How to Increase Restaurant Pickup Orders: 10 Proven Strategies That Drive More Takeout Sales
Learn how to increase restaurant pickup orders with online ordering, mobile-friendly websites, social media marketing, curbside pickup, special promotions, and exceptional customer service.
Many customers prefer ordering ahead, grabbing their meals quickly, and enjoying restaurant-quality food wherever they are. For restaurants, pickup orders can increase revenue, reduce delivery fees, and strengthen direct relationships with customers.
But simply offering pickup isn’t enough. Restaurants need a seamless experience that encourages customers to order again and again.
Why Pickup Orders Matter
Pickup orders offer advantages for both restaurants and customers.
They help restaurants:
- Increase direct sales
- Reduce third-party delivery fees
- Improve profit margins
- Serve more customers during busy periods
- Build customer loyalty
- Create additional revenue streams
For customers, pickup combines restaurant-quality meals with speed and convenience.
1. Offer Fast, Mobile-Friendly Online Ordering
Customers expect to order from anywhere.
Your website should allow guests to:
- Browse the menu
- Customize meals
- Schedule pickup times
- Pay online
- Receive confirmation instantly
Make your online menu easy to read and ensuring customers can order and pay through a mobile-friendly website.
A simple ordering process increases completed purchases.
2. Promote Pickup on Social Media
Your social channels can drive immediate sales.
Post regularly about:
- Pickup specials
- Daily deals
- New menu items
- Limited-time offers
- Behind-the-scenes kitchen videos
Use social media and your Buzztime Spot page to showcase menu items and promote pickup specials.
Eye-catching food photography can inspire customers to order on impulse.
3. Make Contact Information Easy to Find
If customers can’t quickly find your phone number or address, they may order somewhere else.
Display prominently:
- Phone number
- Address
- Pickup hours
- Online ordering link
- Parking instructions
Make contact information highly visible on both your website and social media pages.
Convenience starts before the order is placed.
4. Offer Pickup-Exclusive Specials
Give customers a reason to order directly.
Ideas include:
- 10% off pickup orders
- Family meal bundles
- Free drinks
- Free appetizers
- Loyalty points
- Limited-time promo codes
Use pickup discounts and online promo codes to encourage more direct orders.
Exclusive offers help shift customers away from expensive third-party delivery platforms.
5. Simplify the Pickup Experience
A fast pickup process encourages repeat business.
Consider:
- Designated pickup parking
- Clearly marked pickup entrance
- Curbside service
- Dedicated pickup counter
- SMS pickup notifications
6. Prioritize Accuracy Every Time
Nothing ruins the pickup experience faster than a missing item.
Double-check:
- Food accuracy
- Modifications
- Sauces
- Utensils
- Drinks
- Receipts
Accuracy builds trust.
7. Package Food for the Journey
Food should arrive home just as enjoyable as it was when it left the kitchen.
Use packaging that:
- Keeps food hot
- Prevents spills
- Separates hot and cold items
- Protects presentation
Good packaging protects both your food and your reputation.
8. Reward Repeat Pickup Customers
Turn occasional customers into regulars.
Offer rewards like:
- Every 5th pickup earns a free appetizer
- Birthday discounts
- Pickup punch cards
- Loyalty points
- Referral bonuses
Loyal customers often become your most profitable customers.
9. Promote Pickup In Your Restaurant
Your dine-in guests are future pickup customers.
Use:
- Table tents
- Digital signage
- Receipts
- QR codes
- Menu inserts
Every customer should know pickup is available.
10. Give Customers Another Reason to Visit
Pickup builds convenience.
In-person experiences build loyalty.
Encourage customers to visit your restaurant by promoting:
- Trivia nights
- Bingo
- Live events
- Poker tournaments
- Sports watch parties
Offering both pickup and memorable in-house experiences creates multiple ways for customers to engage with your restaurant.
Grow Your Pickup Business and Bring Customers Back Inside
Convenience gets customers through the ordering process, but memorable experiences keep them coming back.
Request a free Buzztime demo today and discover how interactive trivia, bingo, poker, bets, and live entertainment can help your restaurant increase repeat visits, boost customer loyalty, and grow beyond takeout.