5 Tips to Prepare for the "Big Game"

This content is provided by MRLA sponsor and preferred technology partner SpotOn. For more information about SpotOn, visit here. 

Whether you run a sports bar, host game day watching parties at your restaurant, or simply have a popular take-out menu, the “Big Game” can be busy and profitable or, if you plan poorly, a major headache. Here are five tips to prepare for the Super Bowl on February 11, 2024  is a touchdown for your business no matter which team you're rooting for. 

Strategize your menu offerings
​Prior to the event, it is a good idea to conduct a thorough analysis of your menu to ensure optimal profitability, just like with any other high-volume sales occasion.

For your dine-in menu:

• Prioritize showcasing your most popular and financially rewarding items prominently.
•  Consider bundling less profitable yet equally popular items with higher margin selections as part of a pricing special.
• Implement strategic pricing events from within your restaurant point-of-sale to attract patrons with discounts on low-cost, easily preparable items.
• Cut the fat by eliminating items from your menu that lack profitability or might impede kitchen efficiency during the event.

For your take-out menu:

• Similar to the dine-in menu, streamline your online ordering menu with profitable and manageable offerings for your kitchen staff.
• If necessary, restrict certain items exclusively for dine-in orders to optimize revenue potential, particularly if these items are expected to drive increased sales as part of specialized pricing deals.
• Explore the feasibility of offering meal kits and group platters tailored for customers hosting Super Bowl gatherings, and encourage guest to order in advance to facilitate efficient preparation by your staff.

Promote your offerings
Following the menu planning stage, adopt a multi-channel approach to disseminate information about your offerings, specials, and any planned events or activities for the occasion.

• Employ traditional methods such as printing signage or distributing flyers within your establishment and on takeout packaging.
• Leverage social media platforms to broadcast detailed announcements regarding your operating hours, specials, events, and pre-ordering options for takeout. 
• Utilize marketing emails targeted at your mailing list.
• If organizing private viewing parties or offering exclusive Super Bowl packages, facilitate advance registration and payment through event booking software to streamline guest management.

Determine your staffing requirements
Reviewing last year's staffing schedule for the Super Bowl can serve as a valuable reference point for optimizing staffing levels this year. Utilize comprehensive restaurant scheduling software like SpotOn Teamwork to compare historical staff schedules with POS data, facilitating informed adjustments to ensure adequate staffing levels. In the absence of historical data, engage with management and staff members who were present last year to gauge staffing adequacy and make necessary adjustments.

Optimize operations with technology
Once you’ve figured out staff and scheduling, leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency and support your team during the anticipated high-demand period.

• Employ digital waitlist applications and restaurant reservation systems to efficiently manage seating arrangements and communicate real-time wait times to guests via two-way texting.
• Implement QR codes for streamlined order and payment processing at tables, freeing up front-of-house staff to focus on delivering prompt service and ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Equip servers with handheld POS systems to facilitate efficient order-taking and transmission directly to the kitchen, enabling servers to cover more tables effectively.
• Take care of your staff and simplify tip management by presetting suggested tip amounts on handheld devices, QR ordering, and receipts, and streamline the process with a labor management solution.
• Exercise control over the pacing of online orders by setting limits to prevent overwhelming the kitchen.

Keep the good times rolling
Delivering a memorable experience on game day fosters customer loyalty, which can be further nurtured through strategic use of technology to expand your customer database.

• Utilize technology to seamlessly capture email addresses of all Super Bowl patrons, enabling targeted marketing campaigns throughout the year.
• Leverage targeted campaigns to promote upcoming events or attract patrons during slower periods, thereby maintaining momentum and fostering continued patronage beyond the Super Bowl event.