Ramadan changes how people spend, especially on food. 44% of expenses go towards food and drinks, with most families cooking at home. But by the second week, many start dining out more, creating a big opportunity for restaurants.
Travel and transportation spending also increases as people visit loved ones or meet halfway, which means more business for hotels and restaurants in key locations. Whether in Muslim-majority or non-Muslim-majority countries, planning ahead helps restaurants keep up with demand and boost sales.
Why Strategizing for Ramadan is Essential for Restaurants
Ramadan completely reshapes how and when people dine; it even changes what people prefer to eat or drink. During Ramadan, dining patterns revolve around Iftar (breaking fast at sunset) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Restaurants see a surge in demand during these times, making it essential to manage orders efficiently. Without a well-thought-out strategy, restaurants may struggle with overcrowding, delayed service, or food shortages.
“Food bills increase by 50-100% during Ramadan, it is also reported that 83% of families change their food consumption habits during Ramadan. It is estimated that food consumption in Ramadan accounts for 15% of annual expenditure on food.”
The Global Advisory and Accounting Network
As the month progresses, dining habits shift. Many start with home cooking but later turn to restaurants for convenience.
During Ramadan, travel and transportation spending increases as people visit family or gather in central locations. This opens up opportunities for restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering services to serve travellers looking for convenient Iftar and Suhoor options.
Preparing for Ramadan ensures happy customers and higher sales! So, what should businesses do to prepare for Ramadan?
5 Tips for Maximizing Restaurant Sales During Ramadan
1) Know Your Audience: Catering for Suhoor and Iftar
Understanding your customers is the key to creating a great Ramadan dining experience!
By considering who they are, when they eat, where they dine, and what they need, restaurants can tailor their offerings to enhance satisfaction and boost sales.
Who is your customer?
People fasting and their loved ones! These people have gone long hours without food and water, which affects their dining preferences and habits. Their family and friends often join them, making meal experiences more social and meaningful.
When do they eat?
They eat during Suhoor and Iftar, so you have a very narrow window. Suhoor diners often look for nutrient-dense, energy-boosting meals to sustain them throughout the day. Lighter, easy-to-digest options like yoghurt, fruits, and soups are also in demand for those preferring a quick meal.
Iftar, on the other hand, is more celebratory and social, with customers craving comforting, hearty dishes. They are looking for a wide range of dishes.
Where do they dine?
Your customers are driven by what they desire during the day and choose restaurants based on these cravings. However, with large parties, not everyone will get what they like, which is a problem that a good restaurant management can solve!
What do they need?
Since the majority are hungry and dehydrated during the day, your customers can stuff themselves without knowing (which is the quickest way to gain weight and a spike in blood sugar). You should create a dining experience not to window dress, but to be the best they had!
A simple gesture like serving dates and olives for Iftar shows cultural awareness and enhances the experience. Dates are traditionally the first food to break the fast, making them a must-have.
After hours of dehydration, customers need hydration just as much as food. Be attentive to water service and offer options like ayran or fresh juices. Plus, eating and drinking too fast can cause bloating and discomfort. Instead of overwhelming customers with large portions right away, serve smaller dishes first and allow them to order more as they go.
Food such as bread is a staple, but too much too soon fills customers up before they explore the rest of your menu. Serve it in moderation and keep refills available.
Lastly, many prefer ending their meal with something sweet or sharing smaller plates with loved ones. Expanding your dessert and side dish selection can encourage additional orders.
By refining your approach to the Suhoor and Iftar service, you can enhance the customer experience while maximising your revenue.
2) Stock Smart & Reduce Waste in Ramadan
“The amount of food waste generated in Ramadan is significantly higher than other months, as much as 25%.”
EcoMENA
With increased dining demand, restaurants often overprepare, leading to unnecessary waste. A smarter approach to inventory management can help maintain efficiency while reducing excess.
Analyze past Ramadan sales to identify high-demand dishes.
Understanding which menu items sell the most allows for better stock planning and portion control.
Stocking up on essentials (such as dates, bread, and beverages) ensures smooth service.
After analyzing what is in demand and what is not, stocking up is both sustainable and a factor that increases customer experience. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims because it teaches the fortunate what the less fortunate go through.
Food waste by your business establishment will turn away customers. Stocking on high-demand food will prevent last-minute shortages and will reduce waste significantly.
Offering pre-order meal kits for Suhoor and Iftar.
These make it easier for customers to plan their meals and allow kitchens to prepare ingredients efficiently, reducing the risk of overproduction. Smart stock management means happier customers, lower costs, and a more sustainable Ramadan operation.
3) Manage Staffing for Peak Hours
As we have discussed above many times, Ramadan dining patterns create two major rush hours, Suhoor and Iftar, making proper staff management essential during these times. Without the right team, restaurants risk delays, overwhelmed servers, and a drop in service quality. Poor service quality for ‘hangry’ customers will not make the cut.
Ramadan is one of the best times for tipping culture to thrive. Excellent service can lead to higher tips for waitstaff and kitchen teams, boosting their earnings. However, poor service can have the opposite effect. Leading to negative word of mouth, a drop in customers, and ultimately, a decline in overall revenue.
Start by adjusting shift schedules to ensure enough coverage during peak times. Since demand surges at Iftar and late-night Suhoor, consider splitting shifts or offering incentives for staff working these critical hours.
Next, train your team to handle large group orders efficiently. Many families and friends gather to break their fast together, so staff should be prepared to serve multiple courses quickly while ensuring a smooth dining experience.
4) Create a Festive & Inclusive Atmosphere
Play on the psychology of Ramadan! Creating an ambience with traditional Ramadan decorations can help the fasting people feel at home and create a unique atmosphere for non-Muslim customers.
Since Ramadan is about togetherness and kindness, embracing the spirit of Ramadan can remind people why they are there, allowing them to overlook minor mistakes!
Consider hosting live music performances (not too loud, just enough) or cultural events to attract a broader range of customers. These events create excitement and provide an opportunity to connect with the community, creating a sense of togetherness during this special time of year.
Additionally, offering special deals for families and large groups can be a great way to encourage people to gather at your restaurant. Many families and friends prefer breaking their fast together, and providing group-friendly promotions such as “family-style” meal deals or discounts for large parties can help increase your foot traffic and sales.
Combining a festive atmosphere with tailored offers ensures your restaurant becomes a go-to destination for those looking to celebrate Ramadan with loved ones.
5) Leverage Digital Tools to Boost Sales During Ramadan
The last and final tip may be the most important of them all. Two words, eleven letters: Digital tools!
Your restaurant may need a makeover to be fully prepared for Ramadan. All the tips we gave can be simplified with digital tools.
Easy Online Reservations
Allow customers to effortlessly book their tables online. With an efficient reservation system, you can manage guest flow during busy periods and ensure everyone enjoys a fantastic experience.
Digital Menus for Faster Orders & Inclusivity
Use QR codes or tablets to order and pay. Digital menus are super easy to update and reduce wait times, letting you highlight Ramadan specials quickly. Inclusive features can be easily used in digital menus, allowing you to cater to all customers effectively.
Streamlined Delivery & Pick-Up
Offer seamless AI-powered ordering, delivery, and pick-up options. During Ramadan, more people opt for takeout, a great way to boost sales.
Targeted Campaigns for More Sales
Use CRM tools to send personalized promotions to your customers. Run Ramadan-specific deals to bring in both new and returning guests.
Data & Analytics for Smarter Operations
Let the customer tell you more without talking! Utilize feedback systems through apps or forms to gather third-party data. Examine your customers' purchase histories to gather first-party and zero-party data. Adjust your menu accordingly, keeping customer preferences in mind.
Use data insights to track sales and customer preferences!
Fast and Secure Payments
Payments can be one of the trickiest aspects of the restaurant industry. Dividing bills for large groups, managing billing issues, tracking order history, and dealing with long wait times can really impact the customer experience. Simplify the process with digital checkouts to make the entire dining experience smoother.
Final Words
The secret to a successful Ramadan for your restaurant lies in careful planning and optimizing your operations.
Understanding your customers’ needs, managing your staff efficiently, and using the right digital tools can enhance the dining experience and increase revenue during this busy season. A well-structured approach ensures smoother service, happier guests, and a more profitable Ramadan.
Explore FineDine’s smart solutions that can enhance your Ramadan service and keep your restaurant running seamlessly!
