Good Service Keeps Customers Happy. Good Selling Keeps You Profitable.

There’s a massive difference between a server who asks, "What can I get you?" …versus one who says, "You’ve got to try our smoked mezcal margarita—people come back just for this."

One is a transaction. The other is an experience.

Your best customers don’t come to your venue just to eat and drink—they come to be entertained, surprised, and taken care of. When your staff guides them toward great choices instead of just taking their order, everyone wins:

💰 Bigger tabs → More revenue for you 💰 Better tips → Happier, more motivated staff 💰 More return customers → More money in the long run

How to Train Your Staff to Sell (Without Feeling Pushy)

Nobody wants to feel like they’re being upsold to death. The trick is to make sales feel like part of the experience—not a forced pitch.

1. Teach Suggestive Selling (The Right Way)

Customers don’t always know what they want until it’s suggested the right way. Your staff should get comfortable making casual but strategic recommendations like:

✅ "That Old Fashioned is solid, but if you like bourbon, our smoked maple version is unreal."

✅ "The fries are great, but the truffle parm fries? Total game-changer."

✅ "You’re getting tequila? You have to try this reposado—we just got it in and it’s incredible."

It’s not about pushing—it’s about guiding. When staff recommend with confidence, customers feel like they’re getting an inside scoop, not being upsold.

2. Sell the Experience, Not Just the Product

Customers are more likely to spend when a drink or dish is framed as special. Instead of just listing what’s on the menu, your staff should know how to hype up certain items.

🚀 Instead of “Do you want a cocktail?” → Try “We just launched a new house cocktail that’s been flying off the bar—want to check it out?”

🚀 Instead of “Do you want a shot?” → Try “If you like tequila, you HAVE to try this smooth reposado—it’s my personal favorite.”

See the difference? It feels natural, not forced.

3. Make Bottle Service (or Upsells) Feel Like a Perk

Bottle service, premium drinks, and upgrades should never feel like an expense—they should feel like an opportunity.

✅ “You guys are doing vodka sodas—want to level up with a bottle? I can set you up with a table so you don’t have to hit the bar all night.”

✅ “If you’re ordering that steak, I’ve got the perfect wine pairing—want to try a glass?”

✅ “We can make that cocktail with premium tequila for just $3 more—it’s way smoother, totally worth it.”

It’s all about framing. Customers love feeling like they’re getting a better experience—not just spending more.

Turn Your Team Into Money Makers

Your staff is already talking to customers. If they learn to sell without feeling salesy, your venue will instantly:

🔥 Increase check sizes

🔥 Create a better customer experience

🔥 Boost tips (so your team is more motivated)

🔥 Make more money—without needing more customers

At the end of the day, your staff can either take orders or drive revenue. Train them to sell smartly, confidently, and naturally—and watch your profits grow. 💰🚀

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