How to Increase Sales and Promote Your Startup with Retail Space

Retailing products in your restaurant is not a completely novel strategy; however, it is often overlooked by independents, particularly in the startup stage. Management and sale of retail products within the restaurant can boost sales, develop product loyalty and provides a unique avenue for marketing and promotion -- or not. It might be worth looking at your concept and market and determine if product sales could be a significant revenue generator for your store.

In this article we discuss the sales and merchandizing techniques of those who have made in-restaurant retailing work.

Out of This World

Mort Bank of Bismarck, North Dakota, learned a few things in his 25 years of operating seven successful McDonald's franchises in the upper Great Plains. As he planned to open his dream restaurant, a bar and grill serving award-winning barbecue in a décor based on his fascination with alien life, Bank knew that a retail area would be a large part of its success.

When the first Space Aliens Bar and Grill opened in Bismarck in 1997 local diners and those visiting the region were immediately captivated by the food, the décor and the wide selection of quality merchandise. "I wanted to make it look like a national chain, and a retail component helps with that and helps promote the fun concept of alien life," Bank said.

Upon entering the restaurant that truly looks like a spacecraft has landed on the plains of North Dakota, guests are first greeted by a hostess wearing clothing available for sale. They are then escorted to their seats passing directly through the retail area of the store, which Bank believes is essential in operating a successful retail component.