6 Ways How Training Can Increase Average Check Size in Restaurants (2025 Version)

In the USA, the average restaurant check size can range from $20 to $35. If you don’t know what that means, the average check is important to restaurants because it is a key indicator of profitability. It is precisely calculated through division of the total sum of sales for a clearly specified period by the whole aggregate of customers actively served during that exact same period.

It can be calculated with specificity for a week, month, or year. Certain calculations can be done for a day as well. Training your staff can lift that number, and in 2025, it’s more important than ever. Guests expect better service, and competition is tight. Let’s read some ways in which we can make that happen:

1. Teach Upselling That Feels Natural

We’ve seen multiple people in various hotel teams shy away from training or even talking about it. The reason is it’s pushy and has no documents around it. Please don’t talk about the 100-page handwritten/printed notes that you hand over to them while hiring. You can’t expect them to read that. They’re humans of the 21st century. They need better.

Show them how to suggest a dessert or a premium drink in a friendly way. A server might say, “The chocolate lava cake pairs great with your coffee.” Studies from the National Restaurant Association show trained staff can lift checks by 10-15%. It’s about helping guests enjoy more, not forcing it.

Even better, book a demo with PocketTrainer and we’ll show you how we can solve your training problem in the language your staff finds easy, i.e. digital.

2. Train on Menu Knowledge

Your team can’t sell what they don’t understand. Every day, they’re learning bits about your menu. Make it official. Train them on specials, ingredients, and pairings. A server who knows the wine list can nudge a $12 bottle over a $9 one. Guests trust confidence. That trust bumps up the check size.

3. Focus on Speed Without Rushing

Slow service kills add-ons. Guests won’t order extras if they’re waiting forever. Training helps staff move faster while keeping it smooth. Practice timing during shifts. Cornell research says efficient service can increase table revenue by 20%. Quicker turnarounds mean more drinks or sides per visit.

4. Build Confidence for Big Groups

Large parties can mean big checks, but only if your team handles them well. Train staff to manage groups without fumbling. Teach them to suggest shareable apps or family-style options. A confident crew turns a six-top into a $150 tab instead of $100. It’s small steps that add up.

5. Encourage Add-Ons at the Right Moment

Timing matters. Train your team to spot the perfect chance for extras, like offering fries with a burger or a cocktail before dinner. Toast’s 2024 data shows add-ons can raise checks by 12%. Staff need to read the table and learn when to pitch. Practice makes it second nature.

6. Reward Staff for Higher Checks

People work harder when they see a win. Train your team to track their check averages. Offer a small prize for hitting goals, like a day off with a movie ticket. Gallup says engaged staff push harder, and that effort shows in sales. Tie training to rewards, and watch checks climb.

At PocketTrainer, we’ve made a tool packed with short, real-world lessons your staff can use immediately to boost checks and feel stronger on the floor.

Want to see how it works for you? Book a quick demo with us. Let’s lift your numbers together.