Discover the latest features, stories, and updates from the Appfront team.
Ready to make this holiday season your most successful yet? Let Appfront’s powerful AI, marketing, and analytics tools help bring your holiday campaigns to life.
As online ordering becomes increasingly vital for restaurants, Appfront is pushing the boundaries with its latest offering: Ordering Premium.
It is expected that global revenue from online food ordering will reach 1.22 trillion this year. Therefore, a restaurant's online presence is as important as the physical ambiance, service, and food quality.
Research shows that in a digital-first world, restaurants that fail to adopt marketing automation funnels for their customer touchpoints risk being left behind.
Customer loyalty is not just a buzzword—it’s the key to sustained growth in the restaurant industry. As inflation continues to rise, many restaurants are choosing to pass on the added expenses to their customers.
As summer draws to a close, restaurant operators have a unique opportunity to use creative marketing strategies to increase engagement and sales.
Creating exceptional customer experiences is paramount for any restaurant’s success. Therefore, selecting the most suitable Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a vital decision for restaurants aiming to improve customer interactions, optimize business processes, and drive revenue growth.
Introducing our latest drip campaign feature designed to elevate your restaurant marketing. Fully equipped with all the bells and whistles from real-time RFM auto-tagging to personalized campaigns, dynamic sequences and so much more.
Converting first-time customers into regulars is crucial for any restaurant's sustained success. Establishing a base of repeat customers not only bolsters revenue but also creates a loyal customer base that can serve as brand advocates and contribute to the establishment's long-term viability.
As we enter the era of AI and automation, where can your restaurant best utilize marketing tools such as automated email, SMS/MMS, and push notifications to drive success?
The US is home to around 806,270 franchises, which collectively employ 8.7 million individuals. This sector significantly contributes to the US economy, generating an impressive annual revenue of over $800 billion.
A strong brand is crucial for success in a competitive market. Learn how restaurant operators can leverage unique digital strategies to develop a brand that resonates with customers.
Attending restaurant conferences is essential for operators who want to stay competitive in the culinary industry. These events offer various advantages that can significantly enhance a restaurant's success and growth.
By following these tips, restaurant operators can ensure their establishments are well-prepared to maximize the opportunities that the summer season brings.
AI presents restaurants with a wide array of creative solutions aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing customer experience, and boosting overall financial performance.
By focusing on specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs,) operators can make informed decisions to improve both revenue and operational efficiency.
Fast food, previously known for its convenience and affordability, has become increasingly expensive, posing challenges for many Americans. This trend, known as "fast-flation," has led to a situation where many consider fast food a luxury, prompting consumers to opt for more home-cooked meals.
With a significant 62% of consumers turning to Google to conduct research on restaurants, it becomes evident that your business's visibility in search results plays a crucial role in determining its success.
A 5% improvement in customer retention rates can generate a substantial 75% increase in restaurant profits. Making it essential for all restaurants to thoroughly comprehend and actively engage with their customer base to achieve success.
Are you ready to see your restaurant's customer base expand and your business thrive? A well-crafted marketing plan is the key to unlocking this potential. This article will guide you, step by step, in creating a comprehensive marketing plan for your restaurant, empowering you to achieve your goals.
Exploring the world of digital marketing for restaurants is like adding a cherry on top of a sundae - it instantly elevates the restaurant's online presence and helps engage customers.
It is important to understand the different stages a customer goes through while interacting with a restaurant. By focusing on CLV, restaurant owners can make better decisions that can lead to an improved customer experience.
By adopting in-app ordering, restaurant operators can take control of their revenue streams and reduce their reliance on third-party services. In doing so, they can introduce custom surcharges for delivery or fixed costs, which can help improve profitability.
As consumer preferences continue to shift towards off-premise dining, restaurants can implement a range of strategies to increase their revenue.
Our new knowledge center is a centralized platform that provides users with easy access to learning resources. These tools provide a structured approach to support customers on their Appfront journey.
To run a successful business, staying informed about the latest trends and statistics is imperative. With the restaurant industry constantly evolving, it is crucial for owners to remain up-to-date in order to stay relevant and competitive.
Retention is a crucial element in the hospitality industry that significantly contributes to the growth and profitability of any restaurant. In the absence of loyal, repeat customers, it becomes challenging to succeed, especially in 2024.
SMS marketing is an affordable and effective way for restaurants to communicate with their customers, establish brand loyalty, and drive growth. It can help restaurants increase customer response rates, improve guest engagement, and achieve long-term business success.
The Super Bowl is not just a sporting event, it's also a time to relish in one's favorite comfort foods, snacks, and drinks while cheering on their preferred team with loved ones. For many, the food is just as important as the actual football game.
Mobile applications have had a significant impact on the restaurant industry, transforming it to cater to the needs of customers who are familiar with technology. Research suggests that nearly half of all customers prefer to place their orders through the restaurant's online ordering system.
By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) applications, restaurants can equip themselves with the tools they need to stay ahead of the competition, optimize their operations, and offer a more personalized experience to their customers in the year 2024.
The integration of technology is crucial for streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience in the convergence of sustainable and eco-friendly practices in catering, which aligns with environmental stewardship and meets the demands of conscious consumers.
The success of restaurant subscription programs can be attributed to several critical factors, including implementing advanced technology, providing a personalized experience, and delivering high-quality food and service.
Using the guide and the marketing strategies provided, you can create a successful marketing campaign to help your restaurant stand out from the competition and attract more customers so, whether you are a new restaurant looking to establish your presence in the market.
Opening a successful restaurant requires meticulous planning, creating buzz, utilizing digital tools, hosting soft openings, compelling promotions, and much more...
From optimizing your online presence to leveraging social media platforms and partnering with influencers, there are numerous tactics you can use to increase your restaurant's reach and build a loyal customer base. By implementing these strategies, you can create a strong brand identity and increase foot traffic.
Interactive digital menus play a vital role in enhancing the dining experience, streamlining operations, and ultimately contributing to the success of restaurants in today's digital age.
The restaurant industry underwent a significant transformation in 2023, and we were excited to be a part of it. At Appfront, we designed last year's features in a way that allowed restaurants to offer customized experiences to their customers, catering menus, and promotions to their preferences.
Restaurants can greatly benefit from implementing the newest technologies in important areas of growth. This can result in increased efficiency and a notable improvement in customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to overall business expansion.
Loyalty programs are the cornerstone of customer retention, offering a win-win scenario for both restaurants and patrons. In a competitive market, implementing effective loyalty programs is not just a choice but a strategic necessity.
Promo codes are invaluable tools for restaurants aiming to thrive in a competitive market. By strategically choosing and implementing promo code ideas, crafting effective codes, leveraging technology, and analyzing performance, restaurants can unlock new avenues for growth and customer engagement.
As we step into the new year of 2024, it's worth taking a few moments to look back at the past year in the dining industry and examine the restaurant trends that had a significant impact on it. The food industry is always evolving, and staying ahead of the curve can be the difference between a successful establishment.
When developing your restaurant's budget, it is important to strike a balance between cost-effective strategies and impactful marketing channels. Consider your restaurant's size, location, and annual sales when making budgetary decisions.
Appfront's custom domain feature offers a comprehensive solution for restaurants seeking to establish and strengthen their online brand presence. From aligning brand names to providing a one-stop shop for customers, this feature is a strategic investment in the digital success of any restaurant.
2024 is poised to be a groundbreaking year for the restaurant industry. The convergence of various innovative trends is expected to revolutionize the culinary landscape and create a completely new dining experience for customers.
Overall, successful restaurant marketing in 2024 will require a holistic approach that considers technological trends, personalized marketing, innovative strategies, culinary trends, pricing strategies, and eco-friendly practices. By implementing these strategies, restaurants can stay ahead of the curve.
Restaurant loyalty programs have revolutionized how restaurants and eateries attract and retain customers for a long time. They are among the hospitality and restaurant sector's best promotional and retention strategies.
Appfront's landing pages redefine restaurant marketing by providing a seamless and data-driven approach to engaging customers across channels. With its innovative features, restaurants can capture valuable customer data, create targeted marketing strategies, and build a loyal customer base.
A restaurant’s success depends on its ability to adapt to modern technologies. By addressing the limitations of traditional systems and embracing innovative solutions, business owners can pave the way for streamlined operations, increased profits, and an elevated dining experience.
Limited Time Offers have emerged as a crucial tool for business growth. These promotions involve offering a new menu item or special deal for a limited period, typically from a few days to a few weeks. By highlighting time-limited offerings, restaurants can attract new customers and encourage existing ones to return.
Research shows 50% of diners order takeout or delivery 1-3 times per week, indicating the high stakes involved in online ordering. Evidently, people are ordering take-out or delivery online, and ensuring they do it on your website is crucial.
With the holiday season fast approaching, businesses need to gear up and prepare themselves to handle the inevitable influx of customers. Thoughtful planning, strategic management, and a motivated team are essential to not just surviving but thriving during this busy time.
To stay competitive, restaurants must be willing to adapt to changing market conditions and embrace innovative solutions. A great way to better understand their customer's preferences and behaviors is by collecting first-party data, which can then be used to create more effective and targeted advertising
To build a diverse customer base for your restaurant, it's essential to incorporate effective marketing strategies that are tailored to your unique identity and target audience. With consistent and well-executed efforts, you can reach out to new customers and create a loyal following over time.
By partnering with food influencers, restaurant owners can reach a wider audience and tap into their loyal following of brand advocates and enthusiasts.
Restaurant owners can create a competitive edge and ensure success by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and implementing effective strategies.
Restaurants often do not prioritize digital technologies due to their unique challenges. When managing a food-driven business, focusing on customer service, staff scheduling, and payment while juggling multiple suppliers takes precedence over establishing an online presence.
Gift cards can be a valuable asset for restaurants during the holiday season. Not only do gift cards generate additional revenue, but they also have the potential to increase check sizes and entice new guests. By offering a gift card promotion or discount, restaurants can encourage customers to spend more during their
According to a recent survey, 72% of diners rely on recommendations to try out new restaurants, while 53% of diners are more likely to order a dish if they see it recommended on social media. The study highlights the importance of word-of-mouth marketing and the role of brand ambassadors.
Almost 7 out of 10 American adults make dining decisions based on a restaurant's website. And when it comes to takeout or delivery, around 43% of people rely on the restaurant's website to help them decide.
Running a successful plant-based restaurant requires dedication, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability. By following these steps, restaurant owners can create wholesome vegan and plant-based menu items that satisfy customers' taste buds while contributing to a healthier planet.
QR codes are a versatile and valuable tool for restaurants seeking to enhance customer loyalty, provide points-based rewards, and engage patrons in opt-in programs. They streamline processes and offer a convenient and contactless way for diners to interact with their favorite restaurants.
Whether you're a small local eatery or a large restaurant chain, these comprehensive guidelines will empower you to leverage online ordering platforms effectively, attract more customers, and boost your revenue.
Personalization has emerged as the cornerstone for restaurant success. This article delves into the pivotal role of personalization in the restaurant industry and provides insights into how restaurants can embark on this transformative journey.
Ensuring customer satisfaction is essential for the success of any restaurant, whether it's a local neighborhood diner or a new online delivery service. To understand the needs and preferences of your customers, conducting customer surveys is one of the most effective tools to use.
When it comes to marketing in the modern business world, having a solid understanding of your customer base is critical. By making the most of consumer data, restaurant owners can gain valuable insights into buyer behavior and drive revenue growth.
Analyzing a restaurant's digital presence is vital to standing out from the competition. The local elements that can significantly impact customer experience, loyalty, sentiment, word of mouth, and brand awareness are often overlooked.
It has become common for restaurants to personalize their loyalty rewards to cater to individual customers, rather than following a generic approach that applies to all.
In the current business climate, subscription-based models have proven to be the backbone of successful customer engagement strategies. Using loyalty programs, restaurant owners can enhance customer loyalty, boost engagement, and drive continuous revenue growth.
In today's fast-paced restaurant industry, it's essential to stay on top of customer preferences and trends. A/B testing, also known as split testing, has become a valuable tool for optimizing marketing campaigns. This method involves comparing two versions of a marketing asset to determine which one performs better.
As a restaurant owner, you already understand the significance of your customers to your establishment's success. However, many small businesses overlook the importance of evaluating their customers to identify the most valuable ones.
National chains that are widely recognized and beloved played a pioneering role in promoting online and mobile ordering. Initially introduced as a convenient option for customers, this service has now become an integral part of the food industry.
With the growing reliance on takeout and delivery, restaurants faced two options: third-party delivery services or in-house delivery services. Many business owners opted for in-house delivery (first-party services) to cut costs and gain more control over their customer experience.
In the rapidly evolving food industry of today, driving online sign-ups has emerged as a game-changer for restaurant businesses. The competition is fierce, with restaurants fighting for customers against competitors, market leaders, and third-party delivery companies.
Skyrocketing levels of fraud, enabled by the accelerated adoption of digital commerce and the ever-increasing sophistication of scammers, have overwhelmed traditional controls in recent years. Unfortunately, employees are sometimes part of restaurant fraud, which can have significant financial implications for owners.
With the competitive nature of today's restaurant industry, online ordering has become a basic necessity for every restaurant. In this blog post, we will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing an online ordering platform for your restaurant, focusing on features that go beyond the basic ordering system.
A total of 306 billion emails are sent and received every day, with 4 billion daily email users expected to reach 4.6 billion by 2025. Email marketing continues to be a powerful and effective strategy for businesses across various sectors, including the restaurant industry.
To navigate the landscape of SMS marketing successfully, it is crucial to understand the differences between SMS and MMS, as well as the importance of complying with 10DLC (10 Digit Long Code) regulations.
In today's highly competitive restaurant industry, effective marketing strategies are critical when it comes to differentiation and staying ahead of the competition. One method that has gained significant traction and proven results is text message marketing.
Loyalty programs have become a key strategy for companies to retain customers and foster long-term relationships. As a business owner, it's crucial to recognize the significance of loyalty programs and consider integrating them into your strategy.
Retaining customers is substantially easier (and cheaper) than acquiring new ones. With factors like low margins, the high cost of goods, and difficulty in tracking ROI, the average check may not be high enough to recoup the cost of acquiring a new guest during their first visit.
Nowadays, having a branded mobile app is essential for any restaurant. Not only do mobile apps provide much-wanted convenience to customers, but they also allow restaurants to stand out from the competition.
It’s no secret that people tend to follow the opinions of those around them, especially when choosing where to dine out. As a result, referral programs have become an increasingly popular method of marketing in the food industry.
Some businesses do better and some do worse during the holiday season. This year, all of them can crush it by deploying an effective gift card promotion.
It's already been proven as tried and true and approved as successful by market leaders, so what are you waiting for? Launched by Panera Bread, whose Unlimited Sip Club gives guests unlimited beverages for $10.99 a month along with Taco Bell, whose limited-run Taco Lover’s Pass offered a taco a day for $10.
UpSells A.I. is an automatic cross-sell and upsell mechanism that uses predictive analysis to auto-suggest additional products or services to guests.
We're excited to announce a new integration with Order with Google. This integration will enable customers already searching for food on Google to find, order, and reorder food from your business profile in just a few clicks.
Restaurants are reopening and your dine-in customers are going to come flooding back into your restaurant. Low on staff? We'll help handle the demand.
Being a restaurant owner, you want your business to grow and thrive. Whether you are opening your first restaurant or already own a number of locations, you must consider, if you haven’t already, a way for customers to order online and most importantly be delighted by doing so.
Initially, third-party restaurant services seemed amazing to many business owners. Postmates, DoorDash, Caviar, and others paved the way to make online ordering and delivery easy. Restaurants themselves appreciated the technology and additional orders that allowed them to focus on what they do best.
Your company must be suffering as well, employees are still unable or unwilling to go back to work, and restaurants are left understaffed as business is slowly picking up.
Appfront’s new functionality will be able to inform the restaurant of customer arrivals through a branded native mobile app. Eliminating the need for phone calls with just a simple click, the “I’m Here!” button will save time and money.
We are happy to announce a new feature that will help business owners keep track of suspicious behaviors, and prevent repetitive fraud. Orders marked as suspicious will help alert businesses as to when they should collect more information from customers (for dispute purposes).
We are pleased to announce that Appfront has partnered with Valutec to provide branded physical gift cards to customers. Yeah, the kind that goes into your wallet :)
Here at Appfront we believe that the more a customer is involved in the preparation process of their order, the more likely he or she will be satisfied with the overall ordering experience.
Appfront's Local Drop is a great solution for restaurants trying to overcome the current challenges stemming from the pandemic. With Local Drop, customers don’t need to visit stores physically and can provide the experience of new "virtual" locations.
As restaurant owners struggle to adjust to Covid-19, digital presence is now more crucial than ever for business. Customers no longer pass by their favorite restaurants while going from home to work and back.
Ever since the first pizza was made way back in 1889 by baker Raffaele Esposito from Naples, making and selling pizza has never been an easy task. From street vendors to big chains, selling pizzas, fast and tasty, is a challenging art form.
Succeeding in the restaurant industry has never been easy, but these days when most people are locked down at home and life has come to a grinding halt, restaurants are entering survival mode and need to figure out how to get by.
Following new regulations limiting the number of customers who can physically pick up inside a store, we Appfront received many requests to create curb-side ordering - and boy, have we delivered.
Leverage great food with an unmatched digital presence.