Your shop is busy, but are you profitable? 5 ways to drive traffic without discounts
The morning pastry case is empty by noon, and the dinner reservation list is full. But when you look at the numbers at the end of the month, the story is different. The constant pressure of rising food costs, managing inventory, and offering daily specials to compete can feel like a race to the bottom. You’re busy, but are you building a truly profitable business?
As a consultant who has worked deep in the hospitality world, I’ve seen this exact situation countless times. I once helped turn around a restaurant that was losing $300,000 every month and transformed it into a success story bringing in $1.5 million in monthly sales—all within six months. The secret wasn’t offering more discounts; it was creating a brand and an experience that people were happy to pay for, among other financial and team managing strategies.
It's time to stop competing on price and start competing on experience. Here are five practical, low-cost ways to fill your restaurant or bakery this week and build a stronger business.
01
Sell your skills: Host a hands-on class
Your chefs and bakers have amazing talent. You can turn that skill into a new source of income. By hosting fun, ticketed classes, you create a new and profitable way to make money while letting customers connect with your brand on a deeper level.
Actionable ideas: A restaurant can host a "make your own cocktail" class or a pasta-making workshop. A bakery can offer a sourdough for beginners class, a cake decorating tutorial, or a fun cookie-making session for parents and kids.
The real value: These events make you the local expert, create buzz, and bring in money on your slower days.
02
The power of partnership: Team up with your neighbors
Look around your neighborhood. Who else is serving customers you’d like to have? Team up with them. Smart partnerships are a key part of growing your business and reaching new customers without spending a fortune on advertising. At one business, we cut our marketing budget while keeping our sales strong by partnering with other local companies.
Actionable ideas: A restaurant can create a "Dinner and a Show" deal with a local theater. A bakery can set up a "Morning Pastry" delivery service for nearby offices or create a "perfect pair" special with a local coffee shop.
The real value: You get introduced to a whole new set of customers who are likely to be interested in what you offer, all while building strong community ties.
03
Engineer your "wow" moment
On social media, a single amazing photo can be more powerful than a paid ad. Don't leave it to chance—create a specific "wow" moment in your shop that people can't resist taking a picture of and sharing.
Actionable ideas: For a restaurant, this could be a stunningly presented signature dish. For a bakery, an eye-popping cake or a perfectly organized pastry case will do the trick. A cool mural, unique decor, or even creative to-go packaging works for both.
The real value: This is free advertising, with your customers acting as your marketing team. Creating these moments helps lower the cost of attracting each new customer to your door.
04
Become a community hub
Go from being just another shop in the neighborhood to being the neighborhood's favorite spot. When you get deeply involved in your community, you build a kind of loyalty that no discount can compete with.
Actionable ideas: A restaurant can host a charity dinner for a local non-profit. A bakery can donate leftover goods to a shelter or sponsor a school bake sale. Sponsoring a local kids' sports team, like your own children's team, is a great option for either.
The real value: This builds incredible goodwill. When you invest in your community, your community will invest back in you.
05
The "behind-the-scenes" VIP experience
Make your best customers feel like insiders. Giving them an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look creates super-loyal customers and turns them into raving fans who tell everyone about your business.
Actionable ideas: A restaurant can host a "Chef's Table" where a small group gets a special menu and face-time with the chef. A bakery could offer a "Baker for a Day" experience or create a "First Taste" club for regulars to try new treats before anyone else.
The real value: Feeling special creates loyalty. These events are not only profitable but also give you great feedback and make your best customers feel even more connected to your business.
From just surviving to truly thriving
Running a busy food business is one thing; building a profitable one that can grow is another. It takes a smart plan that goes beyond daily deals and focuses on creating real, long-term value.
At Eightfold Coach, we specialize in putting these kinds of strategies into action. We help restaurant and bakery owners look at their business in a new way, improve their finances, and set up the systems they need for long-term growth. If you’re ready to start building a more profitable future, let's talk.
