Let’s face it, owning a takeaway business can be a challenge. While there’s no better feeling than making an honest living by serving delicious food your customers enjoy, with so much competition, it can be difficult for some to turn a profit.
If you’re thinking of opening a takeaway and you’re looking for some guidance, or you already have a food business and you’re struggling to make it a success, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, we’ll offer five tips that should keep your customers coming back time and time again – follow these and your takeaway business should be a roaring success!
Craft A Great Menu
As a food business, the number one priority is offering the tastiest cuisine possible. With countless burger bars and pizza shops in every town and city across the country, sometimes it pays to be different.
If you do opt for some of the more tried and tested food (nothing wrong with that) then you can still think outside the box and get creative.
A great way to see what’s working is to have a look at what some of your most successful competitors are offering. While you won’t want to copy what they’re doing, analysing your competition is a great way to get some inspiration and see what’s working.
Additionally, if you don’t have many already, you could also add some vegetarian and vegan options.As you’ll no doubt know from working in the food industry, the plant-based movement is gathering some serious momentum, so join the revolution as it’ll help you attract more customers.
Feedback
If you already own a takeaway business and sales have been on the decline, a good way of understanding where you’re going wrong is by asking for customer feedback.
While it can be difficult to hear words of criticism at times, especially if you’re putting your heart and soul into your business, it’s always beneficial to take feedback on board – whether good or bad.
If your business is listed on Google or you advertise your services on food ordering apps then keep an eye on reviews. If there are any common themes then this gives you an area to focus on to help you get better.
Maintain Cleanliness
Don’t underestimate the importance of maintaining a hygienic workplace – countless businesses have come unstuck due to not keeping their takeaway clean.
Serving up food in an unsanitary environment can have a variety of implications. First, your customers can get sick from eating your food, and nothing kills a takeaway’s reputation faster than multiple customers sharing these scare stories online.
Then there’s the small matter of the Food Standards Agency, which may prosecute businesses if they fail to uphold proper standards of cleanliness and put customers in danger.
So, implement regular cleaning schedules, train staff on proper hygiene practices and comply with food safety regulations to maintain a clean and safe environment for both customers and employees.
Food Ordering Apps
Are you on the main food ordering apps? If not then you’re seriously missing out.
In today’s digital age when people want to use apps to purchase food, online ordering and delivery services are essential for reaching a wider customer base and providing convenience.
If you’re not advertising your business on food ordering apps then you’re missing out on a massive amount of custom. So while it may sting when you have to share some of your profits with these platforms, in the long run, you’ll no doubt benefit from being on there.
Be Ready To Adapt
We humans are fickle creatures, so items that are in demand one minute can soon turn into yesterday’s news. Counter this by staying ahead of changing consumer trends and preferences by continuously updating your menu, services and even marketing strategies.
To do this, monitor industry trends, experiment with new menu items or delivery options and be willing to change, otherwise you may find yourself being left behind by your competitors.
Go Green
The green revolution is in full flow, with business and their customers keen to reduce their environment by any means necessary. In fact, many customers are now prioritising businesses that offer biodegradable packaging and actively try to reduce their harm to the planet, so this is a great way to differentiate yourself and attack green-minded patrons.
So if you’re looking to boost custom, a great way to do so is by demonstrating your green credentials with some eco-friendly offerings.
Rule Changes
The main reason your business should go green with its packaging is the law states you must!
Since September 2023, food businesses have been banned from using single-use packaging. The ban includes all online and over-the-counter sales and it covers packaging items from new and existing stock.
Trading Standards departments will have the authority to fine and prosecute any business not complying with the rules. So to avoid hefty fines, it’s best to abide by the rules and stick to biodegradable packaging.
So to help keep you out of trouble and ensure your reputation stays intact, biodegradable packaging is a necessity.
We stock a massive range of biodegradable packaging. So whether you need kraft boxes, paper cups, straws, serviettes or anything in between, we have you covered!
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
