Get on trend for 2025
What customers really want to see on your food and bar menus next year
ADVICE: Dogs really are a venue’s best friend
Jess Morris, co-founder of natural dog chew and drink company The Canine Menu, says making your venue dog-friendly encourages 55% of owners to stay longer and spend more. Here are a few of her hound pound tips.
Cafe, pub and restaurant managers who don’t welcome four-legged customers could be turning their wet noses up at a 20% increase in takings*. They could also be losing out on footfall (and pawfall).
With around a third of UK homes now having a dog, owners aren’t afraid to pamper their pooches with trips out. It’s a market worth £8 billion so food and drink venues that cater for them with bar snacks and dog-friendly beer and wine can lap up the profits.
Think like a dog
Jess says: “Our furry friends have the same cognitive capacity as a two-year-old child and sit still for about the same time when they’re on high alert. But give the dog a healthy chew that takes 20 minutes to get through and they are occupied and become calmer. If they’re relaxed, their owners are too, so they will stay and spend more. Dogs chew for fun, stimulation and to relieve anxiety, so they’re perfect for a busy venue.”
Customers at dog-friendly venues tend to spend between 12% and 18% more than at non-dog-friendly places, according to a survey by Pet Business. In fact, offering treats and dog-friendly menus can increase regular customer spending by 20%.
“Dogs are part of the family so why would you leave them out when you go for a meal? Pubs that recognise this will make the most of the hound pound almost immediately.”
- Nick Marsh, Co-Founder, The Canine Menu
Loyalty is everything
Dog owners are more likely to return to places that welcome their pet. They will also have a strong brand loyalty they’ll share with their dog-owning friends. Around a third of customers choose a venue specifically for its doggie reputation, so marketing snacks on the bar in eye-catching presentation boxes is crucial.
Jess adds: “We’ve heard about dogs dragging their owners to certain cafes and pubs because they know they’ll get pampered, so never underestimate their pulling power. One of our customers sells twice the amount of dog chews than he does peanuts. Remember – dogs enjoying their treats is something owners love to share on social media, too.”
Events and fundraiser tie-ups with dog-friendly groups are other great ways to grow loyalty. Especially among younger customers who are most likely to spend on high-quality dog treats.
Make everyone comfortable
Creating a dog-friendly space where Monty or Lucy can spread out will keep them comfortable. Having a designated area also means people who aren’t as keen on dogs will be equally as relaxed.
Getting the right dog treats that aren’t sticky or messy will also keep cleaning costs to a minimum. Jess says: “Our all-natural rabbit, venison, boar and duck chews are pre-packaged, low odour and not sticky – and have a four-month shelf life.”
Be sure to check your team like dogs and know how to handle them. Talk of any negative customer experience can spread fast. Setting rules about keeping dogs on a lead and tidying any mess are expected (and respected) by most owners. So don’t be afraid to apply them to any misbehaving pooches.
97% of dog-friendly business owners say that welcoming dogs has grown their takings.
Source: Pet Business Survey
Chew on this
Matt Cullen, landlord of the Norfolk Arms in the Peak District, made £3,300 profit from chews alone last year. “We have huge signs declaring we’re dog-friendly, strategically placed bowls and The Canine Menu menus on the bar and tables.
“The chews are £2.25 to £2.50, a price that encourages customers to explore without hesitation. They are a big hit and far better than the tired old dog biscuits you sometimes see.”
Merch time
The Canine Menu can also offer bowls, drying mitts, dog beds, display crates and printed menus for your guests. Their dog ice lollies contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep canine customers hydrated in summer.
Sniff out the best ways to a tasty profit treat here.
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