Download Free Restaurant Scheduling Template 

‍You've put thought into designing your Quick Service Restaurant menu, and customers keep returning for more. But as your business grows, you start noticing some items fly off the shelves, while others hardly get ordered. This results in wasted ingredients and lost revenue – and you want to change that.

You may think you know your best sellers, but do you?

This is where OneHubPOS can make all the difference. More than just a tool to process transactions, our modern POS system provides detailed insights that help you optimize your menu. With just a few clicks, you can get automated reports that enable you to pinpoint top-performing and underperforming items to make critical decisions about menu changes and reduce waste, improve food cost percentages, and possibly make profits on menu items. 

This blog explores how OneHubPOS data helps you identify your best sellers, streamline offerings, reduce waste, and focus on customer favorites.

Identifying Best-Selling Items Using POS Reports

Your POS system collects many sorts of data. Let’s dive into the specifics of how you can make sense of that data to identify your best selling items.

1. Sales Reports

Reviewing your sales analytics reports is the most direct way to identify your top performers. These reports show you how each menu item is performing over different time frames, such as:

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly

The goal here is to look for consistency. Are there items that sell steadily day after day, week after week? These are your bestsellers. 

The best part? OneHubPOS offers you auto-generated reports that can be accessed with one touch on the POS app and Cloud in real-time, so you don't have to manually sort and look at the best-selling and least-selling items of your restaurant.

Filters add extra value here, allowing for more precise analysis. Even if you operate QSRs at multiple locations, OneHubPOS can filter your sales by store to see if certain items perform better in one location than another. 

For instance, a particular dessert might be a bestseller at one location but less popular at another. Similarly, some items may perform better on weekends compared to weekdays. Getting these insights from a cloud POS system allows you to tailor your menu offerings or promotions to different customer bases.

Furthermore, OneHubPOS lets you look at sales data by time of day, which can tell you exactly when certain items are most popular. If you notice that iced drinks in your coffee shop are most popular between 2 PM and 5 PM, you might consider increasing inventory and staffing during those hours. Alternatively, you could introduce a ‘Happy Hour' promotion to further boost sales.

This kind of adjustment may seem small. But it can significantly improve customer satisfaction and reduce wait times.

2. Upselling & Cross-selling

In QSRs, some items tend to be purchased as a combo. For instance, a cheeseburger is often accompanied by fries and a soda. 

Identifying these trends through POS data allows you to understand your customers' favorite combinations. With OneHubPOS’s product setup section, you can create attractive bundles that directly match their tastes, leading to increased sales and a better customer experience.

Let’s say you create a bundle with a popular burger, fries, and a drink at a 10% discount. This not only entices customers to spend more but also makes their ordering experience easier since you’ve already put together a meal for them.

3. Seasonal and Trend Analysis

Customer preferences tend to shift throughout the year. They might crave holiday-themed treats, refreshing summer specials, or comforting winter dishes. For example, fresh fruit smoothies might sell exceptionally well during Miami's hot summer months, while soups and stews could dominate sales in Denver's colder seasons.

OneHubPOS offers a variety of sales reports that help you track how specific items perform during different times of the year. Additionally, trend analysis can be a powerful tool to predict future sales. If a particular item thrived during a limited-time promotion last year, reintroducing it could yield similar success.

Furthermore, suppose you notice a growing trend. For example, plant-based options become more popular. Then, you can add similar items to your menu.

4. POS Inventory Reports

While your POS system’s inventory tracking helps you monitor stock levels, OneHubPOS goes a step further by providing detailed restaurant analytics on how quickly ingredients are being used up.

This gives you valuable insight into which dishes are being ordered the most. Frequent reordering of specific ingredients signals that the dishes using them are popular with your customers.

For example, if you notice you're running low on oregano for your pizzas, it’s a clear indication that pizzas with oregano are among your bestsellers. This data gives you an edge, allowing you to plan ahead, ensure your stock is well-managed, and avoid disappointing customers with sold-out favorites.

Additionally, you can leverage this insight to create special promotions or combo deals around these popular dishes, further boosting sales.

Make the Most of Your POS Data to Identify Best-Selling Items

In a fast-paced QSR, your POS system should be more than just a tool for processing transactions. It's a valuable source of data that helps you identify best-sellers, understand customer preferences, and optimize operations.

With OneHubPOS, you’re not just seeing what's happening in the moment — you're gaining insights that can shape your QSR’s future. The more you dive into your data, the better you can grow your business, enhance customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.

Ready to level up? To identify your best-selling items and optimize your menu, start optimizing your QSR today with OneHubPOS—available now for just $1!

The holiday season offers restaurant owners a prime opportunity to increase sales and attract customers. In this blog, we will explore creative 2024 holiday calendar ideas, share promotional strategies, and provide tips you can implement in your restaurants to succeed during this festive season.

The Holiday Season in the US

The holiday season is here! From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, everyone gathers to enjoy great food and company. For restaurant owners, this is the perfect time! There are so many opportunities to attract customers, build patrons and increase sales. People love to celebrate and dine out. Special menus, festive decor, and unique offers can bring in new guests. It’s also a chance to make regular patrons feel extra special. 

Benefits of Early Holiday Preparation for Your Restaurant

• Prepare for higher foot traffic and ensure smooth operations.
• Customize menus, discounts, and events for each holiday.
• Plan resources, staff, and inventory in advance to prevent last-minute issues.
• Create excitement around your holiday specials ahead of time.
• Use social media, email, and in-house promotions to generate buzz.
• Attract more reservations with early promotion of your specials.
• Maximize revenue during busy holiday periods.
• Create memorable experiences that encourage return visits.

Holiday Calendar Ideas

Here’s the US holiday calendar 2024 for restaurant owners. It’s packed with ideas. Get creative and engage your customers. Each date has themed suggestions. Pro tips included. Unique engagement ideas, too. Make the most of the holiday season!

Veterans Day

Date: Monday, November 11

Offer Discounts

Set a 15-20% discount for veterans and active-duty military. Your restaurant POS system automatically applies these discounts at checkout. Try a "buy one, give one" deal so they can share a meal with family or friends. It's a great way to honor them while boosting loyalty among all diners. 

Create a Tribute Wall

Set up a special area where customers can post thank-you notes or photos in honor of veterans. Supply sticky notes, small flags, or postcards where people can write personal messages. This wall can remain throughout the month as a reminder of gratitude and respect.

Special Menu

Create a “Patriotic Platter” with red, white, and blue-themed dishes or American classics like burgers, apple pie, or BBQ. That's also perfect for social media sharing! OneHubPOS allows you to quickly update your menu with holiday specials or themed dishes.

Thanksgiving Day

Date: Thursday, November 28

Host a Special Brunch

Many people celebrate with friends a day or two before Thanksgiving. Offer a special brunch with a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for those who may not cook the big meal themselves. You may call it “Friendsgiving” brunch. Include comfort foods like mashed potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, and sweet potato casserole.

Special Holiday Menu

Design a “Thanksgiving Feast” with unique twists on traditional dishes. Try serving mini pumpkin soup shooters or mini pecan pies for a playful yet festive approach. With OneHubPOS, you can update your specials or create a unique holiday menu, offering customized items or menu pricing for the season.

Photo Wall

Set up a cozy, autumn-themed photo wall. Add pumpkins, hay bales, and Thanksgiving props. Offer Polaroid-style photos or use a vintage filter. These make great keepsakes. Diners will love sharing their photos online.

Christmas Season Kick-Off

Date: Sunday, December 1

Deck the Halls

Kick off the holiday season by fully decorating your restaurant. Add holiday lights, wreaths, and themed ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere. Customers are drawn to these aesthetics. They’re more likely to spend time (and money) in a beautifully decorated space.

Limited-time Holiday Drinks

Create a holiday drink menu. Feature festive cocktails like spiced mulled wine, eggnog, and peppermint hot chocolate. Include seasonal mocktails, too. This way, everyone has a chance to indulge. OneHubPOS allows you to easily track limited-time offerings and manage inventory for seasonal drinks, helping you keep your stock in check during busy times.

Social Wall

Encourage customers to post their holiday moments at your restaurant using a special hashtag. Feature these posts on a live social wall or slideshow that guests can view while dining. It makes for an interactive experience and encourages customers to post about their visit.

Hanukkah

Date: Begins Wednesday, December 25

Hanukkah Specials

Celebrate Hanukkah with a themed menu. Feature traditional Jewish foods like latkes, brisket, or sufganiyot (jelly donuts). These dishes bring a taste of tradition. They connect with the local Jewish community.

Light Up the Night

If your restaurant has outdoor space, set up a menorah. Light one candle each night of Hanukkah. This symbolic gesture can resonate with patrons and create a welcoming environment.

Gifting Idea

With each meal during Hanukkah, give customers a small chocolate coin (gelt) or a discount coupon for a future visit. This simple gesture shows you’re mindful of the holiday.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Date: Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25

Host a Christmas Eve Dinner

Offer a prix-fixe Christmas menu. Include traditional favorites. Add decadent desserts. Consider live music. A pianist can enhance the ambiance and create a cozy atmosphere.

Gift Cards & Giveaways

Encourage last-minute gift shoppers by offering discounts on gift cards. You could also hold a raffle where customers can win a free dinner in January.

Photo op with Santa

Set up a spot where families can take photos with Santa or another festive character. This addition makes for a unique holiday experience and creates lasting memories.

Kwanzaa (First Day)

Date: Begins Thursday, December 26

Honor African Cuisine

Showcase dishes inspired by African and African American culinary traditions, such as collard greens, sweet potatoes, or cornbread. A Kwanzaa-themed special menu allows diners to celebrate cultural diversity.

Art Wall or Tribute Area

Create a community space where customers can write their wishes for the upcoming year on sticky notes or postcards. Decorate with the colors and symbols of Kwanzaa to create an educational and celebratory ambiance.

New Year's Eve

Date: Tuesday, December 31

Countdown Party

Host a lively countdown party with a festive menu and drink specials, encouraging reservations as space will likely be limited. This is a high-demand night for restaurants, so take advantage of self-ordering kiosks to reduce wait times and manage the rush.

Sparkling Drink Options

Offer champagne cocktails, creative mocktails, and fun party favors like mini sparklers or noise-makers for midnight. With OneHubPOS, you can create special drink promotions for the evening and easily upsell champagne or creative mocktails.

New Year’s Photo Wall

Set up a glitzy photo wall with props like “2024” glasses, confetti, and noisemakers. This setup makes for memorable photos that customers are likely to share online.

New Year's Day Brunch

Date: Wednesday, January 1

Brunch for the Late Risers

Offer an extended brunch with comfort foods, like breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and refreshing “recovery” drinks like ginger shots or soothing teas.

Discount on Gift Cards

Encourage diners to purchase gift cards for the new year as gifts for themselves or friends, offering a small discount or a bonus credit.

Vision Board Wall

Set up a sticky-note wall where guests can jot down their goals or resolutions for the new year. This interactive experience aligns with the new year’s theme and can build community among guests.

A Handy Planning Checklist for All Events:

‍Remember: Early preparation is key to holiday success. Start planning at least 6-8 weeks before each major holiday.

Ease Your Holiday Celebrations With OneHubPOS

This 2024 US holiday calendar provides many opportunities to celebrate the holiday season and create a festive, memorable experience for your customers. Planning each date as per the national holiday calendar in advance and using a combination of social media, email, and in-house engagement will ensure a successful holiday season, turning casual diners into loyal patrons.

Want to manage your holiday promotions? Use OneHubPOS to handle orders, track customer preferences, and improve engagement this season. Book a demo and let us help you create unforgettable experiences all holiday long!

In simple terms, cash discounting is the method you use to offer lower rates on products to your customers who pay in cash. A cash discount program is a common pricing strategy that is legal in all 50 states in the USA. 

Whether you run a restaurant, a retail store like a salon, an auto shop, a liquor store, or any other, you can implement cash discounting with your POS provider. In this blog, let’s understand more about cash discounting (also known as dual pricing) and how a business owner can benefit from this. Ready?

What is Cash Discounting?

Cash discounting, also known as dual pricing, is a pricing strategy that offers customers a discount if they choose to pay with cash instead of a credit or debit card. This approach incentivizes cash payments by setting two different price points (approx 4% difference) for the same product or service: one for card payments, which includes the cost of processing fees, and one lower price for cash payments, where processing fees are eliminated. This method helps businesses cover credit card processing costs, which can be a significant expense, while also providing value to customers who prefer paying with cash.

Example of Cash Discounting 

Imagine a coffee shop implementing cash discounting. The price for a cup of coffee is listed as $3.00 for card payments. However, if the customer pays with cash, they’ll pay $2.85. This encourages customers to pay with cash, helping the coffee shop save on the card processing fees that would have applied if the customer paid with a credit card.

Cash Discounting vs. Surcharging

While cash discounting and surcharging might sound similar, they have a crucial difference. 

Why Cash Discounting is Popular

Adaptation to Fee Increases: As credit card processing fees rise, more businesses are turning to cash discounting to protect their profit margins without alienating customers.

Customer Transparency: By showing both prices up front, businesses can be transparent about their costs and provide an opportunity for customers to save, which can enhance customer satisfaction.

How to Implement Cash Discounting for Restaurants, Retail and Liquor Stores

Here’s the implementation guide for cash discounting with bullet points for restaurants, retail stores, and liquor stores:

1. POS Setup

Restaurants:  

  - Choose a POS system that supports dual pricing, adjusting prices seamlessly at checkout.

  - Ensure the system can automatically apply cash discounts to avoid slowing down service during high traffic.

  - Configure the POS to handle cash discounting across various menu items and dining settings (dine-in, takeout, delivery).

Retail Stores:  

  - Opt for a POS that clearly shows both cash and card prices, helping customers understand the savings at checkout.

  - Use a system that allows printing receipts with both cash and card prices for transparency.

  - Ensure the POS can handle the wide range of prices found in retail without requiring manual adjustments.

Liquor Stores:  

  - Set up a POS that includes dual pricing with a breakdown of cash and card prices for each item, especially in multi-item purchases.

  - Confirm that the POS is compliant with any state regulations on cash discounting for liquor sales.

  - Ensure clear visibility of discounted prices to meet regulatory standards.

2. Signage and Communication

Restaurants:  

  - Place signage at entry points, host stands, and on menus to inform customers of the cash discount policy.

  - Add small table signs as gentle reminders for diners.

  - Ensure receipts display both cash and card prices to maintain transparency and avoid customer confusion.

Retail Stores:  

  - Position signs at store entrances, checkout counters, and near promotional displays to communicate the cash discount policy.

  - For shelf labels, consider noting cash versus card prices, or indicate a cash discount on the card price.

  - Use clear, concise language on signage to streamline the customer experience and reduce inquiries.

Liquor Stores:  

  - Place prominent signs at the register, near coolers, and on display shelves to inform customers early about the dual pricing.

  - Ensure signage meets state regulations for pricing transparency, especially in states with strict alcohol pricing rules.

  - Keep signage simple yet visible to avoid misunderstandings at checkout.

3. Employee Training

Restaurants:  

  - Train all staff, including servers, cashiers, and managers, to explain the cash discount policy and answer common questions.

  - Provide scripts or sample explanations, such as, “We offer a small discount for cash payments to reduce processing fees.”

  - Encourage staff to be proactive in explaining the policy when customers inquire about pricing differences.

Retail Stores:  

  - Equip staff to give brief, clear explanations of cash discounting at checkout.

  - Prepare employees with quick responses or scripts for when customers ask about the dual pricing.

  - Ensure employees are aware of signage locations to help customers understand the pricing structure.

Liquor Stores:  

  - Ensure employees understand the cash discount policy and relevant state regulations.

  - Train staff to offer concise explanations to customers who may be unfamiliar with cash discounting in a liquor store setting.

  - Reinforce the importance of explaining the policy clearly to avoid confusion and ensure regulatory compliance.

Legal and Regulatory Guidelines for Cash Discounting

Understanding the Legality:

• Clarify that cash discounting is legal in most places, but ensure compliance by following state-specific rules.
• Differentiate cash discounting from surcharging (adding fees to card transactions, which may have restrictions).

Transparency and Disclosure:

Emphasize the need for clear signage and transparent communication at point-of-sale locations.

Mention any legal notices required for displaying dual prices.

State-by-State Regulations:

Brief overview of any major states with specific rules or nuances (if applicable).

Benefits of Cash Discounting for Business Owners

• Reduced Processing Fees: Discuss how this approach helps in minimizing card processing costs and increasing profitability.
• Enhanced Cash Flow: Cash transactions boost liquidity, which benefits operational cash flow.
• Customer Incentives: Describe how cash discounting can attract customers who prefer to save on transaction fees.
• Business Competitiveness: Explain how businesses can stay competitive by lowering overhead costs.

‍