Five hundred IHOP restaurant locations in nine states are participating in a Florida Orange Juice Suggestive Sell Program developed specifically for IHOP by the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) as a way to increase sales and profits, the companies said.
IHOP’s Suggestive Sell Program starts Oct. 6 and runs through Nov. 16, offering rewards for servers, general managers, consumers and operators as they seek to build excitement in selling more orange juice.
Servers at participating IHOP restaurants are being encouraged to ask guests if they would like to enjoy a glass of orange juice with their breakfast – every guest, every table, every time. Points are awarded for the amount of orange juice sold and the top 50 servers with the most points each receive $100 from the FDOC.
In addition, the general managers at the top 50 IHOP restaurants that sell the most orange juice within the promotional time period will also receive $100.
The company said servers benefit, too, by increasing overall check averages and tips when they upsell on orange juice.
To support the program, guests who visit any participating IHOP location in the specified states can send away for an OJ travel mug with the purchase of a carafe of orange juice. In October and November 2007, regional IHOP locations conducted an orange juice promotion with the help of the FDOC; the program garnered a 19.4% increase in orange juice sales during the six-week promotion.
With a mission to help grow demand for Florida citrus products, the FDOC develops and provides customizable, turnkey foodservice programs to help commercial and non-commercial operators grow their breakfast daypart for increased sales and profits.
In addition to Suggestive Sell Programs, FDOC Foodservice programs have included customer giveaway contests with prizes such as Florida getaways and retail gift cards and mystery diner programs which – in addition to boosting orange juice sales – help operators ensure guests are being greeted properly and receiving quality service.
FDOC Foodservice programs are designed to boost restaurant revenue, increase check averages and tips and provide customers with the nutritious benefits of Florida orange juice.