Top Restaurant KPIs: Essential Metrics Every Owner Should Track

Running a restaurant isn’t only about serving great food. It’s about knowing what works, what doesn’t, and making smart decisions to keep your business thriving. That’s where restaurant KPIs come in.

Tracking the right metrics helps eliminate inefficiencies, boost revenue, and streamline operations. Here are the essential numbers every restaurant owner should focus on.

1. Understanding sales trends and revenue sources

Revenue is the lifeline of any restaurant. But it’s not just about how much money is coming in—it’s about where it’s coming from.

Tracking total sales across dine-in, takeaway, and delivery helps identify patterns. Is the lunch rush busier than dinner? Are delivery orders increasing? Recognising these trends allows you to adjust staffing, stock levels, and marketing strategies accordingly.

2. Analysing completed orders, staff performance, and driver efficiency

A restaurant moves fast, and tracking completed orders, staff productivity, and delivery efficiency is key to maintaining a smooth workflow.

Order reports highlight peak hours and potential bottlenecks. Staff performance insights ensure you’re rewarding efficiency and identifying training needs. Monitoring driver stats helps in improving delivery times and customer satisfaction.

3. Identifying best-selling and underperforming dishes

Not every dish on the menu pulls its weight. Some become customer favourites, while others barely get ordered.

Tracking menu performance helps with stock planning and menu optimisation. Promoting high-margin bestsellers can drive even more sales, while slow-moving dishes may need rethinking—whether by tweaking ingredients, adjusting prices, or featuring them in promotions.

4. Tracking net sales, VAT, and payment method distribution

Revenue alone doesn’t define financial health. Net sales (after refunds and discounts), VAT, and payment type breakdowns are critical for profitability.

Understanding whether customers prefer cash, card, or online payments can influence banking processes and help in managing cash flow effectively.

5. Measuring order fulfilment speed and efficiency

How quickly are orders being prepared and delivered? Speed and accuracy directly impact customer satisfaction.

Tracking order fulfilment times helps pinpoint delays. Are kitchen processes slowing things down? Are delivery times inconsistent? Identifying weak spots leads to faster service and happier customers.

6. Understanding payment preferences: cash vs card

Do more customers pay with cash or card? Understanding payment trends can influence how you manage transactions and optimise checkout processes.

If card payments dominate, ensuring a seamless payment experience is key. If cash is still widely used, maintaining proper cash-handling practices becomes essential. Knowing the split helps fine-tune financial operations.

7. Tracking customer retention and repeat orders

New customers are great. However, retaining them is what keeps a restaurant thriving.

Tracking repeat visits and customer loyalty is key to evaluating the success of your restaurant loyalty programme. Are your promotions driving return visits? Do customers have favourite menu items? These insights help refine your loyalty scheme and create personalised rewards to keep diners engaged.

8. Evaluating staff efficiency and service quality

Your team plays a crucial role in a restaurant’s success. Understanding how effectively they handle orders, manage peak hours, and interact with customers helps maintain high service standards.

Monitoring staff productivity allows for strategic shift scheduling, rewards for top performers, and targeted training programs to enhance service levels.

9. Monitoring online reviews and customer feedback

Customer reviews can make or break a restaurant’s reputation. A few negative experiences, if not addressed, can have lasting consequences.

Tracking feedback across platforms like Google and social media helps identify recurring themes. Are long wait times being mentioned? Is a particular dish getting consistent praise? Acting on these insights ensures continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

10. Managing daily cash flow with accurate cash-in/cash-out reports

Knowing what comes in and what goes out is fundamental to financial stability. It’s not just about revenue—it’s about where the money is going.

Recording cash inflows and outflows prevents discrepancies, supports accurate financial reporting, and ensures better budget planning. Keeping a close eye on cash flow minimises surprises at month-end and keeps finances on track.

How to Track Your Restaurant KPIs

Tracking all these metrics manually can be overwhelming. The right restaurant operations management system simplifies the process and provides real-time data for better decision-making.

From analysing sales trends to managing staff efficiency, leveraging data insights keeps everything running smoothly and allows businesses to adapt to customer needs effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

Running a restaurant successfully requires more than great food. Keeping an eye on essential metrics improves efficiency, enhances customer experiences, and ensures profitability.

For those looking to streamline their processes, Foodhub for Business offers solutions that make restaurant management more efficient. With the right tools, you can focus on what truly matters—delivering fantastic food and outstanding service.

Stay ahead of the curve. Track the right numbers. And let your restaurant flourish.