Learn how listening to guests can turn dishes into a canvas for innovation and continuous improvement.
Designing a menu isn’t just about showcasing your culinary talent or maximizing profit margins. It’s about cooking up dishes that make your guests feel seen—and leave them hungry for their next visit.
The good news is restaurateurs have a powerful ally: customer data and feedback. By tapping into this information, you can ensure your menu stays fresh, exciting, and always in tune with diners’ preferences.
All interactions guests have with your restaurant—from placing an order to leaving a review—add to your goldmine of data.
Here are some key data points most modern restaurant software can capture:
Instead of chasing every trend, let your guests be your guide. By harnessing the power of your data, you can craft a menu that’s both on-trend and tailored to your patrons.
Here are six ways to turn customer insights into actionable menu improvements.
A point-of-sale (POS) system is your backstage pass to understanding menu performance. Dig into sales reports to pinpoint bestsellers—these are the dishes guests love and keep returning for.
Once you’ve identified the star performers, capitalize on their popularity and drive further innovation. Consider creating variations of them. For example, offer a “deluxe” version with premium ingredients, introduce a seasonal twist, or explore different portion sizes to cater to different appetites.
In one survey, 71% of restaurant owners said they carry a signature item. If you’re one of them, that’s great—but this doesn’t mean your menu should remain stagnant.
Innovation doesn’t always mean starting from scratch; sometimes it’s about breathing new life into old favorites.
Consider using guest feedback to identify areas for improvement or explore new flavor combinations. Perhaps your signature pasta dish could be elevated with a seasonal ingredient, or your classic burger could be offered with a plant-based patty option.
Guests are constantly offering valuable feedback, whether they realize it or not. Every special request, every comment card, and every online review is a chance to fine-tune your offerings, such as:
Everyone loves a good deal, but specials and promotions can be more than simply slashing prices. Instead of throwing offers at the wall and hoping something sticks, use customer data to create targeted, irresistible deals.
For example, create a “guest favorites” menu spotlighting your most-loved dishes or offer a special discount on a rising star item to encourage more people to try it.
Keep your menu fresh and exciting by staying in sync with seasons, trends, holidays, and even local events. But don’t just rely on guesswork—let your customer data guide these offerings:
Whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte in autumn, a refreshing summer salad, or festive holiday specials, these timely additions will keep your menu enticing and encourage repeat visits as diners anticipate what’s next.
Don’t treat all guests the same. Segmenting customer data allows you to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and develop targeted menu strategies that resonate with specific groups.
For example, if data shows that a significant number of customers prefer gluten-free options, consider expanding this section of the menu. Similarly, if you notice a growing trend of customers ordering vegetarian or vegan dishes, perhaps it’s time to introduce a dedicated plant-based section to your menu.
Read More:
See why more than 40,000 restaurants use Restaurant365
Customer data and feedback aren’t just numbers on a screen; they offer a roadmap for menu innovation and improvement. By using the data and insights that back-of-house restaurant software provides, you can craft a menu that delights guests while encouraging them to return for more.
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