4 Essential Tips to Avoid the January Slump

It’s no secret that January is a slow month in the restaurant business. As bills pile up and the reality of Christmas spending sets in, consumers not only cut back on dining out to save money but also in attempt to stick to their New Year’s resolution of losing weight. So, what can you do to help maintain sales while you wait for the Valentine’s rush to arrive? Check out these 4 tips:

  1. Help guests keep their New Year’s Resolutions — One in five guests start the year with a desire to lose weight, but resisting free chips and salsa on the table is nearly impossible. Instead of having guests avoid the temptation of your restaurant altogether, consider offering low-carb or low-calorie snack options like veggie sticks or pork rinds (for a small upcharge).

  2. Give in to Dry January — Another popular trend these days is Dry January, when your best bar guests swear off alcohol for the month. GASP! Help your guests with their (do we dare say crazy?) goal and add a few special mocktails or alcohol-free beer options to help keep your bar tabs up.

  3. Step up your To-Go Options — Cold temperatures can tempt your guests to stay home. Double-down on your take-out or delivery options with coupons, promos or family packs to help lift sales. Be sure to use social media or email to make them aware.

  4. Lighten up your Menu — With the focus on the new year, now’s a great time to introduce or even test new menu items. Offer a few healthy lifestyle options to gauge popularity, and consider keeping the most popular for your spring menu.

You can also use this slow time to get a jump on spring cleaning, invest in staff training and promote your Valentine’s specials. But most of all, hang in there…you got this!

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