how to do market research for restaurant

• Pollfish School
• Market Research
• Survey Guides
• Get started

How to Conduct Restaurant Market Research Like A Pro

Restaurateurs, cafe owners, and eatery purveyors must conduct restaurant market research , as it is a highly competitive restaurant industry. Given that the industry is dominated by changing customer habits, businesses need to conduct thorough research to uncover potential opportunities.

As new restaurants open every day, the competition also increases. To stand out from this competition and ensure that prospective buyers know about their brand, restaurants must find strategies that enhance customer experience and content marketing strategy and advertising. 

That usually involves an in-depth analysis of their customer preferences and an understanding of their competitors, neither of which is possible without restaurant market research. This article explains how restaurant owners can research their target market to ensure continued success, along with what market research means for the restaurants and the benefits of adopting these strategies. 

The Growing Demand For Restaurants

Covid-19 had a devastating impact on the restaurant industry , as it hit the global hospitality businesses with brute force, compelling a complete ban on indoor dining leading to reduced sales.

But with lifted restrictions in the U.S., the restaurant industry is slowly getting on track . There’s an increase in demand for in-person dining, which means that the restaurant industry is on the road to recovery, making this the perfect time to open a restaurant. But before that, restaurant owners need to conduct in-depth market research.

Reasons To Conduct Restaurant Market Research 

Restaurant market research is essential for restaurant businesses and entrepreneurs to understand the latest market trends , identify consumer pain points and target exactly what the consumers are looking for. It is one of the simplest and most effective ways of maintaining a competitive edge. 

The following are some reasons why businesses need to conduct restaurant market research:

1. Identifying the Target Market

Conducting restaurant market research enables restaurants to determine the key demographics of their potential new customers. There are three different types of customers that most new businesses will encounter. Adequate market research will offer valuable insights into targeting each of these customers to adapt to their needs and turn them into loyal customers. 

The ‘Savvy’ Purchasers

These are customers that are most interested in an A-class customer experience. They do not necessarily care about the quality of the product but rather how the business treats its customers. Restaurants need to identify these customers through secondary market research and price their products competitively. 

The Industry Influencer

Industry influencers are primarily concerned with the quality of the product. They do not care whether the product is too expensive, as long as it provides valuable service and offers them satisfaction. Restaurant businesses need to know who the industry influencers are because they can bring in other prospective customers and inspire people to buy from their company. 

The End-User

End-user customers are those that will become the restaurant’s regular, loyal customers. It’s necessary to identify these customers as they can provide valuable information on the frustrations or limitations of the business. As such, end-users make ideal primary research candidates since they can help restaurant businesses gain a competitive edge. 

2. Analyzing the Effect Of Competition

Restaurant market research also helps restaurant owners to see how other restaurants in the area are operating to develop unique strategies to get an edge over them. The restaurant industry is competitive, so opening a new restaurant will only be successful if it has a unique approach that helps it stand out from the crowd. For example, restaurant owners need to research what restaurants serve food similar to them and what strategies they employ to attract their customers. 

Choosing an appropriate location for the restaurant is also essential. For example, if it’s a family dine-in restaurant, restaurant owners need to choose a residential complex with a higher percentage of families with children. They need to avoid opening the restaurant in a location where there is already an established restaurant chain. 

Market research will also help business owners identify and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors. They need to look for loopholes in their services and strive to avoid them in their restaurant. 

3. Uncovering Revenue Opportunities

A restaurant market analysis offers insights into untapped opportunities that businesses can leverage to maximize their revenue. A comprehensive market analysis can help them understand industry needs better and can narrow the kind of opportunities they are looking for. 

For example, it can help the restaurants understand how to grow their business during seasonal events like Easter or Christmas. Companies can maximize their reach during specific seasons by offering promotional offers and unique menu items popular among customers. 

4. Solving Business Challenges

One of the main problems affecting new restaurant owners is coming up with immediate solutions to problems. Many issues that arise require significant changes in restaurant strategies that can disrupt their operations. 

To ensure successful restaurant operations, they need to ask themselves what their restaurant is doing differently from its competitors. They need to analyze their competitor’s business loopholes to identify any potential problems they might face later in the business. 

Being aware of such issues and taking necessary precautions can help business owners devise the strategies required to overcome them.

5. Setting Targets For Their Restaurant Business

With actionable data and insights on their target customer base, restaurant businesses can set goals for the growth and improvement of their business. 

Whether they want to establish a particular niche for their restaurant or introduce a special menu, market data enables them to set achievable targets. 

How To Conduct Restaurant Market Research

The following are two popular methods of conducting this kind of research:

Using Primary Market Research Methods For Restaurants

• Competitive assessments enable restaurant businesses to see how their competitors perform and identify gaps that their restaurants can fill in the market.
• Focus groups allow restaurant owners to connect with their target audience by inviting them to test menu items. They can also leverage industry influencers and food bloggers to get first-hand feedback.
• Online Surveys to gain valuable feedback on the restaurant from the business’s target audience. Websites such as Google Surveys and Survey Monkey allow restaurant owners to do surveys for collecting consumers’ purchasing and dining practices. 

Using Secondary Resources for Restaurant Market Research

Secondary market research for the restaurant industry offers restaurant owners a complete overview of the market’s external environment. Not only this, it enables them to observe their position in the market and what their target customers are thinking about their restaurant business.

The following are some types of secondary restaurant market research resources restaurant businesses need to see.

• Industry Reports: Culinary trends change seasonally as consumer habits change. So reading up on industry trends and reports like the National Restaurant Association can provide restaurant businesses with valuable insights about consumer preferences.
• Case Studies: On a more formal level, case studies can provide businesses with in-depth knowledge about a specific restaurant niche, its key characteristics, and the implications of specific strategies on consumer behavior. It is perfect if the restaurants explore new marketing methods and want some real-life industry examples. 
• Statistics Sites: These sites include vital information on the popularity of a product in a specific location, pricing levels, and the demand for a product. It offers statistical information on purchasing patterns and consumer preferences to help restaurant businesses conduct behavioral analysis regarding their restaurant.  
• Research Papers: Research papers can help give insights into the effectiveness of different marketing strategies and offer insightful ways of maximizing revenue and customer satisfaction. Research papers are particular, and there is a research paper available on the internet for every topic. These papers can help businesses deepen their knowledge and understand it in a better way.   

Secondary Restaurant Market Resources

The following is the list of the best resources on all the important data and insights on the restaurant industry.

• Restaurant.org

The official website of the National Restaurant Association offers the latest industry trends, relevant statistics, and growth tactics. Existing and new restaurants can put this data to good use.

• MarketResearch on Restaurant Market Research Reports and Industry Analysis

Explore industry reports and analyses on different subjects ranging from the growth in the food industry to the rising popularity of restaurant management software in the restaurant business.

• Market research Reports on Dining

This website lets restaurant owners explore key findings in purchasing patterns, dining behaviors, and changing consumer food preferences. Given the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry in 2020, MarketResearch shows how the previous year impacted consumer patterns and how restaurants can adapt to changing patterns to maximize their revenue. 

• Market Publishers: Restaurants Market Research Reports

This website has a culmination of useful reports of all kinds of food establishments, including hotels, cafes, small food stalls, etc. The best part about this website is that it provides information on service industries all over the globe. So regardless of the location, the restaurants are in, they can find a relevant industry report, press release, or publication. 

• IBISWorld – Single Location Full Service Restaurants Industry

This is a massive database of full-service restaurants in the US, compiled and managed by IBISWorld, a trusted platform for industry research on multiple industries worldwide.  

Opening New Areas of Opportunities for Restaurants 

The restaurant industry mainly depends on guesswork and assumptions. But with in-depth market research, the restaurant businesses can open new areas of opportunity to get ahead of their competitors and attract more customers. But for that, they need high-quality data extracted from real consumers.

This is where Pollfish comes in. It is a market research platform that offers data directly from the business’s target audience through mobile-optimized surveys . This platform offers several different ways to tap into the restaurant’s target audience base and research according to their business requirements.

Do you want to distribute your survey? Pollfish offers you access to millions of targeted consumers to get survey responses from $0.95 per complete. Launch your survey today.

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Extract insights from Interviews. At Scale.

A step-by-step guide to restaurant market research.

Home » A Step-by-Step Guide to Restaurant Market Research

Understanding the restaurant industry is essential for anyone looking to succeed in this dynamic market. A comprehensive Restaurant Research Guide is crucial for uncovering trends, customer preferences, and competitive insights. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or a seasoned restaurateur, effective market research can significantly impact your strategies and choices.

In this guide, we will walk you through the key steps of conducting thorough restaurant market research. By focusing on who your target audience is and how to gather meaningful insights, you will be better prepared to make informed decisions. This research will highlight the why behind your choices, allowing you to create a restaurant experience that resonates with your customers.

Understanding the Market Landscape with a Restaurant Research Guide

Understanding the market landscape is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in the restaurant industry. A Restaurant Research Guide provides essential insights into industry trends, customer preferences, and competitive analysis. By using this guide, restaurant owners can better navigate their options and make informed decisions that enhance their offerings and attract more customers.

First, identify key factors like target demographics and regional preferences. Gathering information on these elements can help you tailor your menu and marketing strategies. Second, analyze competitors to discover what works and what doesn’t within your market. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can reveal opportunities for differentiation. Finally, use customer feedback and data analytics to continuously adapt to changes and improve customer satisfaction. By following these steps, you'll gain comprehensive knowledge to effectively position your restaurant in a competitive environment.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is crucial in restaurant market research. Your first step should be to define who your ideal customers are. Consider demographics such as age, gender, income level, and education. These factors can provide insight into their dining preferences, spending habits, and lifestyle choices. Additionally, dive deeper into psychographics, which include the values, interests, and motivations of your potential customers. By combining both demographic and psychographic details, you can create a comprehensive picture of your target audience.

Next, gather relevant data to refine your identification process. Utilize surveys, feedback forms, and social media analytics to gather real customer insights. Notice trends and preferences from your current customer base to understand who is already visiting your restaurant. This data can guide marketing strategies and help tailor your menu to better appeal to your audience. Ultimately, precisely identifying your target audience will enhance your restaurant’s appeal and drive business growth, aligning perfectly with this Restaurant Research Guide.

Analyzing Market Trends

To effectively analyze market trends within the restaurant industry, it's essential to focus on a few key areas. First, identify consumer preferences and behaviors, as these offer valuable insights into what diners are seeking. Second, keep an eye on competitors and their offerings, assessing how they attract customers and differentiate themselves in the market. Third, evaluate broader economic conditions which can impact dining choices, such as disposable income levels and consumer confidence.

Tracking these elements allows restaurant owners to adapt their strategies accordingly. Data can be gathered through surveys, social media feedback, and sales reports to gauge evolving tastes. Additionally, attending food festivals or industry events can help uncover trends before they become mainstream. By synthesizing this information, restaurant owners can make informed decisions that resonate with their target audience and maintain relevance in a competitive landscape. Engaging in this systematic analysis is crucial for long-term success, making your Restaurant Research Guide an invaluable resource.

Conducting Competitor Analysis for Effective Restaurant Research

Conducting a thorough competitor analysis is crucial for effective restaurant research. Start by identifying your main competitors—those restaurants that offer similar cuisine or target the same customer base. Examine their menus, pricing, and unique selling propositions. Look for gaps in their offerings that your restaurant could fill. Understanding your competition's strengths and weaknesses will provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn't in your market.

Next, analyze customer reviews and feedback to gauge public sentiment towards competitors. This can reveal opportunities to improve your services or menu items. Utilize tools that can help you track competitors' marketing strategies, promotions, and customer engagement. By turning these gathered insights into actionable strategies, your restaurant can stand out. Ultimately, a well-executed competitor analysis is an integral part of your restaurant research guide, enabling you to make informed decisions and enhance your market position.

Identifying Direct and Indirect Competitors

Understanding how to identify both direct and indirect competitors is crucial for restaurant market research. Direct competitors are those establishments that offer similar dining experiences and target the same customer base. For example, if you plan to open an Italian restaurant, other Italian restaurants in your area will be your direct competitors. Analyzing their menu, pricing, and marketing strategies will provide valuable insights into what works within your niche.

Indirect competitors, on the other hand, may offer different cuisines but still vie for the same consumer dollar. For instance, a fast-casual burger joint could compete for customers who are looking for quick, affordable meal options. By looking at both types of competitors, you gain a comprehensive view of the market environment. This approach allows you to differentiate your restaurant through unique offerings, targeted marketing, and exceptional customer service. Understanding these dynamics will greatly enhance your restaurant research guide, helping you formulate effective strategies for success.

Evaluating Competitors Strengths and Weaknesses

Evaluating competitors' strengths and weaknesses is crucial for effective restaurant market research. Begin by identifying key competitors within your target market. Look at their menus, pricing, customer reviews, and service styles to gauge what they do well. Are they known for exceptional service or innovative dishes? Understanding these strengths can inform your offerings and service style.

Next, examine their weaknesses. This could include long wait times, limited menu options, or poor customer service. Gathering insights through customer feedback and online reviews can help you pinpoint areas where competitors fall short. Ultimately, this exercise enables you to carve out your unique positioning in the market, capitalizing on competitors' weaknesses while enhancing your strengths. By following this approach, you create a strategic foundation for your restaurant's success, making your efforts detailed and data-driven, aligning with the Restaurant Research Guide principles.

Conclusion: Restaurant Research Guides Final Thoughts

Conducting thorough restaurant market research is essential for success in the ever-evolving dining industry. This Restaurant Research Guide highlights the importance of understanding customer preferences, competitor analysis, and industry trends. By utilizing effective research methods, restaurant owners can make informed decisions that enhance their offerings and attract loyal patrons.

Ultimately, a well-executed research strategy can lead to a deeper understanding of market dynamics. As you embark on your restaurant journey, remember that ongoing analysis and responsiveness to insights are vital. Embrace these practices to ensure your restaurant not only survives but thrives in a competitive marketplace.

Turn interviews into actionable insights

On this Page

Generative AI for HR: Best tools to consider

You may also like, steps for coding qualitative data: a complete guide.

Types of Coding in Thematic Analysis: Best Practices

How to use structural coding in qualitative research.

Unlock Insights from Interviews 10x faster

• Request demo
• Get started for free

• Customer stories How we help restaurants Product videos Watch and explore ZenchefOS Performance calculator Calculate your profit potential Blog Food for thought Customer support Answers from Zenchef Customer stories Text Calculator Estimate the impact of Zenchef
• zenchef guides Opening a restaurant Manage a restaurant
• Open a restaurant Taking over a restaurant Understanding VAT Administrative formalities & procedures Restaurant training Mandatory posting rules The license and permit to operate The Restaurant location Securing financing for your restaurant The business plan and financial forecast Everything you need to know about opening a restaurant manage a restaurant Gender Stereotypes study Advice on running your restaurant Restaurant hygiene regulations Managing your restaurant inventory Managing your customers Marketing your restaurant Managing your restaurant staff Streamlining your restaurant business Managing restaurant bookings Managing your staff rotas
• Login Get started

• Start Trial
• Français ( French )

How to Conduct Restaurant Market Research Like A Pro

Thorough market research is crucial to strategic decision-making in any industry, and the foodservice market is no different.

Manufacturers, distributors, and restaurant tech companies all need access to market intelligence to analyze customer needs, industry trends, and competitive landscapes. Market research helps businesses make informed decisions on everything from product development to sales campaign messaging.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of restaurant market research and how to conduct it effectively with a market intelligence platform like Brizo.

Restaurant Market Research: Why Is It Necessary

Understanding the ‘why’ behind market research can be a game-changer for anyone involved in the restaurant industry. Here’s how it makes a difference:

Identify Consumer Preferences

Market research helps draw a clearer picture of what consumers want and expect. By understanding their tastes and preferences, you can develop and offer the right products and services to meet their needs.

With the end consumer in mind, the sales and marketing campaigns you craft will resonate better with the foodservice establishments serving them. 

Prospect Strategically

It’s not enough to only research the end consumer. You need to know your buyers, too! For most foodservice suppliers and vendors, your direct customer is a restaurant business who, in turn, uses your product or service to enhance their own operational or customer experience.

Understanding the needs and challenges of your buyers is necessary to fine-tune your messaging and streamline your sales processes . Having a good understanding of your total addressable market (TAM) and ideal customer profile (ICP) will enable efficient prospecting and ensure you are offering the right product or service for your market.

Assess Competitors

Understanding the competitive landscape for your product or service is key. Market research provides insight into what others are doing right (or wrong), allowing you to strategize effectively and hone your competitive edge.

By understanding your competition, you can gain insights into what approaches are most effective, what strategies to avoid, and how to adjust your product and positioning to stand out from the crowd and achieve better results. You can also use benchmarking to identify new opportunities and trends.

Stay Ahead of Market Trends

The restaurant industry is constantly in flux. To stay relevant, you need to conduct research and ensure your products or services align with current and future market demands.

Keeping your finger on the pulse of upcoming trends and market shifts will help you identify new opportunities and adjust strategies to ensure long-term success. Additionally, trend tracking can help you stay ahead of the competition and identify potential risks to your brand or product.

Mitigate Risks

In a sector as dynamic as the foodservice industry, risks are inevitable, but staying informed is one way to combat them. With careful research, you can gain a clear view of the market and identify potential pitfalls and blind spots, enabling you to make informed business decisions and reduce risks.

On the flip side, research can uncover new opportunities, allowing you to make the most of your resources and grow your foodservice business. It can also help you better understand your customer base and tailor your products and services to better suit their needs. 

What’s Next?

Whether you’re manufacturing new products, distributing ingredients, or developing the latest restaurant technology, incorporating insights from restaurant market research into your business strategy is a necessary driver of success.

For even deeper insights, you can explore Brizo FoodMetrics – your go-to foodservice market intelligence platform.

Steps to Conducting Restaurant Market Research

Taking a strategic approach to gathering, analyzing, and interpreting market data is a powerful precursor to making informed business decisions. For vendors and suppliers in the foodservice industry, these steps will help you conduct effective market research:

1. Define Your Objectives

Clearly define what you want to achieve with your research. Is your goal to understand your prospects, identify market shifts, or analyze competitors? What about identifying your total addressable market or zeroing in on your ideal customer profile? 

2. Choose the Right Methods

Use a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. Online surveys, focus groups, and interviews can provide in-depth insights, while data analysis and market segmentation offer quantitative support.

3. Analyze Your Competition

Understand what your competitors are doing. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses to identify opportunities for your business.

4. Understand Your Audience

Dive deep into the preferences, behaviors, and needs of your target restaurants. This will help tailor your offerings to meet their expectations.

5. Leverage Technology

Utilize technology like Brizo FoodMetrics , a market intelligence platform for advanced analytics and insights. Having such a powerful tool at your disposal can give you an edge in understanding the detailed dynamics of the market.

6. Stay in the Know on Trends

The restaurant industry is fast-paced. Keep up with the latest market shifts and trends to ensure your strategies remain relevant and effective.

7. Update Your Knowledge

Market research is not a one-time task. Regular updates are essential to keep up with the evolving market.

By following these steps, you can conduct restaurant market research effectively, ensuring your strategies are data-driven and aligned with market needs. Remember, in the restaurant industry, knowledge is power. Equip yourself with the right information to make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of the curve.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of the restaurant industry can be a challenge. To guide your sales and business strategies, you need a robust, reliable source to help you conduct effective market research.

The data-driven insights offered by a market intelligence platform Brizo FoodMetrics can be leveraged to enhance your sales productivity, increase your conversion rate, and make smarter business decisions.

Here’s how Brizo FoodMetrics can help:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Access current, accurate data on foodservice establishments across the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland
• Granular Insights: Analyze over 1.9+ million foodservice establishments, 2.5+ billion menu items, and 500+ in-use restaurant technologies
• Targeted Strategies: Utilize detailed insights for precise marketing campaigns and sales prospecting
• Competitive Intelligence: Stay ahead of your competitors with in-depth visibility into the foodservice market landscape

Ready to transform how you conduct restaurant market research? Find out how Brizo FoodMetrics can help you scale your business in the foodservice industry. Dig into the data with a free trial today! 

2327 Bd du Versant N, Suite 215.4 Quebec City , QC G1N 4C2

917-780-2609 [email protected]

Get the latest scoop!

Sign up for our newsletter for updates, news, and more.

Contact Us (315) 303-2040

• Market Research Company Blog

8 Restaurant Market Research Options for the Dining Industry

by Emily Rodgers

Posted at: 11/6/2023 1:30 PM

Whether your restaurant is well-established or merely a concept, market research can be extremely beneficial to its success. 

In this article, we'll explore a range of effective restaurant market research options tailored specifically for the dining industry.

From customer surveys to competitor analysis, we'll delve into essential strategies that empower restaurants to make informed decisions and create exceptional dining experiences.

How Restaurants Can Benefit from Market Research

As with most brands and organizations, restaurants are left to answer key business questions with best guesses and assumptions.

They're often left to guess why customers choose a competitor, what specials will draw in new business and other areas of opportunity. 

Here is where market research for the dining industry can help skyrocket business. It provides restaurants with data-driven insights to determine what improvements they can be made.

Popular objectives market research can solve for restaurants include:

• Understand what types of cuisine and dining experiences are most appealing to your target audience
• Measuring and improving customer satisfaction
• Assessing local competition
• Determine optimal pricing for menu items based on perceived value, cost, and customer willingness to pay

How To Conduct Market Research For Restaurants Like A Pro

Understand Your Business Goals

Before diving into market research, it's crucial to define clear business goals. Whether it's expanding your customer base, optimizing menu offerings, or enhancing customer satisfaction, a solid understanding of your objectives will shape the direction of your research efforts.

Identify Your Customers and Target Audience

Knowing your customers is at the heart of effective market research. Dive deep into demographic information, such as age, income, and location, to understand who frequents your establishment. Furthermore, uncover psychographic details like preferences, behaviors, and dining habits to create tailored experiences that resonate with your target audience.

Know Your Competitors

Competitor analysis is an indispensable aspect of market research. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of rival establishments, you gain invaluable insights into what sets your restaurant apart. This knowledge empowers you to refine your offerings and marketing strategies to captivate diners in a fiercely competitive market.

Restaurant Market Research Options

1. Online surveys

A restaurant might want to conduct an online survey for several important reasons.

First and foremost, it provides a direct channel of communication with its customers, allowing them to gather valuable feedback on various aspects of the dining experience.

This feedback can include opinions on the quality of...

• Overall satisfaction

By understanding customer preferences and concerns, restaurants can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to enhance the dining experience.

2. Intercept surveys

Is there quite a bit of foot traffic near your proposed site? If so, an intercept survey might be an effective way to collect feedback from your target audience.

This method can also be combined with online surveys to maximize your reach. 

Here is an example of an intercept survey our market research firm conducted to understand customer confusion with a restaurant's local competition .

3. Competitive assessments

Does the market need a new restaurant? How are your competitors performing? Are there any gaps in the market?

These questions can be answered through a competitive assessment , helping to set your new restaurant up for success from the very start.

This secondary research method can be easily combined with other primary forms such as online or phone surveys . 

4. Focus groups

Whether it’s testing a new concept, deciding on menu items, or deciding on branding, a focus group is an extremely effective way to speak directly to your target market.

A restaurant focus group collects a variety of different opinions of many different perspectives, all at once.

Recommended Reading: Restaurant Focus Group Case Study

5. Customer surveys

Conducting customer experience (CX) market research lets your restaurant know what it’s doing well and identifies any needed areas of improvement.

Customer satisfaction surveys are useful tools restaurants can use to measure how they’re doing. 

Here are some effective ways to gather customer feedback for your restaurant. 

E-mail surveys

Ask those who have provided their email addresses, perhaps through a loyalty program, to take a short survey after each visit. 

Point of purchase survey

After customers pay for their bills using a kiosk , prompt them to take a short survey. This method is effective because the customer experience is still brand new.

If they specifically had a positive or negative experience, they’re most likely to remember important details.  

Receipt survey

Offer customers the opportunity to share feedback by including a code and survey link on the receipt. Often, customers will be rewarded with a coupon for their next visit.

If a customer offers positive feedback or identifies themself as a promoter in a survey, you can always ask them to leave a Google review or a testimonial for marketing purposes. 

6. Mystery shopping

Mystery shopping is a valuable tool for restaurants because it provides an unbiased assessment of the customer experience.

By sending undercover evaluators, restaurants can gain firsthand insights into the quality of service, food, and overall atmosphere. This feedback helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that the restaurant maintains high standards of customer satisfaction.

7. Market segmentation

Market segmentation studies involve categorizing a restaurant's target market into distinct segments based on various factors such as behavior, demographics, or psychographics.

It is an effective restaurant market research option because by recognizing the diverse preferences, needs, and behaviors within an audience, restaurants can tailor their marketing efforts and menu offerings to specific customer groups.

For example, a restaurant might identify segments that prefer vegetarian options, have a preference for specific cuisines, or prioritize fast service.

This approach allows for more effective and targeted marketing campaigns, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty within each segment. 

Here is an example of a customer segment we created based on a grocery consumer segmentation study our market research company conducted.

8. Online reputation management

Online reputation management is another crucial methodology for restaurants because the Internet plays a central role in shaping consumer opinions.

Potential customers often rely on online reviews and ratings to make dining decisions. In fact, 33% of restaurant-goers stated that they would not eat at a restaurant with an average 3-star rating on online review websites such as Yelp, Google, and Facebook.

Therefore, by actively managing their online presence, restaurants can respond to feedback, address concerns, and highlight positive experiences, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.

This proactive approach not only helps build trust with existing customers but also attracts new patrons, ultimately contributing to a positive brand image and increased business success.

FAQ For Restaurant Market Research

What is market research for restaurants?

Restaurant market research involves the systematic gathering and analysis of data related to the restaurant industry, including customer preferences, competitor analysis, and market trends, to make informed business decisions.

Why is market research important in restaurant planning?

Market research is crucial in restaurant planning as it provides essential insights into customer behavior, preferences, and market trends. This information helps restaurants tailor their offerings, pricing strategies, and marketing efforts to meet the demands of their target audience, ultimately increasing the chances of success in a competitive industry.

Contact Our Restaurant Market Research Firm

Drive Research, a full-service market research firm, has worked with restaurants across the country from fast food to fine dining. Our restaurant market research company has the knowledge and tools to recommend the best market research study that provides the insights your specific restaurant needs to succeed. 

Are you interested in learning more about our market research services ? Reach out through any of the four ways below.

• Message us on our website
• Email us at  [email protected]
• Call us at  888-725-DATA
• Text us at 315-303-2040

Emily Rodgers

A SUNY Cortland graduate, Emily has taken her passion for social and content marketing to Drive Research as the Marketing Manager. She has earned certificates for both Google Analytics and Google AdWords.

Learn more about Emily, here .

Categories: Market Research Analysis

Need help with your project? Get in touch with Drive Research.

View Our Blog

Eat App for

How it works

How To Conduct a Restaurant Market Analysis

Expanding your restaurant requires planning and market research is part of that planning. A market analysis helps you find the best places to expand and manage your real estate. By looking at demand, feasibility, and potential challenges you can make informed decisions that will drive your restaurant’s success.

Understanding and adapting to consumer trends is key to staying ahead in the ever-changing restaurant industry. A market analysis allows you to compare, rank, and evaluate locations based on your criteria, find opportunities that benefit your bottom line, and align with your strategy.

Here we’ll break down the components of a restaurant market analysis. You’ll see what to look at, how to research, and how to plug it into your restaurant business plan so you can make informed decisions for expansion and profit.

Key steps to restaurant marketing analysis

There are lots of criteria to analyze when evaluating potential markets for your restaurant. It’s easy to miss critical elements when there are so many variables to consider.

To ensure you’re comparing apples to apples, your market analysis should cover the following:

1. Identify your customers (and more like them)

Your own customer data is the most valuable information for market analysis. By studying demographic trends like your customers’ place of residence, age groups, and common characteristics, you can locate more customers like your best ones. By combining your own customer data with other available sources, you can identify trade areas with populations like your best customers. Products like Nielsen’s MyBestSegments and Esri’s Tapestry Segmentation can help you layer this data over maps to pinpoint the best opportunities.

2. Score each site’s accessibility and visibility

A great location is more than just situated in a populated area; the site needs to be accessible and visible to your target market. Ask yourself if the location is visible from through streets or intersections, accessibility, shared parking, and traffic congestion. These characteristics greatly affect your ability to reach your target market and should be part of your research.

3. Analyze traffic patterns

To truly uncover opportunities, traffic flow data is critical. Where are your targeted demographics most concentrated during your busiest hour of the day? Products like Placer.ai and StreetLight Data can help layer traffic flow data over a map of your trade area and demonstrate how patterns shift throughout the day. You can use these indicators to locate sites that are closest to your target market during your busiest hour of the day.

4. Map points of interest

What points of interest attract your customers? Parks, event spaces, theaters, schools, or locations tied to specific demographics like skate parks or yoga studios? By analyzing each of your best locations, you can gather insights into complementary businesses nearby your potential new sites.

5. Assess overlap with competitors

How saturated is the market? Evaluating the competitive landscape by analyzing direct and indirect competitors can justify the opportunity as much as any other factor, it’s also sharing the potential market. Layer each store’s serviceable area (considering traffic patterns and demographic data) to demonstrate overlaps and remaining opportunities.

6. Forecast potential sales

Sales forecasts are one of the most important and most difficult tasks. Predictive analytics software can utilize machine learning and AI to weigh criteria and produce sales forecasts. Products like Intalytics and PredictHQ produce a robust site model and allow you to input variables affecting sales. This consideration produces better comparisons and forecasts.

7. Build a prioritized list

Based on their fit with your business goals and potential sales, your market analysis should produce a prioritized list of opportunities. This list drives your strategic real estate moves and helps you do the right things in the right order.

How to do Market Research for Restaurants

Market research for restaurants can be divided into two: qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative research:

This type of research is about understanding opinions, not numbers. It’s for gaining insight into your customers' experiences and preferences.

Methods for qualitative research:

Interviews: One-on-one interviews to get in-depth insights from customers.

Focus Groups: Group discussions to get customer opinions and attitudes.

Archival Research: Analyze existing records and documents to understand historical trends and customer behavior.

Let’s get into focus groups. These are where you can get up close and personal with participants to gauge interest in your concept and get to know your target market better.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to running a focus group for your restaurant:

1. Set your objectives

What do you want to find out? In this case, you’ll probably want to know about your target market’s dining habits and values.

2. Choose a venue

Pick a comfortable, relaxed space. Make sure it’s quiet enough to record the conversation for future reference.

3. Prepare your questions

Limit yes/no questions and use open-ended questions that encourage thought. Start broad and then narrow down. Aim for 10-12 questions.

4. Recruit participants

Find objective participants through ads on social media or local publications. If budget is tight ask friends to reach out to their networks. Focus groups are usually 5-10 people. Consider offering incentives like gift cards.

5. Collect demographic information

Have participants fill out a confidential demographic form before the session, including fields like age, gender, city, neighborhood, marital status, children, profession, and income bracket.

6. Release form

Explain the purpose of the study, confirm participants know they’ll be recorded, and how the research will be used.

7. Run the session

Guide participants through the questions, keep them on track, and prompt for details if needed. Be curious, friendly, and make eye contact.

8. Analyse your results

Listen to the recording and note down what participants said, what they preferred, and what they did. Look for patterns in their answers.

Quantitative research involves larger sample sizes and statistics. If you need data from many people use methods like experiments, polls, or surveys to get it.

Further reading

• Introducing Automated Guest Surveys - the new, streamlined way of gathering guest feedback

How to write about restaurant market trends in your restaurant market business plan

Your restaurant’s business plan should include a section on the current state of the restaurant industry and market analysis . Evolving consumer preferences are significantly impacting the restaurant industry, shaping aspects such as health and wellness focus, ghost kitchens, and experience-driven dining. This part should highlight aspects unique to your business.

If you’re planning to open a physical restaurant, describe how you plan to fill an unserved market niche with your unique concept. Share information about the demand for your menu and provide sales forecasts based on local consumer trends and industry trends, including health and wellness focus, digital and interactive menus, and social and environmental responsibility.

Be realistic about your business’s potential. If you anticipate challenges, address them and outline your strategies for overcoming them. For example, hiring and retaining great staff is a common challenge. Explain how you will create sustainable and enjoyable jobs for your employees.

• How To Create A Restaurant Training Manual (Template Included)

Here are some tips to make your market analysis engaging:

Understand Your Audience: Tailor your language to engage your readers effectively.

Express Your Vision: Let your unique perspective shine through in your writing.

Prioritize Clarity: Avoid complex language; aim for clear and straightforward writing.

• Free Restaurant Business Plan Template

Market research is key to growing your restaurant business, so you can make informed decisions on location and real estate. Market research firms play an important role in conducting various market research activities such as creating and distributing surveys, holding focus groups, concept testing, and testing brand image.

By doing restaurant market research, including analyzing macro and microeconomic data to understand the health of the restaurant sector in a specific area and evaluating the size of the local market, you can find the best locations that will increase your profitability and align with your goals.

This means looking at customer demographics, site accessibility, traffic flow, nearby attractions, market saturation, and sales forecasts. Including these in your restaurant business plan will give you a clear path for growth and help you tackle challenges head-on. By being clear and concise in your writing you can communicate your vision and strategy to your business plan.

Senior Content Manager at Eat App

Elana Kroon used to work in restaurants before becoming a journalist and expert restaurant industry content creator at Eat App.

Reviewed by

Nezar Kadhem

Co-founder and CEO of Eat App

He is a regular speaker and panelist at industry events, contributing on topics such as digital transformation in the hospitality industry, revenue channel optimization and dine-in experience.

Share this article!

Related articles

How to Write a Great:...

The days of finding restaurants just by walking...

30 Winning Restaurant Website:...

Each year, we compile a list of our favorite...

32 Restaurant Marketing:...

Restaurant marketing has become much more...

21 Best Restaurant Instagram:...

As a restaurant reservation system provider, we...

Join restaurants in 70+ countries using Eat App

Empowering restaurants, one table at a time Discover seamless dining with Eat App

• Reservation system
• Table management
• CRM and guest profiles
• Reports & trends
• WhatsApp messaging
• Integrations
• Privacy policy
• Terms of service
• The 16 Best Reservation Systems
• Guide to Restaurant Marketing
• Guide to Customer Service
• Guide to Making a Restaurant Website
• All articles

"> "> Compare us

• Compare All

© Eat App. All rights reserved.

• OUR REVIEWS
• OUR COMPANY
• WORK WITH US
• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• MARKETING PARTNER
• LATEST NEWS & INSIGHT
• RESTAURANTS
• PUBS & BARS
• COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
• QUICK SALE LISTINGS
• SELL A BUSINESS

How to do a Restaurant Market Research?

• 7 months ago
• Knowledge Base

6 Different Tactics for Restaurant Market Research

Starting a restaurant is a thrilling venture, but success in the competitive culinary world demands more than just a passion for food. One crucial step that often determines the fate of a restaurant is thorough market research. Understanding the dynamics of the market, identifying target customers, and gauging the competition are essential components of crafting a winning restaurant. Let’s dive into the art of market research for starting a restaurant.

Identifying the Market Trends

Market trends play a pivotal role in shaping the success of a restaurant. Utilising market research to identify the latest trends helps in tailoring the menu, ambiance, and overall concept to align with consumer preferences. Research on platforms and websites like OpenTable , Restaurant Online & Statista can provide insights into emerging trends that can set a restaurant apart.

Understanding Consumer Preferences

Knowing your target audience is crucial. Who are your customers, what are their demographics (age, income etc)? Conducting in-depth research to understand consumer preferences helps in tailoring the menu, pricing, and marketing strategies.

Conduct surveys to gather direct feedback on food preferences, service satisfaction, and overall experience.n Review empirical analyses on restaurant choice factors , highlighting aspects like price, food quality, and variety as key drivers.

Predicting Realistic Average Bill Amount

Accurate pricing is a delicate balance between covering costs and appealing to the target market. Market research helps in predicting realistic average bill amounts, ensuring that pricing resonates with the perceived value of the offerings. So, evaluate the cost of ingredients, preparation, and desired profit margin to set menu prices.

Compare current sales with the same period in the prior year, and refer to a budget or forecast for insights. Analyse profit margins by minimising costs and enhancing revenue. Finally, look into the average spending habits of households on food and dining out.

Analysing Local Customer Base and Demand

A comprehensive restaurant market study involves analysing the local customer base and demand. The goal is to confirm that the restaurant’s offerings align with the preferences and demands of the local community. To comprehensively assess your concept’s Local Customer Base and Demand, you can utilise both informal and formal methods.

An effective and cost-efficient approach involves personally visiting and dining at competitors in your area. During these visits, pay close attention to the overall dining experience and discreetly record your observations using your phone for later analysis, ensuring to tip well for valuable insights.

For informal research, focus on key factors such as foot traffic volume, population density per square mile, the mix of residential areas (apartments, houses), types of vehicles in the vicinity, and the presence of other businesses, especially restaurants. Delve deeper into specific local competitors by dining at each, collecting menus, and assessing price ranges, service speed, quality, and peak times.

Beyond personal observations, gather insights from nearby restaurateurs and real estate professionals to understand the local community’s dynamics.

Utilising a Funnel Approach

Market research for restaurants can be overwhelming, but employing a funnel approach simplifies the process. To employ a funnel approach in restaurant market research, start by attracting attention through broad, general questions aimed at understanding overall market trends and customer preferences. Utilise diverse marketing methods to increase awareness and draw potential customers to your restaurant’s offerings.

Once attention is captured, proceed to the Capture stage, where the focus shifts to narrowing down questions and gathering specific data about the target audience, including preferences, demographics, and behaviours, essential for a more targeted understanding of the market.

Moving to the Close stage, develop strategies to convert the captured data into actionable insights. This involves analysing customer feedback, identifying trends, and making informed decisions to enhance the restaurant’s offerings and overall marketing approach.

Finally, in the Retain stage, implement measures such as loyalty programs, personalised marketing, and ongoing engagement to retain customers and encourage repeat business, ultimately building a loyal customer base.

Checking Market Saturation

Before diving into the restaurant business, it’s imperative to ensure that the market is not already saturated. Checking for market saturation is a crucial step to assess the feasibility of a new restaurant in a particular location since when a place is filled completely with people or things, so that no more can be added.

To assess market saturation in restaurant market research, start with a Competitor Analysis by studying and comparing your restaurant competitors to grasp the demand and market opportunities in your area, identifying existing establishments, their offerings, and market presence.

Additionally, monitor the Demand Plateau for specific food and beverage products or services. As market saturation occurs, watch for demand plateaus, indicating a reduced potential for growth. Conduct a Gap Analysis to thoroughly analyse the competitive landscape, identifying gaps or niches not well-served. Consider offering unique value propositions to stand out in a saturated market.

In the event of market saturation detection, employ Diversification as a strategy. Explore adjacent markets or introduce innovative offerings to expand your potential customer base.

Embarking on a restaurant venture requires meticulous planning, and market research serves as the compass that guides through the complexities of the culinary landscape. By understanding market trends, consumer preferences, and local dynamics, aspiring restaurateurs can increase their chances of not only surviving but thriving in the competitive world of gastronomy.

Related posts

• 13th September 2024

Food Hygiene – Importance & Procedure

• 19th June 2024

Best Practices for Implementing a Reservation System

• 13th June 2024

How to Implement Loyalty Program in Restaurant

Compare listings

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Privacy Overview

Food Reviews

Travel reviews, recommended, browse by location, browse by 'what i want'.

May 29, 2023

How to do market research for restaurants: ultimate guide.

The food industry is dynamic and constantly evolving with changing consumer preferences, emerging trends , and intense rivalry. However, using the appropriate methods and resources, market research in the food sector can produce insightful results that can guide business decisions.

This thorough guide covers recommendations on creating approaches that work for you. We'll walk you through how to carry out market research that is tailored specifically to the restaurant industry. So let's get started!

Guidelines for Doing Market Research for Restaurants

Remember, market research is an ongoing process that should be embraced throughout your restaurant's lifecycle to stay relevant, meet customer expectations, and drive growth. Conducting market research requires time, effort, and resources. With collaboration to market research companies , it will significantly benefit your restaurant's growth and success. 

Therefore, give market research top priority in your restaurant's strategy and gain access to the information that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Understand Your Target Audience

Begin your market research journey—the people you aim to attract to your restaurant. By gaining a deep understanding of your target audience, you can customize your menu, ambiance, and marketing messages. Also, you can optimize the entire experience to cater to your customers’ needs and attract and retain them.

Consider the following:

• Demographics - gender, age, location, and income level
• Psychographics - lifestyle, interests, values, and dining preferences

Importance of understanding target audience:

• Adjust your offers to consumers' specific needs and tastes.
• Make marketing advertisements that interest your customers.
• By addressing their pain points, you can enhance the overall customer experience. 
• Identify opportunities to differentiate yourself from competitors.
• Make smart choices using information about their characteristics and behaviors.
• Build long-lasting relationships and customer loyalty.
• Optimize your pricing strategies to match their willingness to pay.
• Anticipate market developments to stay ahead of the competition.
• Maximize the effectiveness of your marketing budget.
• Improve customer satisfaction and encourage favorable referrals.

Analyze the Local Market

The success of your restaurant is greatly influenced by your local market. This refers to the customers within the area of where your restaurant is. You should be able to know who your competitors are and what your target customer prefers. In order to achieve this, do the following:

• Observe the neighborhood, nearby businesses, and competition. 
• Identify the types of restaurants already operating in the area and the social profile of their typical customers.
• Consider noting the food selections, pricing range, eating experience, and unique selling propositions (USPs). This will help to properly position your restaurant and set it apart from the competition
• Look for gaps or untapped opportunities that your restaurant can fill to attract a specific customer group.

Conduct Polls and Interviews

Surveys and interviews are powerful tools for gathering customer feedback and ideas. You can improve your menu, customer service, and overall customer experience with the use of this useful information. To guide you:

• Design questionnaires or conduct face-to-face interviews. This way, you understand your target audience's dining preferences, expectations, and satisfaction levels. 
• Ask questions about their preferred food and dining habits. Questions on what factors might influence restaurant choices and areas they believe need improvement. 

Leverage Online Reviews and Social Media

Online reviews and social media platforms have a big impact on how consumers evaluate products. Nowadays, people document their lives on their social media accounts, whether they have a good or bad experience with a restaurant, you can be assured this is well-documented online.

• Monitor popular review websites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. This way you know what customers are saying about your restaurant and your competitors. 
• Engage with clients on social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to get valuable feedback. Keep in mind to establish an online presence. 
• Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback because both can reveal your areas of strength and opportunity for development.

Analyze Competitors

In the restaurant business, it is vital to research your rivals. This way you will know what they’re doing in their operations. This in return will help you strategize your moves to stay ahead of them.

• Analyze your direct and indirect competitors' menus, pricing plans, marketing techniques, customer reviews, and unique features.
• Identify opportunities to differentiate your restaurant and create a competitive advantage. 
• Study the successful strategies used by your rivals. Modify them to fit your own brand identity while also filling in any gaps or flaws they might have missed.

Track Industry Trends

The restaurant business is dynamic and always changing. Relatively to stay in the game, you should be aware of these ever-changing trends.

• Stay updated on the most recent business trends. Watch out for the latest food preferences, health-conscious dining, environmental issues, or technological  developments.
• Attend industry conferences, read trade publications and follow food influencers. Join professional networks to stay ahead of the curve. 
• Embrace trends and modify your offers accordingly. 

Engage with Market Research Companies

Think about collaborating with market research firms that are specialized in the restaurant industry. These businesses have the know-how and resources to carry out in-depth market research on your behalf.

Experts in this field will know what marketing tools to implement and what strategies to employ to stay ahead of your competitors.

The Role of Market Research Companies in Restaurant Research

Restaurants can better understand their target market, competitors, and industry landscape with the aid of market research firms. These specialized businesses offer knowledge, tools, and insightful data that help restaurant owners make data-driven decisions. They collaborate to increase their chances of success.

Let's explore the crucial function market research firms perform in restaurant research.

Expertise in Research Methodologies

Market research firms provide an extensive amount of expertise and knowledge in different research methodologies. They use strict methods to efficiently gather and evaluate information. From designing surveys and running focus groups to evaluating data and producing actionable conclusions, these are some of their methodologies.

Their experience guarantees that the research procedure is well-executed. That the data gathered is trustworthy, impartial, and representative of the target market.

Access to Extensive Databases and Resources

Market research companies have access to vast databases and resources that can provide valuable information for restaurant research. They can use market trends, industry studies, customer behavior patterns, and demographic information to gain information particular to the restaurant business . 

Due to this access, they can present detailed and current information that may not be easily accessible to individual restaurants.

Customized Research Solutions

Market research firms provide specialized research solutions depending on the particular requirements and goals of each restaurant. They collaborate with restaurant owners to figure out their study objectives, target market, and individual challenges.

By customizing research methodologies and questionnaires, these companies ensure that the data obtained are relevant. Thus, making sure it is actionable for the restaurant's specific situation.

Competitive Analysis and Benchmarking

Competitive analysis and benchmarking are among the beneficial services offered by market research firms. They carry out thorough analyses of the rival restaurants, looking at their advantages and disadvantages. They check on pricing schemes, levels of client satisfaction, and distinctive selling propositions.

This study aids restaurants in identifying areas where they may set themselves apart and in formulating plans to obtain a competitive edge.

Customer Satisfaction and Feedback

Companies that conduct market research are excellent at gathering client input and calculating customer satisfaction levels. They assist restaurants in understanding their attitudes, preferences, and areas for improvement. This is conducted through surveys, focus groups, and analysis of web reviews.

This feedback is essential for improving the general client experience and fine-tuning the menu selections. Also, correcting any problems that might be lowering the levels of customer satisfaction.

Market Expansion and New Concept Development

For restaurants planning to expand their operations or develop new concepts, market research companies provide invaluable support. They assist in determining potential target markets, gauging consumer demand, and determining the viability of new locations. 

These businesses guide restaurants in expanding by completing market feasibility studies. It lowers the risks of doing business in uncharted territory.

Monitoring Market Trends

Market research firms keep up with the most recent trends and advancements in the restaurant business. They keep an eye on changes in customer preferences, new culinary fads, and technological developments. Market research firms help restaurants stay aware of these trends. That way, they may modify their strategies, offers, and promotional efforts to stay relevant and capture evolving customer demands.

To succeed in the competitive food sector, conducting market studies for restaurants is an essential first step. You can shape the menu and business tactics for your restaurant by comprehending the fundamental principles. 

Keep in mind that market research is a continuous activity that necessitates continual evaluation and adjustment. You can make wise decisions and position your restaurant for long-term success by remaining in touch with your clients and the local business community.

Companies that conduct market research are invaluable allies for restaurants trying to stand out from the competition. By leveraging the services of market research companies, restaurants can enhance their understanding of the market. Restaurants can streamline their operations, and drive long-term success in the dynamic and ever-evolving restaurant industry.

Whether you're a seasoned restaurant owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in the food industry, this guide has provided you with the necessary guidelines to conduct market research for restaurants. 

Use these steps to gain a deeper understanding of your target audience, competition, and industry trends. Let the knowledge you acquire guide your decision-making process. With thorough market research, you can set your restaurant apart, attract loyal customers , and build a thriving business. 

Start your market research journey today and unlock the opportunities that await your restaurant business!

• Beirut (425)
• Paris (361)
• New York (282)
• Dubai (128)
• Others (7897)
• Restaurants (2781)
• Hotels (345)
• News (4146)
• Reviews (3853)
• Travel & Tourism (981)
• Kitchen (693)

FILTER POSTS

Location/City:

Budget: to:

POPULAR ARTICLES

TRAVELN.AI LAUNCHES THE FIRST AI TRIP PLANNING APP IN…

Al-Man’ouché, an Emblematic Culinary Practice in…

Anthony Rahayel Aussie Tour Wraps Up

World's Best Vineyards 2022 Top 51-100: Lebanon Wins…

NoGarlicNoOnions in Canada

A New TV Show, "Samoun w Zaatar": Anthony Rahayel…

Lebanon’s Anthony Rahayel Swims Against the…

Lebanon before versus Lebanon after NoGarlicNoOnions –…

We don’t realize the value of what we have in…

The Lebanese Mouneh Revolution Lands in Paris: Le…

RECENT COMMENTS

loading ...

PREVIOUS ARTICLE

5 at-home workouts to boost your gut health, next article, video-based marketing strategies for coffee shops, related articles.

Ahwak: Cheese Rolls With a Glass of Wine

Dining in the Land of Gargantua and Pantagruel: Chateau de Noizay

Most Creative Ways To Decorate Your Restaurant

World’s Largest Roller Coaster Restaurant Opens In Abu Dhabi

La Gare, The Station Restaurant, Paris

Sustainable Farmers' Market, Barouk, Chouf (Happens Every Sunday from 10am to 6pm)

How to Conduct Market Research for Your Restaurant

Starting a restaurant is an exciting venture, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most crucial steps in setting up a successful restaurant is conducting thorough market research. Understanding your target market, competitors, and industry trends can provide invaluable insights that can shape your business strategy. 

Understanding Your Target Market

Identify your ideal customer.

The first step in conducting market research is to identify your ideal customer. Think about the type of cuisine you offer, the atmosphere of your restaurant, and the price point. Are you targeting families, young professionals, or retirees? Are your customers health-conscious, or do they prefer comfort food ? 

Conduct Surveys and Interviews

Once you have a clear picture of your ideal customer, the next step is to gather data directly from them. Surveys and interviews are effective ways to collect valuable information about your target market’s dining habits, preferences, and expectations. 

Analyze Demographic Data

Demographic data provides insights into the characteristics of your target market, such as age, gender, income level, education, and family size. This information can be obtained from government databases, industry reports, or market research firms. 

Analyzing the Competition

Identify your competitors.

Visit their websites, review their menus, and read customer reviews to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Evaluate Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Conduct a swot analysis.

A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a powerful tool for understanding your competitive landscape. List the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors, and identify opportunities and threats in the market. 

Gathering Industry Insights

Monitor industry trends.

Understanding industry trends can help you identify emerging opportunities and adapt your business strategy accordingly.

Analyze Market Reports

Consult with experts.

Consulting with industry experts can provide valuable insights and guidance for your market research efforts. Consider hiring a marketing agency for restaurant that specializes in market research and analysis. 

Utilizing Market Research Data

Develop a marketing strategy.

A well-defined marketing strategy will help you attract and retain customers, increase brand awareness, and drive sales.

Plan Your Menu

Your menu is one of the most important aspects of your restaurant, and it should reflect the preferences and needs of your target market. Use the insights from your market research to create a menu that appeals to your ideal customers. 

Optimize Your Pricing Strategy

Pricing is a critical factor in the success of your restaurant. Your pricing strategy should be based on a thorough understanding of your target market’s willingness to pay, your competitors’ pricing, and your cost structure. Use the data from your market research to set prices that are competitive yet profitable.

Implementing Your Findings

Train your staff, monitor and adjust.

Market research is an ongoing process, and it is important to continuously monitor and adjust your strategies based on the latest data and insights. Regularly review your performance metrics, gather feedback from customers, and stay informed about industry trends. 

Remember, market research is an ongoing process, and staying informed and adaptable will help you stay ahead in the competitive restaurant industry.

Related Posts

Related posts:, leave a comment cancel reply.

Serving Success: Market Research for Restaurants Tips

Table of Contents

In the tough and competitive restaurant industry, doing proper market research is important for success. It helps restaurant owners and managers understand their target customers, competition, and what people like to eat.

By knowing how the market works and finding chances to succeed, restaurant owners can make smart choices and create good restaurant business plans to be better than their competitors.

Let’s look at why doing market research for restaurants is so important, especially for a new restaurant.

Reasons To Conduct Restaurant Market Research 

There are several reasons why you should do market research for restaurants. Here are our reasons why you should do it:

Analyzing the Effect Of Competition

The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and it’s crucial to grasp how it affects your business. Conducting market research allows you to examine your rivals in the local market , understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and the approaches they use.

By evaluating the menu offerings, pricing, customer experience, and marketing strategies for restaurants , you can identify areas where you can differentiate yourself and gain a competitive edge.

This analysis empowers you to make informed choices when it comes to launching a new menu , setting prices, and planning promotional activities.

Solving Business Challenges

Doing market research can assist you in finding and dealing with different problems your restaurant may face. By gathering information about what customers like, you can figure out where you can make things better and improve what you offer.

For instance, if customers often complain about slow service, doing research can help you find out why it happens and come up with ways to make the dining experience better.

Also, market research can give you ideas about new food trends, so you can change your menu to match what customers want.

Restaurant Market Research Tips

After knowing the advantages of market research for restaurants, you must be eager to conduct it for your new restaurant. Read below to find some helpful tips!

Set Your Goals

Before starting market research, it’s essential to set your goals clearly. Whether you’re planning to open a new restaurant, grow your current business, or make customers happier, having clear objectives will guide your research.

Your goals will shape the questions you ask, the methods you use, and how you analyze the information . This will help you gain a competitive advantage.

Identify and Understand Your Customers

Understanding your potential customers is important for successful market research. You need to figure out who your ideal customers are and collect information about their age, gender, interests, and how they act.

Knowing what they want and expect will help you customize what you offer and how you talk about it to make potential customers happy. This will help improve customer satisfaction.

The Pitfalls of Market Saturation

In the restaurant industry, it’s common to have lots of competition, especially in busy areas. Doing market research can help you determine how much competition there is and if the market is already full.

Understanding the balance between what customers want and what’s available will help you make smart choices about where to open your restaurant, what kind of restaurant it should be, and what food to serve.

Plus, you can find unique opportunities that make your restaurant different from others , attracting your target customers .

Recruit Participants

To get correct and trustworthy information, finding people who can participate in your market research is important. You can do this by organizing a focus group, surveys, or interviews and asking your target audience to join.

This will give you helpful information about what they like, what they expect, and what problems they face. You can also offer incentives to encourage more people to participate and give their opinions.

Dig Deep Into Your Serviceable Market

To maximize your restaurant’s success, it’s essential to identify your serviceable market—the specific segment of the market that aligns with your concept and offerings.

Conduct market research for restaurants to determine your serviceable market’s size, demographics, and spending power . This information will help you make data-driven decisions regarding menu pricing, restaurant promotion ideas , and targeting strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of market research in restaurant planning.

Market research plays a vital role in restaurant planning as it provides valuable insights into consumer preferences, market trends, and competitor analysis .

Conducting thorough research can help restaurant owners can make informed decisions regarding the restaurant’s development.

What is the main purpose of market research?

The main purpose of market research is to gather data and insights that inform business decisions . Market research collects data to guide business decisions.

For restaurants, it identifies target markets, learns customer preferences, assesses competition, and uncovers market trends.

How do you gather the market research?

There are various methods to gather market research data for restaurants. These include surveys, interviews, focus groups, online research, and data analysis of existing industry reports .

In the competitive world of restaurants, market research is a valuable tool that you need to utilize. You can either conduct it yourself or seek services from market research firms or marketing agencies for restaurants .

It provides insights to boost your success. Make sure to utilize the power of market research for restaurants to discover hidden opportunities and achieve long-term success in this ever-changing industry.

Andrea Abbondanza

Triple Your Restaurant Bookings And 2x your deliveries

Seo for Restaurants is a boutique agency specialised in Google Business Management, SEO and Local SEO for restaurants and Cafes.

What can we do for you?

• Be on top of Google in your local area
• Reach new customers
• Increase the number of phone calls
• Increase the number of bookings and most importantly, increase revenue for your restaurant

Andrea Abbondanza is a passionate food lover and the CEO of Seo for Restaurants. With his rich culinary background and deep understanding of online marketing strategies, Andrea helps restaurants and cafes worldwide elevate their online presence and increase

Latest Posts

How to Start a 24 Hour Restaurant – A Comprehensive Guide

September 13, 2024

Food Transportation: Best Practices for Safe Delivery

September 6, 2024

AI for Restaurants: Revolutionizing the Dining Experience

August 30, 2024

Restaurant Management: Essential Skills for Success

August 23, 2024

Restaurant Insurance: Protect Your Business from Losses

August 16, 2024

Our Locations

12 Yeneda St., Balwyn North, 3104 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Via Pietro Calvi n. 9, 20129 Milano, Italia

Jl. Maninjau Raya Barat No.B1 A37, Sawojajar, Malang Indonesia

Your Website (optional)

Your message

• Canada (EN)
• Canada (FR)
• Deutschland
• Netherlands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Take reservations
• Market your restaurant
• Run smoother shifts
• Sell events & experiences
• Manage reviews
• Manage guest profiles
• View all restaurant solutions
• Robust reporting and insights
• The largest diner network
• 24/7 customer support
• For restaurants
• For restaurant groups & enterprise
• For bars & wineries
• For hotels & casinos
• Integrations
• Pricing and plans
• View all industry insights
• Industry expertise Get advice and tactics from top industry authorities.
• Hospitality Find out how the most successful restaurants make every guest feel like a VIP.
• Marketing Learn how to bring new guests to the table with the latest tech, tools, and ideas for every marketing budget.
• Operations How to iron out operations for shifts smooth as butter.
• Industry trends
• Product innovation
• Advisory board
• Case studies
• Get started

The complete guide to restaurant marketing strategies

Restaurant marketing attracts new customers, keeps regulars coming back, and sets one restaurant apart from the crowd. It’s more important than ever to make savvy marketing central to your business. In this complete guide to restaurant marketing, we’ll cover everything you need to know to take your restaurant to a new level of success.

Quick links What is restaurant marketing? Why is restaurant marketing so important? How to develop a restaurant marketing plan What is the right restaurant marketing budget? How to use social media for restaurant marketing How to use paid advertising for restaurant marketing How to use email marketing

What is restaurant marketing?

Nobody got into this business for the love of marketing, so restaurateurs can be forgiven if they lack expertise and interest in this part of the work.

Let’s start with the absolute basics: Restaurant marketing refers to the strategies and tactics that restaurant owners use to promote their business and attract customers.

In the competitive landscape of 2023, effective marketing is a key driver of growth for restaurants and all other businesses. Ignore it at your peril.

There are tons of types of restaurant marketing these days. You’ve got the old ways: traditional advertising methods such as signs and billboards as well as print and radio ads. Then there are the newer ways: digital marketing tools like social media , email marketing , and search engine optimization (SEO). And the quest to land media coverage on TV, in print, and online, also known as “ earned media ,” is eternal.

The good news is that you don’t have to do every kind of marketing under the sun. The secret sauce of successful restaurant marketing is to pick the strategies that work best for your specific restaurant, guests, and goals.

Why is restaurant marketing so important?

Today, restaurant marketing is essential for success. This is just as true for independent mom-and-pop restaurants as it is for large chains. The restaurant industry has been evolving at warp speed and so have the wants and needs of guests.

It’s vital to have a thoughtfully planned and expertly executed marketing strategy to magnetize the right people. Regularly brainstorming restaurant marketing ideas should be built into your workflow.

Not only does marketing put butts in seats directly, it also builds your brand identity and reputation as you continually get the message about your restaurant out there over time. Through marketing, people can get to know you, your menu, the kinds of events you host, and even your team before they ever step foot in the restaurant.

Social media platforms, an OpenTable profile page, email marketing, and paid advertising can all be used to entice potential guests through the door and drive traffic to the restaurant’s online presence.

But even when guests aren’t dining with you, marketing helps you stay top of mind between visits, driving repeat visits and creating loyal customers. By staying in touch with guests in their inboxes, through social media posts, and elsewhere online, restaurants nurture relationships that keep their brand relevant.

How has restaurant marketing changed over the years?

Pre-Internet, old-fashioned marketing methods such as print ads, radio ads, direct mail, and billboards were the best ways for restaurants to promote themselves. The rise of social media has completely remade this marketing landscape.

Today, there’s a staggering variety of digital marketing tools at your disposal: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, email, Google ads, Boost campaigns , and Bonus Points campaigns to name a few. These tools let restaurants target guests in amazingly specific and effective ways.

All this tech has also made it easier for restaurants to collect data about guest preferences and behavior, allowing them to create highly personalized marketing campaigns and tailor their offers to the needs and wants of specific groups.

In a way, digital marketing has leveled the playing field in the industry and given small and independent restaurants a chance at competing with larger chains. It’s clear that those who prioritize digital restaurant marketing strategies and stay up-to-date on the latest trends are more likely to see sustainable success in the years ahead.

How to develop a restaurant marketing plan

The first step to uplevel your restaurant marketing is to create a marketing plan. In a nutshell, a marketing plan is a blueprint that outlines your marketing efforts for a specific time period.

It spells out your marketing objectives and actions as well as the results you want to achieve. It takes some effort to put a plan like this together, but it will save time in the long run.

A simple but strategic marketing plan can help you identify your ideal guests, set concrete goals, allocate resources wisely, and create campaigns that get results.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your marketing plan:

Do some market research Start with a clear-eyed look at your competition. This will help you identify your target audience, understand their wants, and create marketing messages that resonate authentically with them.

Set clear goals Describe your desired outcome in specific terms. These might include target sales numbers and guest loyalty benchmarks.

Set your budget Allocate a realistic and specific amount of money for your marketing plans. This will help you prioritize your marketing efforts and ensure you get the best ROI .

Choose your channels Determine which marketing channels are the most effective for reaching your desired guests, such as organic social media, email marketing, or paid advertising.

Sketch out a content calendar Plan out your marketing activities for the month or the quarter and decide when you’ll do them.

Who is your ideal guest avatar and how to create one?

The ideal guest avatar can be like a decoder ring for your whole marketing strategy. Simply put, an ideal guest avatar is a fictional representation of your restaurant’s ideal regular. It’s a profile that includes demographic information, interests, behaviors, and pain points.

By creating an ideal guest avatar, you can better understand your guests and send marketing messages that feel like you’re talking personally to them.

4 steps to creating your ideal guest avatar

• Gather and review information about your guests. Use tools like surveys, customer feedback, guest notes, and social media analytics to learn more about their preferences and behaviors.
• Create a profile that includes details such as average age, gender, income, occupation, hobbies, and preferred dining occasions for some imaginary person who would be your dream regular.
• Give your ideal guest avatar a name and a backstory. This will help you imagine them as a real person with specific needs and motivations. Think about the challenges they face when dining out. Consider how your restaurant can solve these problems and provide a special dining experience that exceeds their expectations.
• Use your ideal guest avatar to guide your marketing efforts. Create content and creative promotions that speak directly to their interests. Customize your messaging and advertising to appeal to your ideal guest avatar and use social media platforms they frequent.

By creating a strong connection with your ideal guest avatar, you can build a loyal customer base and increase your restaurant’s revenue. It’s counterintuitive that marketing to a single imaginary guest can help you draw a lot of new people to your restaurant, but it’s a time-tested marketing strategy that gets results.

What is the right restaurant marketing budget?

Finding the sweet spot in terms of how much to spend on marketing is notoriously tricky. You want to get as much out of those dollars as possible. Overspending and underspending are both real risks.

The first step to determining the right marketing spend for your restaurant is to set a budget that feels comfortably within your means. Determine how much you can really afford to spend on marketing each month or quarter, and stick to that budget.

Next, decide on your channels, such as social media, email, paid search, etc. These options all come with different price tags and varying bang for the buck. Once you’ve chosen your channels, decide what you want to spend on each. Think through the potential reach and effectiveness of each channel.

Over time, you’ll be able to get granular about the ROI for various types of marketing and that will shape your plan and budget as you move forward.

If one particular marketing channel is performing very well, it’s time to increase the budget there. At the same time, keep your eyes peeled for underperforming channels so you can move that money into marketing that works.

How to build a strong restaurant brand

Branding can be an overlooked form of marketing because it’s less quantifiable than other strategies. Building a beloved restaurant brand requires showing up with clear and consistent messaging over time. It takes strong visuals, memorable dining experiences, and media savvy.

Following these tips to build a brand that wins fans:

Define your brand by your values

Start by laying out the restaurant’s values. This will help you create a clear and consistent message that resonates with your target guests. Many restaurants have core values of community, fun, or social justice.

If things like sustainability and community service matter to you, shout it out. Many customers are drawn to restaurants that prioritize values they share. Highlight your efforts in these areas to build a strong brand that resonates with people.

Hone a visual identity

Your visual identity includes everything from your logo and color choices to the look of your menu and website. Make sure all visual elements are consistent and reflect your chosen vibe.

Focus on the guest experience

The experience your guests have at your restaurant makes or breaks a brand. Make sure your service is friendly and welcoming, your food is high-quality and consistent, and your atmosphere is warm, memorable, and preferably Instagrammable.

Engage on social

Social media marketing is a powerful tool for building your brand and engaging with guests when they aren’t in the dining room. Show off your food, people, and events—anything that brings your restaurant’s personality to life. If you come across a negative review online, respond and try to make it right if possible.

How to optimize your website for SEO

As more and more customers are turning to online sources to pick restaurants and make reservations, you’ve got to have a strong online presence. You want your restaurant’s website to be optimized for search engines (SEO) .

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Use words on your website that you think potential guests will search for. Place these keywords throughout your website, especially on your menu items description and about page.

A website’s structure and navigation also play a role in SEO. Make sure it’s easy for visitors to find the information they’re looking for , such as the menu, hours of operation, and contact information. Also, check that the website is mobile-friendly. Most people will be looking at it on their phones.

Overall, optimizing your restaurant’s website for SEO can boost online visibility and drive more guests through your doors.

How to use social media for restaurant marketing

Social media has become an essential tool for marketing in all industries. With billions of active users, it’s a powerful way to engage guests and potential guests.

If you aren’t already active on social media, start with one platform where you know your guests spend time. Post the best photos and videos you can. Don’t forget to keep the “social” in social media by actually having conversations with followers. When people comment on a post, reply. Pose questions, ask for suggestions, and repost things your guests share about you.

Using social media for restaurant marketing can help increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, and ultimately boost sales, both on-premise and through online ordering . Remember to track your results to refine your approach over time.

How to use paid advertising for restaurant marketing

Paid advertising, also known as paid media , can be a powerful tool for restaurant owners looking to build brand awareness and attract new guests. On the flip side, the world of paid advertising can be confusing and expensive.

If you’re going to invest in paid ads, spend some time investigating which are the right advertising channels for your restaurant. Google ads and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) ads are popular choices, but they’re far from the only ones. Research the different options and choose the channels that best fit your restaurant’s goals.

When investing in ads, you want to make sure you have the most effective ad copy and visuals as possible. It may be worth the money to enlist a professional to create the kind of polished ads most likely to get results.

Setting and sticking to a budget is also crucial for successful paid advertising. Start with a smaller budget and test different strategies to find what works best for your restaurant. And always track your metrics and know your ROI. That way you can adjust your strategy to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of wasting money.

How to use email marketing

In the digital age, email marketing is an essential tool for any business to reach customers.

For restaurant owners, email marketing can be especially beneficial. Here are just a few reasons why your restaurant should be using email marketing:

Drive repeat visits

Send personalized messages to your guests that invite them to come back to your restaurant, especially when you haven’t seen them in a while. This can be in the form of special offers (such as buy one get one free), loyalty rewards, or even just a friendly reminder that you’re open. Repeat customers, aka regulars, can make or break a restaurant.

Compared to most other marketing channels, email marketing is relatively cheap. It allows you to reach a large number of people at a low cost. Email can provide a significant return on investment.

Track results

Email marketing campaigns can be easily tracked, allowing you to see how effective your campaigns are and make changes accordingly.

Effective restaurant marketing drives growth and sets your restaurant up for success. By developing a strategic marketing plan and making the most of select channels you can win a steady stream of new guests and foster loyalty in your customer base.

Explore more articles

• Restaurant reservation software
• Digital marketing solutions
• Restaurant table management
• Online ordering for restaurants
• Experiences
• Reputation and reviews
• Relationship management
• OpenTable integrations
• For restaurant groups
• For bars and wineries
• For hotels and casinos
• The best customer service
• Private dining
• Data & security
• Online waitlist
• Benchmark reporting
• Direct messaging
• About OpenTable
• New on OpenTable

Need help deciding which option is best for you? Give us a call at

(866) 951-7154

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
• Do Not Sell My Info (California)

Earn a $500 gift card when an eligible restaurant you refer joins OpenTable*

*terms and conditions apply

Market Research Tips for Restaurant Owners

With hundreds of thousands of restaurants currently operating in the United States, you must find a way for your restaurant to stand out. One way to do this is to conduct effective market research to determine where your efforts and resources should go. But how do you figure that out?

The answer is relatively easy: You need to stay in touch with your customer’s needs while keeping your finger on the pulse of current trends . And you can accomplish that with a combination of customer surveys and keeping tabs on industry news .

Gather information from your guests and demonstrate that you’ve listened to them by adjusting your services to better meet their needs. That will bring you closer to your goal of giving your customers what they want — and ultimately running a successful restaurant.

Here are a few invaluable ways you can gather insights from your diners. If you can let them know you are striving to make their experience better, then you can avoid becoming one of the 25% of restaurants that fail every year in the United States.

How to Gather the Information You Need

There’s always room for improvement when it comes to customer experience, but do you know how to make it better? If you’re not sure, then it’s time to do a little audience analysis .

Market research can help you glean more about what your guests expect from and think about your business. There are two types of research — qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative research includes gathering data through interviews and focus groups. If you don’t have time for that, it’s no big deal, but you can still implement it in less formal ways. Stop by your customer’s tables and ask for real-time feedback . In addition to providing valuable information, such measures demonstrate your commitment to improving the customer experience.

Quantitative research is about numbers. It involves the use of feedback from a large number of people to reveal trends. Surveys are the most popular way to gather quantitative data for your business. They allow you to gather feedback anonymously from many people. To conduct a survey, you should:

• Set goals: Determine what specific information you want.
• Use closed-ended questions: Generally, don’t leave the questions open; instead, make each answer take as little time as possible for the respondents.

It’s fairly simple to create a survey with online tools like Google Forms, Survey Monkey, and Typeform. Once you create the survey, you can advertise it in your restaurant, on your website, and through social media . Consider offering a coupon code or some other promotion to incentivize customers to complete it. Then, you can sit back and watch the data roll in!

You can also gather information through:

• Online reviews: Don’t forget to explore the feedback left for you on review sites , such as Yelp , Google Reviews, Trip Advisor, and OpenTable. These sites provide feedback for you and for potential future customers, so they can’t be overlooked.
• Comment cards: This is an an oldie but a goodie when comes to customer feedback. You can circulate forms to your tables for your patrons to rate their dining experience after they’ve eaten.
• Mobile feedback system: If you’d rather not leave cards on the tables, you can also distribute handheld electronic devices that customers can easily click through to leave feedback. Because it’s so easy to use, this has become a popular and convenient way to find out what your customers think.

Stay on Trend

New ideas are always entering the realm of market research. Business owners must grasp how their local customer’s preferences are changing. Whether that means your guests want to see healthier options on the menu or hand-crafted artisanal cocktails, being aware of changes in your target demographic early and taking the steps you need to stay on trend can help your restaurant thrive.

You can gather information to help you stay on trend by:

• Utilizing social media: Tracking social media can help complement other research channels you’ve established. This can help you track your target audience’s changing tastes . Follow your customers on Facebook or Instagram and research hashtags on Twitter related to your industry or brand.
• Listening: The conversations your guests are having online can inform you of trends. Do you notice your target demographic speaking more about animal welfare issues or environmental concerns? If so, you can change a few of your practices to cater to their desires.

Make the most of on the trends you see developing by:

• Testing tastes: Successful restaurateurs are flexible. Test your new menu, event, or promotion to get feedback from customers while it’s still in the development stage.
• Staying ahead of the curve: If you see a trend starting to take shape but aren’t ready to capitalize just yet, keep those ideas in play so you can roll them out when the time is right.
• Diversifying your ideas: Always have several different options at your disposal. You can’t predict how long something will stay trendy, so be ready to replace it with something that is more profitable and popular.
• Being technologically savvy: Many restaurants are turning to technology to make the lives of their customers easier. Utilize online ordering and reservations to keep audiences engaged.
• Keeping up with the industry: Don’t forget to use industry research to your advantage too. The State of the Restaurant Industry report is always a great tool.

You can’t jump on every single trend, so be selective. If you are smart with your research and efforts, then customers will embrace the changes you’re trying to make.

Show You Care

Successful restaurants prioritize guests’ needs and work hard to stay ahead of established industry trends. There’s no limit to how using these tools to their fullest can help your restaurant evolve for the better. If you follow through on the data you collect, it will show your customers that you value their feedback and aim to act on it to increase their satisfaction.

About the author

Devin Morrissey

You may also like.

The Benefits of Google My Business for Local Restaurants

How to Leverage Facebook Ads to Drive Restaurant Traffic

Why You Should Promote a Sustainable Kitchen and Menu

The Art of Juggling Multiple Social Media Pages for Your Restaurant

7 Proven Strategies on How to Increase Restaurant Sales

Irresistible Instagram Post Ideas to Boost Your Restaurant’s Engagement

INdustry Expertise

Market research for the restaurant & food service industry, rise to the occasion.

Whether you are an owner-operator of a restaurant or heading up a cafeteria for a college/university or hospital, you can agree that the food service industry is like no other because it offers a truly multi-faceted experience. Customer satisfaction is anything but straightforward. It’s based on everything from the food to the ambiance to the service, each one of which can be difficult to standardize across locations. 

Furthermore, the industry is also faced with the usual challenges inherent in trying to reach customers from different generations and backgrounds. This industry must continually address this long list of influencing factors to attract new customers and keep current ones coming back.

restaurant and food service challenges we address

• how are we appealing to customers with different situational drivers?
• how does our business cater to parents and children?
• what white space opportunities exist for our menu?
• what influenced people to choose another place to eat and how do we get them back?
• what factors influence someone’s in-the-moment decision on where to dine?
• how is our business perceived by various multi-cultural cohorts?
• how can I optimize my menu to my customers’ ever-changing tastes?

customized insights

Complex questions like these require a customized insights solution.  And because external factors are always influencing people’s attitudes and behaviors, the research should be ongoing to ensure that your establishments (whether you are a commercial restaurant or running a college, hospital, or business cafeteria) evolve to meet the changing needs and desires of your customers.

the right research recipe

C+R Research is uniquely qualified to help you answer your burning issues and guide you to the right strategies and tactics. With over 60 years of restaurant and food service marketing research under our belts, we’re proud to offer a holistic research style that includes a huge variety of qualitative and quantitative methods; traditional and innovative techniques; and strategic and tactical approaches.

custom market research solutions

Ethnographic immersion, competitive landscape, building consumer empathy, pricing / elasticity, segmentation, attitude & usage, c+r does it all under one roof..

While other restaurant/food service market research companies may specialize in one area, C+R can do it all under one roof. This allows for seamless coordination between different phases, which makes for better outcomes for business and your customers.

something special

Your establishment offers diners something special that they can’t find anywhere else. We consider it our mission to help draw that out to solidify your unique position in the market. The more you know about your customers, the better you can ensure that you offer a memorable experience tailored to their needs.

Browse restaurant and food services related resources

The power of dining missions and live look-ins to deep…, tasting history:  celebrating the diverse culinary…, determining the best menu option based on unconscious…, how glp-1 prescriptions are reshaping food and beverage…, going beyond typical: giving the neurodivergent…, world autism month: encouraging understanding and…, self-service restaurants: the way of the future, or a…, testing healthier options for kids for quick-serve…, identifying “jobs to be done” opportunities…, the lunch menu: how to manage operational needs with…, how to determine brand equity with a six year old.

take the next step

Let’s discuss your upcoming project, i do want to say that this project again demonstrates why i have come to rely on c+r and recommend you so highly. when i get a report from you it’s complete, well-thought, and always client-ready. i really appreciate the partnership i have with you., it was always a pleasure working with the team at c+r. i really appreciated your expertise and true partnership on every project., truly appreciate the strength of the partnership we have created with you. thank you for being a consistent and reliable resource., the report goes  beyond answering the questions ; it shows  deep understanding of the needs of the client  while ensuring the  integrity of the design .  thank you, thanks for  one of the best reports i’ve received …. the  quality of insights + deck writing > my expectations . the quality of voiceover/share out and process throughout has been my  best experience to date .   c+r shows up as a team-always on time, supportive of one another, and provides quality insights vs basic stuff., …we  appreciate our open partnership  and the constructive way we are building our relationship – we are  enthusiastic when we think about future projects together , you  offer your knowledge in a way that  never making anyone feel like they should have known “that” about the audience, treat it as an  opportunity to educate in a friendly way ., i’m  really proud  of this team and so  appreciate the partnership  we’ve created. you’ve both done a  fantastic job  helping us start off this journey and i look forward to continuing to build our learning with you all  , search this site.

• How-to guides
• Academy Customers Tools Trends Marketing Management

How to Market a New Restaurant and Reach Profitability

• articles--table-of-contents#moveToHeadline" data-target="articles--table-of-contents.section">What Is Restaurant Marketing and How to Market a New Restaurant?
• articles--table-of-contents#moveToHeadline" data-target="articles--table-of-contents.section">What Are the Components of a New Restaurant Marketing Strategy?
• articles--table-of-contents#moveToHeadline" data-target="articles--table-of-contents.section">How To Do Market Research for a New Restaurant?
• articles--table-of-contents#moveToHeadline" data-target="articles--table-of-contents.section">How To Advertise a New Restaurant: 5 Proven Strategies
• articles--table-of-contents#moveToHeadline" data-target="articles--table-of-contents.section">How to Market a New Restaurant: What Challenges Will You Face?
• articles--table-of-contents#moveToHeadline" data-target="articles--table-of-contents.section">How To Start Off on the Right Foot to Market a New Restaurant?

All new restaurant owners face one daunting question:” How to market a new restaurant ?” If this is what you’re also wondering, you’ll love this article.

Envision this: You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating the perfect restaurant. The ambiance is warm and inviting, the menu is a masterpiece of flavors, and the talented chefs are ready to showcase their culinary magic. But there’s one crucial piece missing from this puzzle: customers.

How do you entice hungry diners to enter your doors and experience the magic you’ve created ? Of course, through marketing.

In this article, you find five proven strategies on how to market a new restaurant. You will also learn about the market research process and the challenges you must endure.

What Is Restaurant Marketing and How to Market a New Restaurant?

Let’s start by understanding restaurant marketing . It promotes and advertises a restaurant’s products, services, and brand to potential customers. With this process, you can increase your restaurant’s visibility, attract new customers, and retain existing ones.

Moreover, it helps you increase your brand awareness and sales by giving you a competitive advantage . Now that you know what restaurant marketing is and why it is essential, let’s discuss how to market a new restaurant.

Start by doing market research. Identify your target audience and understand their preferences, habits, and needs. Then, research your competitors and look for ways to differentiate your restaurant. For example, suppose you own a burger restaurant in an area with similar restaurants. You can add buns without gluten or vegan burgers to the menu to differentiate yourself.

Once you have set a unique trait, you can create a marketing plan that outlines your goals, budget, timeline, and tactics. This plan should include a mix of temporary and permanent strategies to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

It is also crucial to track your results and adjust your marketing plan accordingly. This will help to measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources in the future.

What Are the Components of a New Restaurant Marketing Strategy?

While learning how to market a new restaurant is vital to bring it in front of people, there are certain things you need before you start the promotion. Here are the components of a new restaurant marketing strategy:

A Distinct Brand Identity : It’s essential to have a clear understanding of your restaurant’s brand identity. This includes the target audience, unique selling proposition, and brand message. Moreover, you need a logo, colors, font, and more to represent your brand in the marketing materials.

A Professional Website : A website is essential for online visibility and to provide potential customers with the necessary information. This includes menu, location, and hours of operation. While you don’t need to create a website immediately after opening your new restaurant, it is vital to have one for increased visibility.

Social Media Presence : A social media presence is crucial for engaging customers and promoting your restaurant online. Where would you promote your restaurant online without social media profiles?

A Flavorful Menu : You must develop a remarkable menu before promoting your restaurant. It isn’t possible to promote your restaurant’s food without a menu. Add quality images and descriptions to entice the readers.

Customer Service Protocols : Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building customer loyalty and attracting positive reviews.

How To Do Market Research for a New Restaurant?

In the section “What is restaurant marketing and how to market a new restaurant,” we talked about research. So, let’s discuss how to do market research for a new restaurant. Remember that it is an ongoing process where you must continuously monitor and adapt to market changes. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Define Your Target Market : Determine the demographics and characteristics of your ideal customers. Consider factors such as age, income level, interests, and preferences. Building your customer profile is key to succeed in this industry.

Identify Your Competition : Research existing restaurants and analyze their offerings, pricing, target market, and customer reviews. Pay attention to their strengths and weaknesses.

Conduct Surveys and Interviews : Prepare a questionnaire or interview script to gather feedback from potential customers. Ask about their preferences, favorite cuisines, pricing expectations, and overall restaurant experience.

Analyze Local Demographics : Study the local area to understand the population, income levels, and lifestyle patterns. Look for factors such as residential areas, office complexes, universities, or tourist attractions that may affect your potential customer base.

Explore Trends and Industry Reports : Stay updated on the latest restaurant industry trends and reports. Identify emerging food trends, popular cuisines, and consumer preferences that can help you shape your menu and overall concept.

Analyze Online Reviews and Social Media : Inspect restaurant reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media channels. Pay attention to common complaints, praises, and suggestions. Check local review sites regularly and understand what people like and dislike.

Summarize Findings and Make Informed Decisions : Compile all your gathered data and insights. Identify trends and opportunities to create your restaurant’s theme , menu, pricing, and overall positioning.

How To Advertise a New Restaurant: 5 Proven Strategies

Now that you know what restaurant marketing is, let’s move to the main topic; how to market a new restaurant. From hosting a grand opening to participating in community events, these strategies help you attract hungry customers and build a loyal following.

Following are five proven strategies on how to advertise a new restaurant. Then roll your sleeves up, put on your marketing hats, and discover the secrets to promoting your venue.

How to Market a New Restaurant Strategy #1: Host a Grand Opening Event

Let’s start this list of strategies for “how to market a new restaurant” with a plan that only a new restaurant can execute. Did you guess what it is? Yes, hosting a grand opening! You can create excitement and attract customers by setting a date and planning the event details, such as an inaugural ceremony or live entertainment.

Here’s how you can do it. Market the event through social media, email marketing, and flyers to generate awareness. Decorate your restaurant to create an inviting ambiance. Train your staff to provide exceptional service, capture the event with photos and videos, and follow up with attendees to express gratitude.

Remember to track the results of your grand opening event, such as the number of attendees and social media engagement. This information will help you assess the event’s success and refine your future marketing strategies.

How to Market a New Restaurant Strategy #2: Leverage Social Media

Once you’ve hosted that grand opening, it’s time to capitalize on the momentum by leveraging the power of social media. First, choose the right platforms and develop a solid strategy. Then, share visually captivating photos and videos of your dishes.

These posts should enthrall your initial visitors and create a lasting impression that keeps them eagerly returning for more. Moreover, engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages . You can also run exciting contests and giveaways to increase engagement.

Additionally, collaborate with local influencers to expand your reach, and don’t forget to highlight positive customer reviews and testimonials. Social media is used to announce special offers, events, and partnerships with other local businesses. This way, you can build a solid online presence and get more customers to your restaurant .

How to Market a New Restaurant Strategy #3: Take Advantage of Ads

In the previous section, we discussed how to market a new restaurant with social media. But there is another way to maximize your restaurant’s visibility and reach. We’re talking about paid advertising. While ads require a budget, their ability to target specific audiences makes them highly effective.

Start by determining your advertising budget, considering location and target market factors. Then, choose the appropriate platform. Social media and Google Ads are the best to reach your target audience.

Next, craft compelling ad content with enticing visuals, clear messaging, and strong CTAs. Utilize advertising platforms’ targeting options to ensure the right people see your ads. The last step is to monitor and optimize your ads based on performance metrics and track the impact of your campaigns using tracking mechanisms.

How to Market a New Restaurant Strategy #4: Use Local Advertising

Apart from online efforts, local advertising is a crucial strategy for effectively marketing your new restaurant within your community. Let’s discuss how to market a new restaurant with local advertising. You can do this by collaborating with local publications, leveraging outdoor advertising, and engaging in direct mail campaigns.

For outdoor advertising, select locations with high traffic in your target area, such as billboards, bus shelters, or street signs. Design appealing mailers or postcards for direct mail campaigns and distribute them within your local community. Include special promotions, discounts, or exclusive invitations to encourage recipients to visit your restaurant.

Moreover, invite local influencers to your place and encourage them to post about your restaurant on social media. You can also ask them to bring a group of people to make your restaurant look crowded. However, don’t do this just for the illusion. Provide them with exceptional services and make them like your restaurant.

How to Market a New Restaurant Strategy #5: Participate in Community Events

Another effective strategy for how to market a new restaurant is participating in community events. These events allow you to engage directly with the attendees. Interact with them friendly and informatively, offering samples or special menu items to entice their taste buds.

Moreover, participating in local fairs or farmers’ markets allows you to showcase your culinary offerings and generate buzz . Establishing partnerships with neighboring businesses and optimizing your presence on local directories strengthens your local presence.

Additionally, consider donating or sponsoring the event to enhance your visibility further and demonstrate your commitment to the local community. Capture and promote the experience on social media to engage existing and potential customers.

How to Market a New Restaurant: What Challenges Will You Face?

While learning how to market a new restaurant is essential, knowing the challenges you will face as a new restaurant owner is crucial. This can set the ground and prepare you to fight these problems and grow your business. Some of these challenges include:

• Limited Awareness and Recognition : Since your restaurant is new, people may not be familiar with your brand or offerings. A lack of awareness can make attracting customers and competing with more established restaurants in your area difficult.
• Distrust and Skepticism : Potential diners may be hesitant to try your restaurant without a proven track record of customer reviews. Studies reveal that 90% of consumers search for reviews before visiting . Building trust and overcoming skepticism requires consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences and generating positive word of mouth.
• Competition in the Market : The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and standing out among numerous dining options can be challenging.
• Budget Limitations : Limited resources can restrict your marketing budget, limiting your ability to invest in extensive advertising or promotional campaigns.
• Targeting the Right Audience : Identifying and reaching your target audience in the sea of potential customers can be demanding. You cannot hit the bull’s eye in terms of audience every time without extensive data and research. This is only possible after your restaurant gains some experience.
• Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences : Consumer preferences and dining trends evolve, and keeping up with these changes can be challenging for new restaurant owners.

How To Start Off on the Right Foot to Market a New Restaurant?

The first step is market research to start on the right foot to market a new restaurant. You can do this by identifying your target audience, competition, and industry trends and conducting surveys. Moreover, specify and capitalize on a unique selling trait to differentiate from your competitors . Then create an effective marketing strategy that resonates with your brand voice.

For a marketing strategy, you can utilize social media, paid advertising, email campaigns, outdoor advertising, etc. However, avoid creating multiple campaigns simultaneously. Start with one and measure its effectiveness. Then add more strategies as your restaurant grows.

Are you looking to improve your marketing strategy and grow your business? Beambox’s WiFi marketing platform can help you gather customer data, automate marketing initiatives, and enhance your online reputation with ease. Start your free trial today !

Get Started With Free WiFi Marketing

Beambox helps businesses like yours grow with data capture, marketing automation and reputation management.

Grow your business and customer loyalty with guest WiFi!

Related posts

• Why Is My Ethernet Slower Than WiFi

Why is my Ethernet speed slower than WiFi? Learn the five most common causes for this and three effective steps to troubleshoot the issue.

Hotel Marketing Strategy

A hotel marketing strategy helps hotels attract guests, increase bookings, and stand out in the hospitality industry. Learn how to create one.

Free WiFi Routers | Guest WiFi

Beambox’s guide to getting free WiFi router solutions for homes and small businesses such as restaurants.

• English (United States)
• Improve the guest experience
• Understand your customers
• Increase your online reviews
• Grow with smart marketing
• Boost retention with QR codes
• Shape your branded email strategy
• Foster loyalty with SMS marketing
• Beambox Plug & Play
• Pubs & Bars
• Restaurants
• Salons & Barbers
• Accommodation
• WiFi Marketing
• Social WiFi
• Help Center
• What Is WLAN
• Customer Service Review
• SMS Message Campaigns

2261 Market Street #4811 San Francisco, CA 94114

• Partner Agreement