TLDR

With inflation on the rise, you may be wondering how to satisfy customers' cravings without compromising profits. Look no further than the strategies of major chains like Applebee's and McDonald's. By offering creative value menus and deals, you can keep customers happy while maintaining your bottom line. Consider rolling out "Build Your Box" custom meal packages on your mobile app, lowering prices for homemade combos. You too can emulate the successes of national brands right in your local community. Keep reading to unlock proven techniques to withstand economic instability. With the right approach, your restaurant can continue thriving in 2024 and beyond.

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Take Inspiration From Applebee's Popular All-You-Can-Eat Deals

To attract value-conscious diners despite rising costs, local restaurants should consider emulating Applebee’s all-you-can-eat specials. For $14.99, customers receive unlimited servings of boneless wings, riblets, and double-crunch shrimp. Restaurants can adapt this model by offering multi-item, fixed-price deals featuring their own specialties. For example, a Mexican restaurant may provide unlimited fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadillas for $12.99. An Italian eatery can present never-ending pasta, breadsticks, and salads for $15.99.

Provide Value Meals and Combos

In addition to all-you-can-eat deals, value meals and combos are another proven way to attract value-conscious diners without compromising margins. Restaurants can offer meals that include an entrée, side, and drink for a discounted price. For instance, a burger joint can provide a cheeseburger, fries, and soda for $8.99. Mexican restaurants can bundle tacos, rice and beans, and a margarita for $10. These combos incentivize customers to order more items while providing a good overall value. They also help streamline operations by reducing customization. By keeping prices low and portions reasonable, value meals can help restaurants satisfy customers without breaking the bank.

Appeal to Regulars and Newcomers

All-you-can-eat specials and customized “boxes” not only satisfy regular customers seeking budget-friendly options but also attract new patrons curious to sample diverse menu items at a reasonable cost. If the food and experience impress, diners may become loyal advocates and frequent the establishment again. Affordable value promotions are an opportunity for local restaurants to gain exposure, build their customer base, and develop a reputation as a provider of generous portions at agreeable prices.

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Offer Value Menus Like McDonald's During Inflation

To combat inflationary pressures and continue attracting budget-conscious customers, you should consider copying McDonald's successful value menu strategy. McDonald's core menu items and dollar menu have boosted U.S. sales despite price increases, allowing the chain to raise prices without significantly impacting customer traffic.

Provide Affordable Options at Multiple Price Points

Like McDonald's $1, $2, and $3 menu, offer a range of lower-priced items at strategic price points. This gives customers choice and control over how much they spend. You might provide a $5 meal deal, $3 snacks, and $1-2 sides and drinks. Vary options across dayparts to drive incremental sales.

Focus on High-Value, High-Craving Items

McDonald's value menus spotlight burgers, fries, and soft drinks - items customers frequently crave. Similarly, build your value menu around your most popular, indulgent items. For example, you might include appetizers like wings, nachos, or mozzarella sticks; bar snacks like sliders, tacos, or quesadillas; or shareable sides like onion rings, sweet potato fries, or mac and cheese.

Enable Customization Through Mobile Ordering

Consider leveraging your mobile app to provide a "build your own" feature where customers can craft customized value boxes. The price of a customized box should be lower than if items were purchased separately to incentivize uptake. A create-your-own offer gives customers a personalized, high-value experience while allowing them to use excess ingredients and reduce waste.

Emulating McDonald's time-tested value menu tactics can help combat inflation, drive incremental sales and boost customer loyalty - without significantly impacting your margins. Strategic bundling, affordable price points and mobile customization are key tools for success. With the right value menu, you can satisfy customers' cravings for your signature items even when money is tight.

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Enable Customers to Build Boxes at Reduced Prices

Offer Special Deals Through Your Mobile App

Local restaurants should leverage mobile apps to provide value to customers seeking affordable options. You can create special in-app offers, deals, and discounts to attract value-focused consumers. For example, suggest add-ons, substitutions, and meal bundles to encourage higher-volume orders at lower price points. Studies show that targeted mobile offers and personalized deals boost sales and customer loyalty.

Enable Customers to Customize “Build Your Own Box” Orders

To cater to customers wanting customization and control over their orders at reduced cost, restaurants should implement a “build your own box” feature in their mobile apps. Customers select a base, such as rice, noodles or a salad, then choose from a variety of proteins, vegetables, and toppings to create a customized meal. The app can suggest complementary additions and appropriate portion sizes to guide customers in building a balanced box. Once the customer completes their customized order, the app should provide a discount off the regular menu price for that combination of items to incentivize the build-your-own-box feature.

Local restaurants must adapt to value-focused consumers by leveraging technology that provides personalized experiences. Mobile apps with special in-app deals and build-your-own-box features like Per Diem allows you to cater to customers seeking affordable, customized options. These app capabilities boost sales, drive loyalty, and fulfill cravings at lower price points despite inflationary pressures. To stay competitive, restaurants should implement mobile ordering apps with targeted discounts and build their own box customization to meet the demands of value-seeking patrons.

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Final Thoughts

As inflation continues to put pressure on restaurant profit margins, value menus present an enticing opportunity to satisfy customer cravings while protecting the bottom line. By taking a page from chains like McDonald's, Applebee's, and IHOP, local eateries can deploy creative bundling and limited-time offers to drive traffic. Build-your-own-box features in mobile apps also empower diners to assemble customized meals at reduced prices. With thoughtful menu planning and smart use of technology, restaurants can beat inflation while delighting patrons. Value-driven promotions lead to repeat business, and small indulgences keep customers coming back. Savvy restaurateurs will view the current economic climate as a chance to get creative, not a cause for panic. Your patrons will thank you.

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