I just hit 200 covers on a Tuesday night and it changed my view on our menu

We rolled out a new small plates menu at the bistro last month, and I thought it was too fancy for our regular crowd. But last Tuesday, we did 200 covers, which is double our usual midweek number. The big seller was a simple roasted carrot dish with harissa yogurt that costs us $3.50 a plate to make. I was sure people wanted the old steak frites, but they kept ordering the veggies. It made me see that our customers are more open to trying new things than I gave them credit for. Has anyone else been surprised by what becomes a hit after a menu change?

3 comments

3 Comments

kais671mo ago

Wait, $3.50 a plate to make? That's the real shocker to me. The profit on that must be crazy good compared to your old steak frites. Guess the customers and the bottom line both win sometimes.

wright.kevin2h ago

200 covers on a Tuesday and nobody asked for the steak? Sounds like you accidentally catered to a bunch of rabbits. Guess the fancy menu might stick around longer than you thought.

tylermurray1mo ago

Makes you wonder how often we get people wrong, right? Like @kais67 said, the money's good, but it's the surprise that sticks with you. You see it everywhere, people choosing the simple, good thing over what you think they want.