With food ordering going online, it is a necessity for almost every catering or food business to make their presence felt on the internet. Although most websites are a complete failure and don’t provide patrons with what they are looking for, there are many websites which fulfill most prospects’ needs. We list here a couple of important points which a food business or restaurant website should definitely have. Without these features the website will just be incomplete. This article deals with the website content of the food and culinary industry and what essential points they should include.
Display The Menu
The most rudimentary function of a restaurant website should be to provide the menu and prices of the food served at the place. Customers more often than not, would like to take a look at the menu and even the prices, before making their way to dine. The food place may also want to display a live menu of items which are available and out of stock, based on live updates from the kitchen. Specialty food or made to order items could also be displayed on a real time basis so that patrons know whether their visit will be worth the while.
Promote Specialties
Food joints offering delicacies or specialty food which may be freshly or differently prepared, definitely can benefit by promoting their choice of the day or "Today’s Special" menus. Food Festivals, Exotic cuisines, special events, celebrity visits and other details like these can be posted on the website to attract visitors and ensure that there is constant communication with patrons.
Provide Online Reservations
With everything going online in a restaurant, it is hard to keep the reservation system out of such a connected world. Online reservations allow the restaurant to accommodate visitors in advance and to allow a reservation fee to be charged to them to keep their table.
List The Facilities
Many restaurants offer value added services which sometimes become essential to the needs of the customers. In downtown areas and in the heart of the city, car parking is most essential. Advertising your valet parking facilities or free parking or reserved parking for guests will bring in more patrons who come by car. Other amenities like Air Conditioning, Full Bar Facilities and even Vegetarian options, when highlighted can really help the decision making process of prospective patrons. Free WiFi is another incentive for tech savvy customers who are glued to their smart phones and devices. Similarly, advertising your accessible and wheel-chair friendly restaurant can definitely help you get families and larger groups coming in.
Get Online Orders
The most important function of having a website is to leverage the potential of online patrons. Offering online orders with home delivery is one of the most income generating option of the website. Not only does it help to save space and accommodate more patrons, it also enables you to cut costs and reduces the need for more manpower. This helps you to save washing and cleaning supplies and focus on providing excellent food.
