How to Get Sales for a Restaurant Business
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
Opening a restaurant is a major milestone—but getting customers through the door is where the real challenge begins. Whether you're launching a new eatery or trying to boost traffic to an existing one, a solid sales strategy is essential for long-term success.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven strategies to increase restaurant sales, build customer loyalty, and protect your business with the right insurance coverage.
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
In today’s digital-first world, your restaurant’s online presence is often the first impression you make.
Key steps:
Create a professional website with your menu, hours, location, and contact info.
Claim your Google Business Profile so you appear in local searches and Google Maps.
Encourage online reviews on platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews.
💡 Restaurants with more than 50 reviews and a 4-star rating or higher tend to attract significantly more foot traffic.
2. Leverage Social Media Marketing
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for restaurant promotion.
Tips:
Post high-quality photos of your food and drinks on Instagram and Facebook.
Use Instagram Reels or TikTok to showcase behind-the-scenes content or chef specials.
Run geo-targeted ads to reach local customers.
Partner with local influencers or food bloggers for shoutouts and reviews.
3. Offer Online Ordering and Delivery
Convenience is king. Offering online ordering and delivery can significantly boost your sales.
Options:
Use platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.
Consider building your own ordering system to avoid third-party fees.
Promote takeout specials or free delivery days to increase volume.
4. Create Loyalty Programs and Promotions
Encourage repeat business with incentives that reward loyal customers.
Ideas:
Punch cards or digital loyalty apps (e.g., Thanx, Belly)
Happy hour specials
Birthday discounts
Referral rewards
5. Host Events and Collaborations
Events can drive traffic and create buzz.
Examples:
Live music nights or trivia events
Collaborations with local breweries or wineries
Themed nights (e.g., Taco Tuesday, Wine Wednesdays)
Community fundraisers or charity events
6. Optimize Your Menu for Profitability
Sales aren’t just about volume—they’re also about margins.
Strategies:
Highlight high-margin items with menu design and placement
Use menu engineering to analyze item performance
Offer combo deals or upsells (e.g., “Add a drink for 50% off”)
7. Train Your Staff to Sell
Your front-of-house team plays a huge role in driving sales.
Train them to:
Upsell appetizers, drinks, and desserts
Recommend daily specials
Provide exceptional service that encourages repeat visits
Boost Your Sales with Contractor Back Office
Running a Restaurant business is challenging—especially when marketing, SEO, and client outreach take a back seat. Contractor Back Office helps you build a strong brand, attract more clients, and streamline your operations with expert digital tools.
Our Services Include:
Protect Your Business with the Right Insurance
As you grow your restaurant and increase sales, it’s critical to protect your investment. At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping restaurant owners get the coverage they need to operate with confidence.
Here are the essential insurance policies every restaurant should have:
General Liability Insurance – Covers third-party injuries or property damage (e.g., slip-and-fall accidents).
Commercial Auto Insurance – Protects vehicles used for deliveries or catering.
Commercial Property Insurance – Covers your building, kitchen equipment, and furnishings.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees; covers job-related injuries.
Equipment Insurance – Protects your valuable kitchen tools and machinery from damage or theft.
Final Thoughts
Getting sales for your restaurant business takes more than great food—it requires smart marketing, excellent service, and a strong online presence. By combining digital strategies with in-person experiences and protecting your business with the right insurance, you’ll be well on your way to long-term success.
At Wexford Insurance, we’re here to help restaurant owners like you protect what matters most. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, we’ll help you find the right coverage.
👉 Contact us today to get started.
