Food for Thought
January 10, 2025

How to Boost Customer Engagement and Drive Sales Using a Secret Menu

Secret menus add an element of excitement and exclusivity to your restaurant. Here’s how to create one that works for your customers across all ordering channels—dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.

1. Keep It Truly Exclusive

Don’t over-advertise your secret menu. Share it subtly with loyal customers, through word of mouth, or to social media followers with a “hint.” You can also include secret menu items on QR Order & Pay platforms, making them available only to those who know how to find them.

Why it works: Exclusivity builds excitement. Customers love feeling like they’re part of a special club.

2. Make It Fun and Creative

Your secret menu should be fun. Experiment with unique combinations or bold flavors that don’t exist on your regular menu. The secret menu gives you a chance to try something different without changing the entire menu.

Why it works: Customers who seek out secret menus are often looking for something new. Creative dishes keep them coming back for more.

3. Use Social Media to Tease It

Use platforms like Instagram or Facebook to subtly hint at your secret menu. Post cryptic messages or images that invite loyal followers to ask about hidden items. For QR Order & Pay, include a special QR code for your secret menu items that only insiders know about.

Why it works: Social media buzz helps build intrigue, and engaging customers online makes them feel more connected to your brand.

4. Adapt for Takeaway and Delivery

Don’t limit the secret menu to dine-in guests. Offer it for takeaway and delivery as well. You can include a secret category on your online menu that’s only accessible via a specific code or phrase.

Why it works: Expanding secret menu options to takeaway and delivery boosts sales while maintaining the exclusive feel.

5. Keep Changing It Up

Keep the secret menu fresh by regularly updating it. Rotate dishes or offer limited-time options to maintain interest.

Why it works: Changing up the menu keeps customers coming back to try something new.

By creating and promoting a secret menu that feels exclusive and is adaptable for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery, you add a layer of excitement to your offerings. Using storekit’s online ordering system makes it easy to integrate secret items and create buzz for your restaurant.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to hire more staff?

No, you will not need to hire more floor staff. Our clients find that they can serve more guests with the same team by removing unnecessary steps of service. Your guests get their food & drink quicker, and your staff can focus on providing a better service.

Do you charge commissions?

No, we do not charge commission costs. Only transaction fees, just as you would pay with PDQ machines.

Is my business too small or too big for this?

No matter the shape or size of your business, storekit is the right tool for your operation. We work with all kinds of hospitality businesses in the UK (& abroad) to increase their sales, control their costs & enable an exceptional customer experience.

Will it reduce customer interaction?

No, you will not lose out on customer interaction. By removing tasks for your staff, they can spend more time on what matters. Bar staff can focus on making the best drinks possible, rather than taking orders. Floor staff can focus on engaging with guests and serving with a smile.

Do my guests want to order from their phones?

Online ordering for restaurants lets your guests order what they want, when they want. They get their food & drink quicker, without the stress of paying the bill. Your staff get more tips & can focus on what they do best - providing the best quality customer experience. You'll make more money & save costs. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

How long does it take to get my money?

We send payouts daily, but the bank usually takes 2 days to process them. That means, the money that you earn on Monday will be in your bank account by Thursday morning. This is rolling - so you'll get paid daily.

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