August 2023 Merchant Digest: Tips on how to tackle inflation to improve your bottom line

Many business owners — inside and out of the restaurant industry — are struggling to cope with inflation. In the August edition of the Merchant Digest, we’ll explore the impact of rising costs and share strategies, like menu engineering and pricing tactics, to help you keep your restaurant's sales sizzling and boost your bottom line.

How to fight inflation

If you feel like you'll make less this year, you're not alone. With rising costs of food, labor, and other expenses, 50% of restaurants are expecting a decrease in profits in 2023 according to the National Restaurant Association. Here are some tips on how to cut costs and increase sales during the current tough economic climate:

1. Assess where costs have gone up

Rising prices are a challenge for many restaurants. For example, grain and wheat have gone up in price by 48%, making it difficult to maintain menu prices on items that use these ingredients. One way to tackle this is negotiating with suppliers. Assess cost-cutting measures like bulk ordering or prepaying, try out innovative shipping and packing techniques, and look into alternative suppliers for better prices. Another option is to reduce food waste. The first step is conducting a waste analysis to optimize ingredient usage, use sales data to implement smart inventory management, and consider offering smaller portion sizes. For more suggestions, check out this article on how to reduce restaurant costs and improve profits.

2. Design a high performing DoorDash menu

Make sure to audit and update your menu to cut more expensive, less popular items. An effective means of addressing this is to drive orders with photos. In fact, menus with item photos get up to 44% more monthly sales. If you feel like taking photos isn’t your strong suit, you can request a free photo shoot. Another strategy that increases orders is offering a seasonal menu. Changing your menu to reflect trendy, seasonal items or locally grown produce can help attract more customers while incorporating less expensive ingredients. Take a look at these 11 tips to design a high performing DoorDash menu, to boost orders.

3. Manage supply chain shortages and inflation

Navigate supply chain difficulties by having backup sources and alternatives, even at a higher cost. Another option is adapting your menu. Make appropriate substitutions or even replace a dish entirely during periods of ingredient scarcity. Additionally, make sure you find backup suppliers. Learn how other restaurants take supply chain shortages in stride.

4. Participate in the new and improved Most Loved

We heard your feedback and want to add some clarity on how your restaurant could get more visibility on DoorDash. Starting on August 1st, you’ll see a new and improved Most Loved program, including:

Simplified qualifications and performance goals within your control
Better visibility and recognition in the app
Access to a free marketing toolkit sales

5. Reduce order errors

Certain items or categories of items are more prone to order errors than others — like combos, drinks, desserts, and sauces. Find out which items on your menu are frequently reported as missing or incorrect in the Operations Quality tab in the Merchant Portal. Once you identify these items, add reminders (like in-store signage for your employees) at the point in your process where errors may occur, whether it’s an assembly line, expo station, or right before Dasher handoff. To learn more tips, check out how to avoid missing or incorrect items.

We’ve also heard your feedback on fraudulent error charges and Dasher mistakes and are working to solve these issues. If you feel an error wasn't your fault, here’s how to request a refund.

6. Make the most of upcoming holidays

Download the Restaurant Holiday Marketing Calendar and Toolkit to learn creative ways to drive sales and grow your social media following year-round. Here are a few upcoming holidays you want to keep in mind for marketing: