Four Simple Ways to Speed up To-Go Service in Your Deli

Delis are known for providing high quality food to customers in a brief period of time. In fact, this is one of the main reasons that customers choose to eat in a deli. They may not expect to get gourmet food, but they do expect to get tasty, wholesome food in a reasonable amount of time. Some customers need to make the eating experience even shorter by ordering their meal "to go."  With Covid still on the minds of restauranteurs and customers alike, to go ordering has also become a preferable way to dine, avoiding the possibility of coming into contact with others, yet getting the great food that can't be made at home.. When a Customer Wants a Deli Order "To Go" So, to satisfy your customer's needs, time constraints, and health concerns, here are 4 simple ways to boost the efficacy of the to go ordering service in your deli.

1. Give an Accurate Estimate of Time

Give your customers an accurate estimate of the time that is required to prepare their specific to go order. Differentiate between sandwich type waiting times, and, If necessary, overestimate the time it will take to ensemble their order by a few minutes. People are generally not fond of waiting very long for their orders, but they dislike waiting longer than expected even more. An accurate wait time estimate can solve this problem.

2. Make "To Go" Orders a Priority

You may want to make "to go" orders a priority over "dining in" orders in your deli. Customers who dine in are more likely to wait patiently because they will be sitting at a table rather than standing. Dining in customers can also sip their drinks, munch on crackers, and enjoy conversation while they wait for their food; whereas "to go" customers are in a rush - to go!

3. Wrap the Order Effectively

The most important thing to consider when preparing a "to go" order is wrapping up the order correctly. Hot food items, for example, need to be wrapped in heat preserving packaging such as styrofoam or heavy paper. Wet food items, such as soup or wet salads, need to be fitted with secure lids to prevent spills during transport. In the wake of Covid, to go containers have taken the industry by storm with numerous packaging possibilities - so don't be left behind by antiquated packaging solutions.

4. Supply the Customer with Needed Condiments

When customers order meals "to go", keep in mind that they will not have access to the condiments and conveniences that customers have when they dine in your deli. Perform a quick evaluation of the meal that your customer has ordered and be sure to include whatever condiment normally goes with that order. So, for example. if your customer ordered a side of French fries, include disposable packets of ketchup, salt, and pepper to go with the fries. If your customer ordered a sandwich, supply him or her with napkins with which to clean up after eating, and additional condiments such as salt and pepper, if needed. Customers who order green salads, soups, potato salad, chicken salad, or other similar items must be provided with wrapped disposable cutlery so they can eat their meal comfortably. All orders should include napkins, your deli's menu, and other take-home gimmicks that will serve as ways to market your deli, reminding your customer that they ate a great, fresh meal in your deli. A little extra effort when assembling a "to go" order will go a long way towards improving your deli's reputation.

To go orders can be highly profitable for your deli, especially in these times. When customers order their meals to go, you get the profits from that order, while saving valuable seating space in your deli. Also, by offering to go orders, you will be able to establish your deli as a great place to get a quck and tasty meal. If your restaurant is near a business center, this can be a huge marketing tool and provide a big business boost for your deli. 

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