1. Upgrade accounting methods: According to Irvine, most restaurant owners he usually comes across can’t answer simple questions regarding the food costs, profits and losses, and labor costs. He was more shocked to discover that there are owners with this issue despite running the business for a couple of years. Chances are that S/he computed food costs once at the beginning. From there, they use these calculations to set menu prices. After several months or even years have elapsed, they fail to stay up to date with rising costs and never alter their prices to make up the difference. All of a sudden, they may discover their revenues have remained the same or have grown, but the profits have plummeted.

Investing in a restaurant accounting software could assist in saving both money and time. Newer software packages can merge with marketing systems, inventory, and payment in an effective and very seamless way. For the most part, just using reliable accounting software can help restaurant owners track various types of expenses and revenue properly. Additionally, they can offer reliable data you can base your decisions on. An ideal restaurant business software should generate reports that make spotting trends easier.

2. Manage cash flow better: To assess the success or failure of a business, financial professionals often check the cash flow management as an indicator. Cash flow is basically a phrase used for describing the inflow and outflow of money in a business. The cash flow is considered to be positive when the revenues are greater than expenses. It’s a fact that many restaurants will not enjoy having positive cash flow each day.

Occasional repairs, equipment purchases, and payroll suggest that a restaurant will need to spend more than it is making. However, there are methods you can prepare for such issues without needing to compromising payday against an urgent repair. For instance, it may be shrewd opening up a credit line to offer funding to your restaurant. The upside about having a line of credit is it will work in the same manner as other types of revolving credit. This meaning the borrower will pay interest on the money they will withdraw. Additionally, the flexibility of this type of loan means that it can be invested in business development while managing the daily operating expenses. Recently developed online lending platforms are faster at approving and funding loans, with some being friendlier to restaurants compared to conventional financing companies.

3. Focus on customer retention: It’s simple logic that keeping a regular client is way cheaper and easier than courting a prospective one. Repeat customers offer reliable and stable revenue. What’s more, it’s this sort of pleased client who’s likely to spread the word about your restaurants to family members and friends. Mr. Irvine suggests that restaurant owners' first step should be to concentrate on good food and deliver quality customer service. Chances are that if a client isn’t pleased with the food or the manner they were served, S/he will go to another joint the next time they feel like eating. However, there are establishments that go beyond the bare minimum to quickly grow their client base. Take a look at Proper Popcorn for a great example. For instance, the restaurant may give special promotions to clients who sign up for the mailing list. The lists can include text messaging, email, regular mail, and mobile apps. Menu updates or occasional discounts could influence diners to select a restaurant over the other when they think about eating out. You can even encourage diners to be your brand ambassadors by bringing in their coworkers and friends. You can do this by offering awesome two-for-one or four-for-two offers. Restaurant owners may have to employ various strategies to retain their repeat customers.