It seems everyone one wants in on the takeout boom, and fine dining restaurants are no exception. But like many restaurant operators, you might be wondering how to ensure the appeal and specialness of fine dining isn't lost in translation. Turn to these pointers and start including takeout — without losing the luster of your fine dining experience.
Simplify your takeout menu
Here’s the million-dollar question: How can you accommodate a high volume of takeout orders, without compromising on quality? The answer: Less is more. Stick to a limited menu of customer favorites so you can consistently execute on them. While showcasing your selection is important, don’t overdo it. As you’re putting your takeout menu together, don’t immediately count crowd-pleasing options out if they seem unfit for takeout. Instead, consider if you can reinvent those options to be more to-go friendly. For example, switch out sauces or change cuts of meat to help preserve the dish for longer periods of time. These “takeout tweaks” can be minor, but they can have a major impact on customer satisfaction.
Launch inventive take-home offerings
Once you get those creative juices flowing, the options for sales-boosting take-home offerings are seemingly endless. Search for ways to set your takeout experience apart by including special options, such as date night packages, mixology kits, or multi-course meal kits (complete with chef tutorials). Not only can these options increase revenue, but they require less in-house prep. On top of those advantages, these do-it-yourself options offer a fun, unique experience that’s sure to entice customers.
Make the experience memorable
Many customers come to higher-end dining establishments for more than just food; they’re seeking a special experience. Make their in-home dining experience one they won’t forget by adding all the bells and whistles. For example, suggest a signature drink to go with the meal, include a hand-written note from the chef, or provide some signature decorations so they can spruce up their table setting. These extra touches can be relatively easy, but they’ll stick out as exceptional for your customers.
Consider equipment adjustments
Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to a successful takeout operation. If you’re pivoting to include takeout, an informal audit of your kitchen equipment is a smart step to include in the planning stages. Take inventory of your equipment and see if you’re missing out on any game-changing equipment that will expedite your takeout operations and enable you to serve a higher volume of customers. While it may be an investment upfront, it can pay massive dividends over time.
Looking for more takeout tips? Stick with us.
If you’re considering expanding your services to include takeout, don’t go it alone. Start off on the right foot by incorporating tips from our trusty to-go guide.
