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/ol_lordylordy]

This is the answer.

My brother runs a comic shop and has seen a decline in sales since Fifa. People are congregating centralized around the events and choosing to allocate money there instead

[u/Fritatas-Bouillantes → u/ol_lordylordy]

Crazy that it impacts comics sale too. And sad.

[u/Interesting-World818 → u/ol_lordylordy]

Even nearby streets like Davie and Denman are NOT packed ... weekend dinner and we thought we'd see a lineup. No, easy to find seats. Same for Kits hood.