Sales-boosting tactics of the 2016 Top 100 Independents

Like most businesses, leading restaurants have to continually work to keep sales growing. Restaurant Business asked the highest-grossing independent restaurant operators how they build business in an increasingly competitive environment. 

“Wine Week” —Smith & Wollensky (No. 7), Quality Meats (No. 35), Quality Italian (No. 58), New York City

“Chinese New Year brunch” —Buddakan, New York City (No. 16)

“Triple Crown parties” —‘21’ Club, New York City (No. 38)

“Eat Drink SF” —Cliff House, San Francisco (No. 78)

“Monday ladies’ night promo” —Tavern on Rush, Chicago (No. 89)

“Convention outreach.” —Tao Asian Bistro, Las Vegas (No. 1)

“Taking the marketing team out of the office and into neighboring businesses armed with lunch and information about the venues and what we can offer.” —Tao Downtown (No. 3), Lavo New York (No. 6), Tao Uptown (No. 11), New York City

“Creating partnerships with local businesses, hosting free community events and building relationships with community, hotels and the Nashville conventions and visitors bureau.” —Acme Feed & Seed, Nashville (No. 67)

“Building and maintaining strong relationships with Nashville conventions and visitors bureau and local hotels.” —The Southern Steak & Oyster, Nashville (No. 92)

“Loyalty program.” —Bob Chinn’s Crab House; Wheeling, Ill. (No. 26)

“Summer Dine Around; $25 rewards card for frequent users of the restaurant group’s dining program.” —Chops Lobster Bar, Atlanta (No. 50)

“Leveraging loyalty program to increase success of targeted dayparts, primarily Sunday brunch.” —Portland City Grill; Portland, Ore. (No. 72)

“Australian wagyu cuts promotion.” —Abe & Louie’s, Boston (No. 37)

“Sunday wine lovers’ night.” —Boa Steakhouse; West Hollywood, Calif. (No. 65)

“Social media word of mouth.” —The Hamilton; Washington, D.C. (No. 22)

“Social media campaigns.” —Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth; Frankenmuth, Mich. (No. 66)

“Brought social media in-house, and increased our reach and engagement by 55%.” —Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant; Coalinga, Calif. (No. 74)