How to Increase Restaurant Sales: 15 Strategies That Drive Revenue

There’s one problem every restaurant owner is trying to solve: how to increase restaurant sales without spending money on expensive ads or giving up huge chunks of profits to third-party apps.

It’s tempting to chase quick wins with deep discounts or paid promos, but those tactics usually eat into your margins as fast as they spike short-term numbers.

And no, increasing restaurant sales doesn’t mean turning your restaurant staff into pushy upsellers trying to squeeze a few extra dollars out of every order.

The real wins come from small, smart shifts; things like improving your online ordering system, highlighting your most profitable dishes, and giving existing customers more reasons to come back.

In this article, you will learn:

1. Tactics that increase restaurant check sizes without slowing down service
2. How to boost restaurant sales through your own digital channels
3. Proven ideas for driving repeat business from loyal and casual guests alike

1. Create Limited-Time Offers That Drive Action

Limited-time offers (LTOs) give potential customers a reason to order now, not later.

Think seasonal menu items, weekend-only bundles, or one-day-only discounts; the urgency motivates guests to take action soon.

LTOs also help you spotlight high-margin items or move excess inventory without slashing prices across the board.

Train your restaurant staff to mention LTOs to in-house guests, promote them across your social media channels, and feature them in your online ordering system so guests see the promo with enough time to plan and react.

The best part is these promos don’t require big budgets or deep discounts, but they consistently boost restaurant sales while keeping your menu new and exciting.

2. Drive More Orders Through Your Own Website

If your website isn’t set up for direct online ordering, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to increase restaurant sales without having to pay third-party commissions.

A clean, mobile-friendly site with a fast checkout experience makes it easy for existing customers to order whenever they like and gives new customers confidence that your operation is legit.

Make sure your site has clear calls to action like “Order Now,” showcases your most popular menu items, and links to your current specials.

Direct online ordering is not only more convenient for your customers, but it also means you’re in control of your traffic, data, and margins.

3. Highlight High-Margin Items in the Right Places

Design your menu to guide people to your most profitable dishes.

Use photos, item placement, and smart labeling (for example, “guest favorite or “house specialty”) to steer attention toward high-margin menu items.

Customers tend to gravitate towards what’s most visible and easy to decide, so make sure the top sellers on your in-house and online menu are placed near the top or spotlighted with imagery.

These menu engineering tactics are subtle, yet can significantly increase restaurant revenue without overhauling your menu or hiking up menu prices.

4. Use Clear Calls to Action Across Every Channel

Make it super easy and obvious for customers to take action when they are ready to order.

Add bold, well-placed “Order Now” buttons on your restaurant website, social media platforms, and even your Google Business Profile.

The fewer steps you make your customers take to place an order, the more likely they are to follow through, especially on their smartphones.

Include direct links to your online ordering page in your bio, posts, and promotional emails.

A strong, simple call to action removes friction and can significantly boost sales, especially during peak times when customers are hungry and in a hurry.

5. Use Automated Email Marketing to Stay Top of Mind with Customers

88% of people check their emails every day, making email marketing one of the most effective ways to increase sales.

Setting up automated email campaigns makes the process easier and more effective by sending the right messages at the right time.

Send out flows when someone places an online order, reminder emails for customers who haven’t ordered in a while, or monthly exclusive discounts to people who joined your loyalty program.

This is a low-effort way to drive repeat business for your loyal customer base.

6. Offer Meal Bundles That Add Value

Meal bundles do double duty: they make ordering easier for guests and help you increase the average order value with strategic add-ons like drinks, desserts, or sides.

Try themed bundles (like “Taco Night” or “Lunch for the Crew”), and promote them on your online ordering page and social media presence.

When done right, bundles are a win for both the guests and your restaurant, and it’s a clever way to boost restaurant sales and attract customers without relying on discounts.

7. Reward Repeat Customers for their Loyalty

A well-designed loyalty program turns loyal customers into your most reliable source of repeat business.

Make it easy for customers to join and even easier for them to redeem their rewards.

ChowNow’s Rewards Program tracks customer orders for them, giving them updates on their progress, then, when they reach the rewards goal, the reward is automatically applied to their next order at checkout.

Simple, easy, and automated.

Loyalty programs not only give you a bigger bottom line; they also make people feel like they’re a part of something.

8. Refine Your Menu to Work Smarter

Focus on the menu items that are proven sellers, easy to prep, and travel well for takeout or delivery options.

Trimming underperformers not only reduces food waste;  it also improves consistency and speed.

This kind of menu engineering helps you highlight your most profitable dishes and makes better use of your staff and inventory.

9. Use Social Content to Build Demand

Posting high-quality photos of signature dishes, sharing limited-time offers, and showing behind-the-scenes content makes people feel more connected to your brand and drives more sales.

A strong social media presence builds trust with potential customers and reminds existing customers why they love you.

Focus on consistency over perfection, and always include direct links to your online ordering.

When your social media platforms are dialed in, they become one of the most cost-effective ways to boost restaurant sales and stay top of mind.

10. Use Social Proof to Gain Trust of New Customers

60% of customers, when deciding where they’re going to eat, will check out a restaurant’s reviews first.

Keep your Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook pages updated and respond to customer feedback regularly, even the negative customer feedback.

Highlight glowing reviews in your social media posts or on your website to build trust at first glance.

Most importantly, make it easy for happy guests to leave a review right after they order, especially through your online ordering system.

11. Upsell With Add-Ons That Actually Get Noticed

Upselling doesn’t have to be pushy—it just has to be helpful.

Make it easy to add drinks, desserts, and sides in your online ordering system, or highlight them as quick add-ons in your online menu.

These low-effort extras are often high-margin and easy to prepare, making them ideal for cross-selling.

You can also train restaurant staff to mention popular pairings in person.

Whether it’s a bag of chips with lunch or extra sauce for takeout, small upgrades help increase sales per order, and they add up fast across dozens (or hundreds) of transactions a week.

12. Build Relationships With Local Groups and Workplaces

Partner with local businesses, schools, or community organizations.

Offer set packages for meetings, staff lunches, or small events. You can even schedule recurring catering so you’re top of mind every week.

These kinds of partnerships are an underrated way to reach local customers, generate repeat business, and open up new revenue streams, while growing your customer base with new customers beyond just walk-ins and weekend diners.

13. Upgrade Your Packaging to Match the Experience

Branded packaging reinforces your identity and leaves a stronger impression, especially for takeout or delivery options.

Make sure containers keep food hot, travel well, and look good when opened. A well-packed meal tells new customers you care about quality, even off-premise.

Add touches like stickers, reheating instructions, or notes to sign up for your loyalty program to boost customer satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.

14. Launch a Branded Mobile App to Stay Top-of-Mind

A branded mobile app puts your restaurant in your customer’s pocket—literally.

It makes online ordering faster, keeps your logo top-of-mind, and encourages repeat business with features like saved orders and push notifications.

Unlike third-party apps, a branded app puts you in control of the customer experience and your margins. It also helps you drive more sales directly, without giving up a cut to third-party platforms.

15. Make Pickup and Order Handoff Seamless

Clear signage, a designated pickup area, and friendly, organized restaurant staff go a long way in making takeout or delivery options feel easy.

The smoother the handoff, the more likely you are to earn repeat visits.

For high-volume days, consider separate lines for delivery drivers and takeout guests to avoid confusion.

Remember that pickup is still part of the customer experience, and it plays a big role in how loyal customers remember your brand.

FAQs About How to Increase Restaurant Sales

How do I increase my restaurant’s sales?

Focus on strategies that improve order volume, boost average ticket size, and encourage repeat business, like optimizing your online ordering system, simplifying your menu, and promoting high-margin items through your own channels instead of relying solely on third-party apps.

How do I increase takeout orders from my restaurant?

Make sure your online menu is easy to navigate, your online ordering experience is seamless, and your packaging reflects your brand. Promote takeout options on your Google Business Profile, social channels, and in-house with clear signage and staff reminders.

How do I increase the average order value at my restaurant?

Use cross-selling tactics like meal bundles, add-ons, and combo deals. Highlight high-margin menu items and make it easy for guests to upgrade meals during the checkout process, especially online.

How do I attract new customers to my restaurant?

Keep your Google Business Profile updated, respond to reviews, and use social media to showcase your food, staff, and brand personality. Limited-time offers and exclusive discounts are also great for turning curious clicks into first-time orders.

What are the best ways to promote my restaurant’s takeout options?

Promote across every channel you own: your website, email list, and social media platforms. Use high-quality photos and clear CTAs, such as “Order Now,” to guide customers to your online ordering system.

How can I get more repeat customers for online orders?

Implement a loyalty program, use automated email reminders, and consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience. Make reordering easy with saved favorites or a branded app that puts you one tap away from another sale.

Start Increasing Sales With What You Already Have

Getting started can feel overwhelming, so it’s best to focus on what’s already working for you.

Double down on your most popular menu items, your loyal regulars, and the online ordering channels you control, then layer in a few of these strategies to grow from there.

Contact ChowNow to learn how Direct Online Ordering and Automated Email Marketing are the fastest ways to increase restaurant sales by reducing hefty third-party fees and using emails to stay top-of-mind with customers.