It’s the lunch rush and the line is out the door, your staff is scrambling to get people’s orders in and out. The people in your line are impatient and grumpy with an unpleasant frown on their face. What’s more, people in hopes to grab a meal walk up to the line, scowl and then leave. In order to avoid this from happening you need to implement methods to cut down the wait time. When guests know that the line is moving quickly, they are more inclined to wait. Here are some ways you can keep your lines flowing and business booming.
Line-busting mobile point-of-sale.
If you only have one or two terminals and your line is out the door, a line-busting mobile POS will make an enormous difference. Use a mobile POS with a comfortable grip handle an employee can easily carry to take people’s orders while they are waiting in line. Since the kitchen can usually operate faster than orders can be processed, a line-busting POS can speed up your lines and also increase profits. Additionally, seeing an employee taking orders can help potential customers see that things are likely moving quickly which will make them hop in line.
Accessible menus.
Provide menus available for viewing while customers are standing in line so they can decide and quickly give their order. This will prevent people from um-ing and ah-ing or changing their mind at the register and holding up the line. You can also delegate an employee to explain the dishes for those in line with questions so the order process is smooth and swift.
Online ordering.
Having an app or a website your customers can order and pay for their items beforehand will infinitely speed up your lines. This allows customers to order and select a pick-up time which will guarantee that their order is ready when they arrive at your establishment. It will also ensure that your line does not rack up and that you are using your kitchen to its full capacity.
Notification texts.
Texting is a great way to streamline the process and make sure your customers will be there to collect their order when it is ready. Let your customers know that you will be texting them so that they can stand outside or go wherever they’d like while waiting. This way your restaurant will not packed with people waiting to order AND people waiting to get their food. It also gives your customers a piece of mind and reduces their stress from having to wait around in a crowded space.
Short and simple menus.
Too many options on the menu can overwhelm your customers and it can also cause them to be fearful of choosing the wrong option. Lay out your menu in an organized and easy-to-read format. Keep it simple so it is easy for your customers to make choices while also keeping pressure off your kitchen.
