10 Effective Ways to Increase Your Restaurant’s Revenue

Rising food costs, tighter margins, and growing competition mean that boosting restaurant revenue requires smarter strategies. Whether you’re a neighborhood favorite or a multi-location operation, the right mix of marketing, operations, and tech can unlock serious growth.

Here are 10 proven ways to increase restaurant revenue—online and on-premise.

1. Expand Online Ordering & Delivery Sales

Online orders aren’t a side hustle anymore—they’re a core part of revenue. Implement a first-party ordering platform like Sauce so customers order directly from your website (instead of through costly third-party apps).

• Avoid 20–30% marketplace commissions

• Customize your ordering experience

• Use customer data for retargeting and loyalty

2. Increase Average Check Size with Upselling

Encourage customers to spend more with well-placed upsells.

• Suggest add-ons during checkout (extra toppings, sides, desserts)

• Use “complete your meal” bundles for takeout

• Train servers to recommend pairings and upgrades

Digital ordering platforms like Sauce can automate upsell prompts based on cart behavior.

3. Attract New Customers with Promotions

Use time-limited promotions and new customer offers to drive first-time visits.

• “$5 off your first online order”

• “Buy one, get one 50% off on Tuesdays”

• Geo-targeted ads promoting local lunch specials

Ensure your promotions are visible on your site, Google Business Profile, and social media.

4. Improve Table Turnover with Efficiency Tools

In-house revenue is limited by how many tables you turn. Speed up service with:

• QR code menus and mobile ordering

• Integrated POS and kitchen display systems

• Streamlined staff workflows and prep stations

Faster turnover = more covers per shift without cutting corners.

5. Optimize Your Menu for Profitability

Apply menu engineering principles to highlight high-margin items and trim underperformers. Review menu performance data regularly and update item pricing and descriptions to guide customer decisions.

6. Implement a Loyalty Program

Drive repeat orders by rewarding loyalty. Offer:

• Points for every dollar spent

• Discounts after a set number of visits

• Exclusive rewards for online orders

Loyalty programs integrated into your online ordering platform increase retention and lifetime value.

7. Focus on Local SEO & Reviews

Make sure your restaurant shows up when people search “[cuisine] near me.”

• Fully optimize your Google Business Profile

• Use keywords tied to your city or neighborhood

• Encourage happy customers to leave reviews

Higher local rankings mean more discovery and more direct orders.

8. Offer Catering or Group Ordering

Add an additional revenue stream by offering catering or pre-set group ordering packages for local offices, events, or family meals. Promote these via email and your website.

9. Sell Branded Merchandise or Meal Kits

Capitalize on your brand loyalty with t-shirts, hot sauce, or take-home kits. Feature these items on your ordering site or checkout page to increase order value.

10. Retarget Past Customers with Email or Ads

Use customer data to bring people back. Send:

• Abandoned cart reminders

• Weekly specials or seasonal menus

• Loyalty reward balance updates

Platforms like Sauce let you collect and activate first-party data without needing a marketing team.

1. What’s the fastest way to increase restaurant revenue?

The quickest win is optimizing your online ordering system to drive direct orders and eliminate third-party commissions. Upsells and promotions also deliver fast results.

2. How can I increase average check size?

3. Should I use third-party delivery apps or my own system?

4. What types of promotions work best for attracting new customers?

5. Does Sauce help with increasing restaurant revenue?