| Must Read Bring On The Promo Bags According to the National Restaurant Association, 55% of consumers consider takeout and delivery essential. More than half of Americans (60%) order food delivery at least once a week and spend an average of $67 each week on takeout. Instead of using generic “thank you” bags, restaurants can use branded bags to get their fare to patrons. Not only will this help consumers feel more connected to the establishment, but giving logoed bags helps increase brand awareness – especially when restaurants opt for reusable bags that consumers can use again and again. Now Hiring Restaurants need workers, and lots of them. In the next six to 12 months, 87% of restaurant operators anticipate adding employees. They first just need to find qualified applicants. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, the foodservice industry is projected to add about 150,000 jobs a year between 2023 and 2030. By then, there could be 16.5 million people working in the restaurant business. Restaurants can use promo to recruit staff and keep them engaged once they’re part of the team. Beyond wearables, promos like drinkware and technology gifts help businesses show appreciation and reward longevity. Restaurants can also use promo to incentivize staff to reach new goals, like selling a new wine or selling desserts to more tables. Promo For Extra Profit Most restaurants are familiar with pivoting amid ever-changing circumstances. To weather a potential economic downturn, 29% of restaurants say they will raise menu prices. Consumers largely understand. On average, they say they’re willing to pay 17% more before reconsidering visiting their favorite restaurant. To bring in some extra money, 35% of restaurants are looking to add or bring in retail items. More than half of consumers (57%) have bought retail items at a local restaurant in the past year. Items like T-shirts, caps and tumblers let people show their love for their favorite eatery, bakery or bistro while allowing restaurant owners to generate extra revenue. Be Smart With Signage When consumers pull up to a restaurant, they should know immediately where to park to pick up their to-go orders. And once they walk inside, they should know where to find their food. That’s why promo signage like banners and patio easels are so important. They can cut out confusion and boost customers’ overall experience. Research from Intouch Insight, a customer experience solutions company, finds that satisfaction with the pickup experience is 12% higher when restaurants post clear signage about where to park and pick up orders. Don’t leave customers guessing – point them in the right direction with logoed signage. Africa Studio/ Iryna Tolmachova/ napat intaroon / PhotobyTawat / Shutterstock.com PPAI • SEPTEMBER 2023 • 63
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