How to Bring New Customers Into a Fast Food Restaurant

Turn visitors into repeat customers at your fast food restaurant.

Fast food restaurants are often synonymous with unhealthy menu options and a sloppy atmosphere. Another factor that can inhibit the success of a fast food establishment is the mobility that technology offers. People can actually sit at fast food restaurants for a couple of hours while catching up on the day's work, homework or current events without necessarily purchasing more items. But the restaurants must stay relevant with small changes that will keep the customers returning and keep the cash register ringing.

Things You'll Need

• Coupons
• Cleaning schedule
• Free internet
• Live plants
• Fresh paint
• New artwork
• Comfortable seating

Instructions

1. 

   Become "the" place to hang out with friends.

   Provide a comfortable atmosphere that is aesthetically pleasing. Faux finishes, a few live plants, modern art and tufted seating encourage patrons to relax and feel more comfortable.

2. Offer modern conveniences. The small amount you pay to provide free internet access will be recouped through extra sodas, coffee and fries folks may order while utilizing the services.

3. Give items away. For example, advertise a promotion like "Milkshake Mondays," and make small shakes free between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m.

4. 

   Offer more than run-of-the-mill fast food.

   Offer healthy alternatives. Stock the refrigerators with fresh fruit, including apples, bananas and oranges to replace cookies and pie slices. Give customers the choice between celery and carrot sticks or fries. Consider cooking sweet potato fries for guests who are taking small steps to better health.

5. Become members of coupon companies. It's often not enough to offer coupons on site. Become a member of the widely popular coupon companies that have scores of fans on social networking sites and send deals directly to people's emails on a daily basis. This form of advertising gets your name in front of more potential visitors and the discounts are a huge draw among busy families on the run.

6. Place gift certificates in the welcome packages that apartment managers give to new tenants. Offer this certificate to local real estate agents who can use it as a small thank-you to new clients and homeowners as well.

7. 

   Friendly employees equal happy customers.

   Keep customer service at optimum levels at all times. Don't allow grouchy employees to chase away good customers. Customers who feel genuinely welcome will return. Emphasize the importance of friendly service with a smile.

8. Maintain a clean facility. Stick to a strict bathroom cleaning schedule among employees and keep toilet paper, paper towels and hand soap well stocked at all times. Make sure floors are free of debris and spills to prevent injuries and possible lawsuits. Clean dish towels should be used at all times to clean tables after every turnover, regardless if the previous customer was drinking a cup of coffee or eating a full meal.

References

• NY Times: Get Healthy
• A Weber: Restaurant Marketing Tips: Beyond Coupons