Three Tips to Shape Up Your Restaurant Profits in 2014

Hey you, listen up. We’re making a New Year’s prediction. Let’s just consult this crystal ball here… Aha! We see more money for you in 2014! According to our amazing powers, this year should be filled with profits for you and your restaurant, because your new iPad wine list means that you’ll increase your drink sales and then live it up with your earnings. Don’t give us that look, we’re sure we’re right because we have the facts to back us up. Here are three money-making secrets to get your tablet wine list working for you this year.

Tip #1: Flavor It Up

Unique flavor sales will go up next year according to Technomic’s 2014 outlook, so it is more important than ever for your restaurant to offer the higher-priced, unique flavors that your customers want. Ever tried a Pineapple Upside Down Cake shot made with cake-flavored vodka, pineapple juice and grenadine? How about a bacon vodka Bloody Mary? Your customers will be eating these up in 2014 when they find them on your menu.

Tip #2: Serve it Straight Up

Super-premium category profits will also go up next year but overall volume will stay flat. What’s up with that? It means that your customers are responsible drinkers, and are increasingly choosing drinks based on status. Capitalize on this trend by highlighting your super-premium drinks with full, rich descriptions so your customers can confidently post a status report that makes them sound smart and also talks up your restaurant on Facebook.

Tip #3: Don’t Turn Up Your Nose

Domestic wines will continue topping growth lists next year so make sure that your customers can easily find them. Try adding fun facts about domestic wineries to your digital wine list. Did you know that it takes about 800 wine grapes to make a bottle of wine? Neither did your customers. Did you know that wineries are the second most popular tourist attraction in California? Your customers didn’t know that either. When you get your customers reading up on wine stats and facts, they want more wine. Use your wine list to get your customers quizzing each other, and they’ll be sure to all get dressed up another night to come back to your restaurant.

Remember our prediction? Come closer and look at this crystal ball. See that packed restaurant? It’s yours and your customers are all saying “Bottoms Up!” Take it from us, the stars are lined up in 2014 for everyone to toast your restaurant’s good fortune.

Photo used with permission from Uncalno.