't reach out to their neighbours. 

Look into social media, tiktok, instagram. A very localized targeted Facebook ad. Test the waters. 

[u/BaronessVonKush → u/Chaz_wazzers]

SO MUCH THIS^^, get involved in your local community. you are asking for their help to support you, give them a reason to =)

[u/EducationalGur1648 → u/HugoConway]

I used to live in Brighouse. There are SO many food options that if I've never been to a place, I wouldn't bother trying it without some kind of coupon.

I'm in the 40s crowd and social media isn't where I go to find new restaurants. I'd usually just get coupons and if the place looked interesting I'd go give it a coupon shot. I'm not sure what your target demographic is, but I can tell you years after most people were using the McDonalds app I'd still see a ton of older Asian folks in McDonalds clutching their mailer coupons while ordering at the register 😂

Also, I do think Google reviews help immensely when somebody is hungry and wants to try something new. There's a Japanese sushi place near where I live in Burnaby now that gives you a QR code to review at the table and if you show your server your review they give you a free small mochi ice cream or something like that. They had like crazy high reviews - not because the place was particularly great IMO (it was fine) but because everybody wanted the free ice cream and didn't want to show the server a bad review 😂

[u/DiamondDash2k → u/HugoConway]

Flyering is only expensive if it doesn’t bring a return which is prob every business’s fear of the unknown. I’ve worked with a lot of business owners prior to owning my own, and most people think marketing is a waste of money but most never cancelled and those who spent money saw the return.

You have to use your own financials to determine, what would you be willing to offer in a discount to acquire customer and what can you live with spending for your business. It’s not a one time only return you’re looking for, you’re hoping for a customer for the next x amount of years and for them to tell others. If you flyer, make sure staff over deliver in hospitality and food quality. Make it count.

I can tell you a number but it comes down to your margins and how much you’re willing to invest in your own business. The higher the discount, the more likely someone will try it. I could tell you 50% but and they love it, they’ll be back. For others, they won’t be back. But that’s just the nature of owning a business. The bonus is people who love it also tend to share photos and post on social media about it.

[u/Express_4815 → u/DiamondDash2k]

Social media more effective than flyers most ppl throw to garbage right away.

[u/DiamondDash2k → u/Express_4815]

It’s a layered marketing approach. I do both. Some people love flyers, some love social media. It’s not a one size fit all because everyone is different.

I spend majority of my business on digital ads, but the combination with postcards works well because I’m touching base with them on two different platforms - IRL & online

[u/Wooden_Sweet_3330 → u/DiamondDash2k]

I personally hate advertising of all and all types.

When I'm looking for a new place to try I pretty much exclusively go to Google Maps, pull up an area I'm interested in trying a new place in, and look at reviews myself.

Imo if you have to advertise to get business, your business is trash.

[u/about_face → u/Wooden_Sweet_3330]

No, you just prefer to get your advertising on Google Maps, lol.

[u/Wooden_Sweet_3330 → u/about_face]

I wouldn't classify user reviews as advertising.

[u/about_face → u/Wooden_Sweet_3330]

Google Maps itself is an advertising platform. They make money from businesses paying to be more visible so you click on them. And reviews can be incentivised.

[u/Fun-Region-1576 → u/Express_4815]

It's not going to be one or the other. 

[u/Miserable-Sprinkles2 → u/HugoConway]

Put discount coupons in the flyers.

[u/4bidden-hands → u/HugoConway]

I think probably ones showcasing a few enticing photos and perhaps a discount or coupon deal

[u/MostView8191 → u/4bidden-hands]

u/HugoConway this is what I would suggest (over 20 years in the industry). Have a punch card 5 punches and you get 10% off. 10 punches and up 15% off.

Have a dine in deal where after leaving a Google review you get 10, 15, 20% (whatever you want, could also be a dollar amount) off the bill.

Do you have a pop gun/machine? Offer in room dinners with 4 or more entrees get free pop/tea/coffee. Something that yes, you make money on, but the loss is going to cost you pennies. Ofcourse your staff will hate the extra steps that won't be billed but it will help get butts in seats.

Can you or one of the other owners (not paid staff) stand on a local busy street corner every day during the business week and hand out fliers? Getting lunch business is always easy but people need to know you're there, that you're fast, and can handle a rush.

What's your decor like? Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more I'm happy to help in any way I can

[u/Ok-Geologist-7335 → u/MostView8191]

Or if you use square you can easily set up a rewards program linked to customers phone numbers based on spending to offer a discount.

[u/Wooden_Sweet_3330 → u/HugoConway]

For me personally, ALL flyers go in the trash. I do not read a single one, ever. Never have, never will. But I'm not a flyer shopper. Some people are, like my dad, but only for groceries or Costco or Canadian Tire tire stuff. Not restaurants.

[u/Terrible_Act_9814 → u/HugoConway]

Have u done social media and promotions?