Group Bookings Have Increased Nearly 50% : How Restaurants Can Capitalise On The Rising Demand

As a restaurant owner, you're constantly seeking ways to attract more customers and increase your revenue. One growing trend you shouldn't overlook is the rise in large group restaurant bookings. Hosting a dinner party at home used to be the go-to choice for gatherings, but recent data reveals that dining out offers better value, cost efficiency, and a hassle-free experience for both hosts and guests.  

In this blog, we'll explore the advantages of restaurants over home-hosted events, share insightful statistics, and provide tips on how you can cater to large group bookings effectively. 

The Cost-Effective Choice: Dining Out for Group Gatherings 

According to our own research, the cost of hosting a dinner party at home has soared. Rising supermarket prices have made it up to 91% more expensive to host for a group compared to dining out and splitting the bill. Hosting entails not just purchasing ingredients but also considering the time and effort required for preparation and cleanup. In contrast, restaurants offer the convenience of a three-course meal at a fraction of the cost, allowing hosts to relax and enjoy the occasion. 
 

At TheFork we’ve seen the growing popularity of restaurant bookings for large groups increasing to 49% in the past six months alone. Furthermore, specific cuisines can prove particularly costly for hosts. For example, a Greek-themed dinner party for six can amount to over £95, while dining out at an authentic Greek restaurant averages only £19 per person. These figures emphasise the significant savings and overall value that restaurants provide. 

Benefits of Restaurant Group Bookings 

Restaurant group bookings offer countless benefits for guests and restaurants alike. It provides a convenient and stress-free experience, allowing them to enjoy their meal without having to worry about the logistics of organising seating, ordering, or accommodating everyone in the group. With a pre-arranged reservation, it’s up to the restaurant to ensure there’s enough space for everyone, making it easier for large groups to dine together.  

Guests can choose from a variety of menu options so the host doesn’t have to worry about catering to everyone’s individual needs. Moreover, everyone can focus on the meal and overall experience rather than managing the details themselves. For restaurants, it helps secure large orders in advance, offering a stable revenue stream while ensuring the occasion meets the guests’ expectations.  

How to Make Your Restaurant Group-Friendly 

To make a restaurant more attractive for large group bookings, it’s important to offer tailored services and create an environment that caters to parties of a certain size. Consider offering group-friendly menu options, such as shared platters or customisable prix-fixe menus, which simplifies and streamlines the ordering process.  

Ensuring that the dining area has flexible seating arrangements and can accommodate large parties comfortably is also key. You could also offer perks like reserved seating, special deals, or even private dining spaces to make your restaurant more appealing to groups looking for a memorable experience.  

Additionally, improve the booking process for guests with online reservations systems that allow for easy group bookings and communication. By focusing on convenience, comfort, and flexibility, restaurants can make themselves the top choice for gatherings. Keep reading for more details on how to optimise your establishment for restaurant group bookings. 
 

Create a Group-Friendly Menu 

When it comes to creating a group-friendly menu, consider designing shareable dishes and fixed-price options that cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Shareable plates, like large platters, tapas-style appetisers, or family-size entrees can encourage a communal dining experience and make it easier for groups to sample and enjoy a variety of flavours.  

A fixed-price menu also offers numerous benefits. Set courses or buffet-style options can help streamline the ordering process while ensuring everyone in the group has an enjoyable meal without breaking the bank. By keeping the menu diverse and flexible, your restaurant will appeal to different group sizes, budgets, and preferences, while ensuring the overall experience is simple and pleasant.  
 

Private Dining Spaces and Large Tables 

Private dining spaces and large tables offer significant advantages for large group bookings, providing a more comfortable and intimate experience. Private spaces allow for easier conversation, minimise distractions, and create a more personalised atmosphere.  

Like this, it’s almost as if they’re at home in their private space—without the need to slave over a hot stove and wash the dishes once everyone has gone home. Additionally, having dedicated areas for large groups can enhance the dining experience by ensuring better service and more flexibility. 

Flexible Booking Policies for Groups 

Flexible booking policies can have a significant impact on the appeal of group reservations. By offering more lenient cancellation terms, adjustable deposit requirements, or the option to modify the reservation, you can reduce the stress of booking for multiple people for the event organiser.  

This makes it easier for guests to plan and commit to a group booking as they know that changes can be accommodated without a fuss. It also acts as a selling point for large group bookings, as people are more likely to make a reservation when they feel confident that their plans can adapt to unforeseen circumstances.  

Tips to Promote Your Restaurant’s Group Booking Services 

Promoting your restaurant’s group booking services requires a targeted marketing approach that highlights just how easy it is to make a large group reservation at your establishment.  

By leveraging various channels such as social media, email campaigns, your website, and your TheFork listing page, you can effectively reach potential group diners.  

What’s more, offering incentives like discounts for group bookings or promoting group-friendly features in your marketing materials can further entice large parties to finalise their reservation. Here are some best practices to follow when showcasing your restaurant to attract large group bookings.  

Use Social Media for Large Group Bookings  

Social media is a goldmine when it comes to promoting group bookings, so why not take full advantage?  

Post fun, eye-catching photos of your big tables, private dining rooms, or delicious shareable platters that are perfect for large groups. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to spread the word. By targeting specific hashtags or running paid ads, you can further expand your reach and attract large parties to your restaurant. 
 

Partner with Local Businesses  

Partnering with local businesses is a win-win for everyone. Team up with nearby offices, event planners, or local venues to promote your restaurant as the go-to spot for corporate lunches, team dinners, or special events.  

Offering exclusive deals or packages for these groups can make your restaurant the ideal choice for their next gathering. Whether it’s a discount for large orders or a special menu just for them, a little collaboration can lead to a lot of bookings—and you’ll be helping local businesses thrive in the process. 

Offer Exclusive Deals for Large Groups  

Who doesn’t find it difficult to say no to a good deal? Offering exclusive discounts or special offers for group bookings is an effective way to attract attention and fill up your dining room.  

For example, you could offer a percentage off the bill, a complimentary drink, or a set price menu that’s great value for money. A little incentive goes a long way when it comes to making your restaurant the top choice for large group bookings! 

Adapting to Group Bookings 

To ensure your establishment’s name comes up when people search for the best restaurants for group bookings, it’s well worth adapting your menus and facilities to be able to offer larger reservation options and private dining rooms to accommodate gatherings of various sizes comfortably. Moreover, you can incorporate home-cooked favourites into your menus, enabling guests to enjoy familiar dishes in a restaurant setting. This shift not only enhances the dining experience but also helps you to attract more diners seeking affordable and enjoyable meals out with friends. 

What Industry Professionals Have To Say 

Industry professionals and other restaurant owners echo the sentiment that dining out is an excellent choice for group gatherings. Charles Oak, Hotel Director at 8 at The Londoner, noted the increasing interest in dining experiences that replicate the comfort of home.  

Joanna LaForge, spokesperson for 28-50 Oxford Circus, emphasised the importance of offering affordable, enjoyable dining experiences while adapting to the current challenging environment. These testimonials highlight how restaurants are meeting customer expectations and creating memorable group dining experiences. 

Different cuisines have varying costs, but the benefits of dining out extend beyond price considerations. Our data shows that dining at a restaurant offers exceptional service, food discovery, and a delightful ambience that can't be replicated at home. While Indian, Italian, Spanish, and other cuisines may have varying price differentials between dining out and cooking at home, the added value of the restaurant experience makes the slightly higher cost per head insignificant. 

Boost Restaurant Revenue 

With the increasing costs of hosting dinner parties at home, restaurant dining has emerged as the more cost-efficient and enjoyable option for group bookings. Restaurants provide excellent value, convenience, and an exceptional dining experience for both hosts and guests. By adapting menus, incorporating home-cooked favorites, and catering to larger groups, you can tap into this growing trend and attract more customers.  

Embrace the benefits of hosting group bookings at your establishment, and enjoy the positive impact it can have on your business.  

Partner with TheFork to streamline operations, boost revenue, and showcase your restaurant to millions of potential diners with a dedicated page just for you. Managing large group bookings can be a breeze with TheFork Manager. With its easy-to-use platform, you can streamline the booking process, track reservations, and manage group sizes effortlessly.  

TheFork Manager helps you stay organised by keeping all your bookings in one place, allowing you to easily adjust seating arrangements, send confirmations, and even handle special requests. Ready to take the stress out of large group bookings? Sign up for TheFork Manager today.