3. Look for upsell opportunities
The allure of Restaurant Week for consumers, of course, is the fixed price—typically $33 to $44 for a multicourse dinner. But operators are finding ways to boost those prix-fixe checks. “We have a section on our menu that features smaller, snacky things that are good for sharing,” Aubin says. “If you have a table of four and you get them to add on one or two of those things … [or] you get two rounds of drinks on a table, then you’re at your normal check average.”
Sixth Engine puts together signature beverage pairings for each course, offered for an additional $20 per person. “Since the guests had a choice of three items for each course on the food side, we chose two beers, two wines and two cocktails to offer as pairing options for each course,” Morris says. “This gave people the opportunity to tailor the meal to their tastes and make it more of an interactive experience, as well as showcasing everything we do well at Sixth Engine."