Restaurant upselling is the process of persuading or influencing a guest’s purchase by enticing them with more expensive or higher margin items and add-ons. With a little effort and strategizing with your front-of-house staff, it’s an easy way to increase average check size and get more out of your menu.
Talk to your staff about why upselling is important and coach them on how to do it gracefully. By taking a consultative approach, like, “That particular cut of steak goes really nicely with the blue cheese crumble,” or simply, “Would you like some seasoned tots with your sandwich?” your staff is forming a relationship with the customer and doing good for the business financially.
Ongoing training, especially when new menu items emerge, is a great way to guarantee your waitstaff is comfortable upselling. Have your kitchen prepare the latest and greatest from your menu for your next pre-shift. Give each employee the chance to try the new item, making sure they’re aware of the ingredients and cooking techniques used to create the dish. Encourage them to pick a favorite item from your menu that they can describe elaborately to your guests, along with sides and drinks that pair nicely with the meal.
Source: Toast, On the Line. “How to Train Restaurant Staff to Upsell”
Upselling should seem like good service rather than a sales pitch.
Make Plain Fries Unique with Flavorful Seasonings & Dips
Baron Spices Cajun Seasoning290810 - 1/26 oz.
Bay Valley Aged Cheddar Cheese Sauce214209 - 6/#10 can
Major Products NAMSG Ranch Dressing Mix294325 - 18/3.2 oz.
McCormick Mango Habanero Wing Seasoning299001 - 1/21.65 oz.
McCormick Old Bay Seasoning300087 - 1/7.5 lb.
McCormick Smokehouse Maple Seasoning300146 - 1/28 oz.
Tulkoff Chipotle Chili Aioli Sauce289421 - 1/30 oz.
Cajun Sweet Potato Fries
PREP | Cook sweet potato fries and toss with seasoning. Serve with a cool black sesame ranch for dipping.
1/4’’ PXL Shoestring French Fries 690023 - 6/4.5 lb.
5/16’’ OR Thin Cut Sweet Potato Fry 690047 - 6/2.5 lb.
OR Baked Potato Skins 701169 - 4/4 lb.
Natural Flat Potato Chips 701384 - 6/4 lb.
OR Tater Tots 702763 - 6/5 lb.
Battered Pickled Chips 705739 - 6/2 lb.
Fully Loaded Cheddar Baked Potato Soup 773814 - 4/4 lb.
RTU Mexican Street Corn Soup 776087 - 4/4 lb. pouch
French Onion Soup Base w/Parmesan Cheese 294303 - 1/8 oz.
Superb NAMSG Cream Base Soup 294304 - 6/28 oz.
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SOUP-ERIOR IDEAS
RTU Roasted Red Pepper Gouda Tomato Soup 776068 4/4 lb. pouch
Try it in a a signature tomato or marinara sauce – Use bisque as a base, and blend olive oil, onion and roasted garlic. Mix in smoked Gouda cheese, oregano, parsley and penne pasta. Add a protein like sausage and garnish with red bell peppers.
RTU Sherry Bisque Lobster Soup 776073 4/4 lb. pouch
Try it in Lobster mac & cheese – Combine lobster bisque soup with a blend of cheese and stir in your noodles to create a signature mac and cheese. Top with premium garnishes to elevate the dish.
