However, when patrons actually see the dessert through the use of dessert carts and trays, or even a picture on the menu or table tent, your sales will improve dramatically.
Use a variety of dessert shapes and heights to increase the visual appeal of your dessert cart or menu. This helps capture the imagination of your customers early in the meal experience.
Create a signature no one can copy. In addition to simply seeing a dessert, an imaginative presentation can make the dessert harder to resist.
Think Like your Customer
Peer pressure plays an important role in a patron’s likelihood to order dessert. If one person at a table orders dessert, chances are much higher that others will then order dessert. That’s why making the first sale at the table is most critical.
Research confirms these other behavioral patterns that affect dessert sales. If one person orders dessert, it is also likely that others at the table will order after dinner beverages. If a person orders coffee, tea or an after-dinner drink, he or she is more likely to order dessert, too. And a patron’s spouse or companion very often influences that patron’s decision to order dessert.
Think Flavors
There are four flavors that will appeal to the majority of your patrons: Chocolate, Cheesecake, Fruits & Nuts and Citrus. At least one item from each category should be represented in your balanced dessert menu. An array of flavors will increase the likelihood one will appeal to each customer, thereby maximizing your reach.
Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake, and Plain Cheesecake are three of the best selling and top rated desserts by customers. Next to Apple Pie, Pecan Pie and Key Lime Pie are the most highly rated pies with customers and among the top five highly rated desserts.
Think Textures
Consider these textures when choosing desserts for the menu: Crunchy, Crispy, Chewy, Smooth and Creamy. Dessert textures can give your wait staff some additional mouthwatering descriptions that may grab someone’s attention at the table.
With a balanced assortment of flavors and textures on your menu, you’ve set the foundation for added and sustained dessert business from your patrons.