Turn Your Restaurant's Quiet Hours into Profit
Posted by Billy Pearson on July 30, 2024

For most restaurants, there's a predictable lull: the quiet hours between the bustling lunch rush and the start of dinner service. From 2 PM to 5 PM, tables sit empty, and your space isn't generating revenue. But what if you could turn that downtime into a consistent source of income? The answer lies in welcoming the remote workforce.
The Untapped Potential of Your Off-Peak Hours
Remote workers are constantly searching for places to work. They need a change of scenery from their home office, a place with a professional yet relaxed atmosphere. Your restaurant, with its comfortable seating and existing infrastructure, is the perfect solution. By opening your doors to them during your quietest times, you're not just filling seats—you're creating a new revenue stream with minimal additional overhead.
How to Make Your Restaurant a Daytime Destination
1. Define a Clear "Workspace" Offering
Unlike a cafe, a restaurant needs a more structured approach. You can't have someone occupying a four-person table for hours with just a single drink. This is where creating a specific 'work pass' or 'session' comes in. For example:
- The "Work & Refuel" Package: A 3-hour work session for €10 that includes a coffee and a pastry.
- The "Power Lunch" Extension: Encourage lunch guests to stay and work. Offer an add-on to their meal that gives them 2 hours of workspace access.
2. Ensure the Essentials Are in Place
To be a viable workspace, you need to provide the basics. Good Wi-Fi and accessible power outlets are crucial. You don't need to rewire your whole restaurant; a few strategically placed power strips can make a world of difference.
3. Market Your New Offering
Let people know you're open for business—the remote work business, that is. Put a small sign in your window, post on social media, and update your Google Business Profile to mention you're "laptop-friendly" during certain hours.
The Easiest Way: Let C(mm)nspace Do the Work
Setting this up on your own can feel like a lot. How do you handle bookings? How do you reach remote workers? That's what we're here for. C(mm)nspace is designed specifically for businesses like yours.
- Effortless Onboarding: We help you define and price your offerings to ensure profitability.
- Targeted Marketing: We connect you directly with a community of respectful professionals looking for their next workspace.
- Simple Management: All bookings appear in your dashboard. Check-in is as simple as scanning a QR code.
- No Disruption: You set the hours. The system automatically prevents bookings from conflicting with your busy lunch or dinner services.
Conclusion
Your restaurant's quiet hours don't have to be a liability. They are an untapped asset. By welcoming remote workers with a structured offering, you can create a valuable new revenue stream, increase ancillary sales, and introduce your fantastic food and atmosphere to a whole new set of regular customers.