Dayshift Sales

[j_r0kk]

My dayshift sales are almost non-existent. The store’s only been open for a month and the product is fantastic. I know it’s just a matter of getting potential customers out of their old habits and creating new ones with us, but I need a few solid ideas for getting them in the door. We offer delivery, dine-in (for 25) and carryout. We’re on a relatively busy street in a small town of around 10,000 addresses and a military base 5 miles from the store. One big problem I’m seeing is that all the fast food guys (McDonalds, Wendy’s, KFC) are almost 2 blocks closer to the main traffic flow on this street. I know two blocks doesn’t seem like a lot, but in a small town it might as well be two miles. Now I’ve started a lunch push, with a sandwich board out front advertising a small one topping and a drink for $5.99 (dine in and carryout only). This special is moving… a little bit. I’d feel a lot more comfortable if my dayshifts were in the $300-$400 range, though. Any ideas?

 

[system]

Combo Meals with slices…for example we do 2 cheese slices and a 20oz fountain soda for $3.79 or 2 with one topping for $4.79
remember lunch is about speed and slices are quicker than pies…i think that will work better

 

[j_r0kk]

How did you advertise it when you first started. I’m sure I can’t just throw slices in and say, “Okay, come and get it”. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Daddio]

I had a sandwitch board sign made and put it beside the Dairy Queen Drive Through.

 

[Tom_Boyles_PMQ]

There are a couple of things you may want to consider/try…first, check with local radio stations about sponsoring a “Lunch Rush Broadcast with (Insert Pizzeria Name” and during the lunch rush have the station conduct some sort of trivia/call-in contest for a free lunch. Also, think about either a fax program or email program. You can collect numbers and addresses by putting a fish bowl on the counter and a sign saying “drop ypur card in for a free lunch drawing” and collect info that way. Make sure emails/faxes go out at 11 or 11:30 when people are deciding on where they will eat lunch. Like the previous post…lunch is about SPEED! People have errands to run, want a little ‘relaxing’ time before going back to work and some only have 30 minutes. Maybe a buffet is something to consider for this. I will post a few links and segments from some articles we have ran about lunch sales that may be some help. Good luck.

http://www.pmq.com/bigdavefall_2000.shtml
http://www.pmq.com/mag/2006march/idea_forum32.php#181
http://www.pmq.com/cgi-bin/tt/index.cgi … ;read=3451
http://www.pmq.com/mag/2005november-december/buffet.php
http://www.pmq.com/cgi-bin/tt/index.cgi … read=19213
http://www.pmq.com/free_radio_ad.shtml

Buffet Strategy

The lunch buffet is stocked five days a week to quickly serve those during the busy and all-too-short lunch hour. Wednesday night is the only night it’s open. But with all the church going, Wednesday night diners make it worthwhile. About 50% of lunch comes from the buffet.
From http://www.pmq.com/mag/2001fall/flyers.shtml

Buffets

Abe also offers a buffet every day. “I have 12 pizzas on the buffet at one time,â€

 

[j_r0kk]

THANKS GUYS FOR ALL THE HELP! Tom, I LOVE that radio idea. Daddio, putting a sign in front of Dairy Queen? Now that’s harsh. You’re hard-core.

 

[pizzaguy]

saend free lunc to the business around you that will create awarness and you may also get some big lunc time deliveries. Daddio I like your style! reminds me of when I had a delivery driver follow the otherguys delivery driver at lunch time and give a coupon to whereever they delivered that said “Want really good pizza? this coupon good for 1 free pizza of your choice” It worked great and noe I have cornered most of the lunch business in town.

 

[royster13]

Canada is a kinder and gentler place…Been years since I heard anything about a DQ owner chasing down a pizzeria owner…RCS…

 

[j_r0kk]

In any case, my money’s on Daddio. How can you not put your money on a guy with a name like Daddio? DQ guy has no chance

 

[system]

I think all those ideas are good, but i think a lot of shops sales are down during the day shift. ask your bread dist. and your distributors and you will see. so don’t feel too worry about i just think a lot of people are trying to save money so the bring their lunches from home. with those gas prices and living cost sky rocking wouldn’t you try save some money too?

 

[snowman]

I think the price point is hurting you. Fast food has a lunch cap of $5 in my mind. If it costs over $5, go elsewhere. Find something you can offer for under $5 … even if without a drink.

 

[j_r0kk]

Good point, Snow.