Eateries often look for means to increase the average check size, as that is one of the main ways to increase the revenue of a food service business. Restaurant bundles and restaurant promotions play a major role in that regard. By combining different menu items, diners can increase their sales while simultaneously offering guests convenience when ordering. In the following paragraphs, we’ll examine what restaurant bundles are and how businesses in the hospitality industry can benefit from them. We’ll also showcase other popular restaurant marketing strategies related to offering deals and promos. If you operate a business in the food service sector, make sure to check out our guides on the role of pairings in restaurants and the latest restaurant technology trends.
Key takeaway: Restaurant bundles are pre-set combinations of different menu items that customers can order as a bundle. Even though bundle deals often come at a discounted price, they are beneficial for restaurants as they help increase revenue and promote the business.
What Are Restaurant Bundles
The term refers to pre-set combinations of different menu items as a single offering. Restaurant bundles often come at a discounted price in order to encourage customers to choose the bundle instead of opting for other menu options. There are different types of bundles offered by food service businesses. For example, some of them combine food and drinks and make it convenient for individual customers to quickly order a meal. Others are focused on specific groups of customers. Examples include party platters and family bundles. In recent years, creating an interactive dining experience has become a trend in the restaurant industry. That’s why some eateries offer create-your-own combos. Instead of offering a pre-set combination, guests can choose between different dishes, sides, and beverages.
Benefits of Bundling Menu Items
- The potential to increase the average order value per customer is the main benefit of restaurant bundles.
- Promoting specific dishes or beverages through bundle deals gives restaurants the chance to increase sales of high-margin items such as cocktails (read more about profit margin on cocktails).
- Thanks to bundles, restaurant managers have an easier time managing inventory, forecasting demand, and speeding up service. Overall, if introduced properly, restaurant bundles can improve the efficiency of eateries.
- Pre-set combinations of different menu items can be used as part of the overall marketing strategy of a food service business. For example, an eatery that has integrated restaurant data analytics can create custom restaurant bundles depending on client order history. Bundles can also be used as part of a restaurant’s loyalty program.
- Businesses in the hospitality niche market can test new items with less risk by including them in bundles. Guests are more willing to try new dishes or beverages if they come at a discounted price.
Tips for Creating Restaurant Bundles
Business owners or managers who wish to introduce restaurant bundles can do so fairly easily. However, there are some subtleties that need to be considered. Here are a few pieces of advice to help you create a bundle menu.
- Pair menu items strategically. Restaurant bundles need to have goals. For example, they might combine best-sellers with high-margin beverages like mixed drinks in order to incentivize customers to consume more cocktails. The aim of other bundles might be to offer a convenient meal and beverage option for dates.
- Using sales data is crucial. Thanks to modern restaurant technology, food service businesses can forecast sales, manage inventory, and improve their efficiency. Data analytics can also be used when creating pre-set restaurant bundle combinations.
- Simplicity is key. Bundle deals need to be simple and straightforward. Complex offerings might confuse customers and defeat the purpose of making ordering more convenient.
- Adapt restaurant bundles regularly. Clients love seasonal dishes or holiday-themed items. That’s why bundle deals need to be changed every now and then. Implementing QR codes for restaurant menus is the easiest way to do so.
- Train staff members. Bundles can make back-of-house operations quicker. However, waiters should also be aware of special deals and restaurant bundles. Combining excellent customer service and a special discounted deal can result in increased restaurant tipping.
- Advertise and promote bundles. Promoting restaurant bundles on the website, table tents, and social media is a must for the food and beverage industry.
Other Restaurant Deals and Promos
Besides restaurant bundles, there are other ways for eateries to increase the average check size and maximize their revenue. Specials like limited-time offers are a great way to create a sense of urgency and incentivize customers to pick specific menu items. Buy-one-get-one deals are also a very popular way to boost restaurant customer acquisition.
The food service sector can explore additional revenue streams as a way to promote their business, boost brand awareness, and increase profitability. Two of the best examples in that regard are offering restaurant merchandise (apparel or books with signature restaurant recipes) and organizing events (cooking classes or workshops) after hours. Introducing a loyalty program is yet another marketing strategy to increase sales and incentivize regular visits.
A growing number of clients pick sustainable places when they eat out. That’s why eco-friendly restaurants have increased in popularity. Offering deals and promotions for health-conscious clients and environmentally-friendly menu items can attract new customers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurant Bundles
From articles on what commissary kitchens are to guides on how to do menu design and deal with restaurant inflation, there are various resources on BlueCart’s website. Check out our answers to a few of the commonly asked questions regarding restaurant bundles and their role in the hospitality sector.
What Is a Restaurant Bundle Menu?
Many food service establishments create separate menus for bundle deals. This makes it easier for customers to choose a combination of menu items when eating out. Bundle menus often include popular combinations such as a best seller and a soft drink. Depending on the type of restaurant, they might have different combinations in their restaurant bundle menus. For example, a casual family-oriented diner might include package deals for the whole family. On the other hand, a fast food place that is close to office buildings might offer bundles suitable for people with busy lifestyles.
What Are the Disadvantages of Restaurant Bundles?
The main con of offering bundle deals is that this often reduces profits. In order to retain a good restaurant profit margin, eateries need to offer exquisite dishes that can be sold at a premium price. Bundles are often considered a more affordable option. Relying heavily on restaurant bundles might limit the flexibility of customers, which might result in a poor customer experience. As restaurant and catering companies often need to change their prices or menu items, creating new bundle deals might result in additional operational work. Nevertheless, the multiple benefits of restaurant bundling far outweigh the disadvantages.
What Are Examples of Popular Restaurant Bundles?
McDonald’s Happy Meal menu is probably the most popular bundle option worldwide. It’s specifically created to be a go-to option for children when visiting a McDonald’s. KFC’s family buckets, in combination with sides, desserts, and beverages, are also among the popular bundle deals. Another example of a popular bundle is Starbucks’s breakfast pairings. They give customers the opportunity to choose a delicious breakfast item alongside coffee or tea.
BlueCart: A Software Solution for Restaurants and Suppliers
Throughout the years, our platform has become one of the best options for wholesalers (both specialized and broadline distributors) and their customers in the food service sector. BlueCart offers suppliers a variety of options to sell their products and automate various business processes. If you operate a distribution company, schedule a demo and see why our platform is the right choice for your wholesale sales.
Restaurant businesses can benefit from BlueCart’s endless aisle and other features as well. Our platform can be used as food costing software, a food inventory management system, and a place to find suppliers. Sign up for BlueCart today and see all the features food service businesses can use.