A fine-dining steakhouse group aimed to increase Per Person Average (PPA) across multiple locations
A high-end steakhouse group known for its premium ingredients and impeccable service wanted to elevate the guest dining experience while also increasing Per Person Average (PPA) across multiple locations. With indulgent additions like truffle butter, lobster tails, and featured wine pairings, the brand saw an opportunity to create a more memorable experience for guests while driving incremental revenue.
While guests appreciated the restaurant’s high-quality offerings, servers didn’t always feel empowered to suggest enhancements that could elevate the meal. Without a structured approach, some teams thrived at guiding guests through a more indulgent dining experience, while others missed opportunities to personalize recommendations. Managers also lacked visibility into which strategies were working best, making it difficult to reinforce strong performance.
To create a guest-first approach to premium offerings, the steakhouse introduced Axial Shift’s sales contests, designed to highlight curated add-ons that enhanced both the experience and the check average. Real-time tracking allowed managers to celebrate team members who excelled at guest engagement, creating a friendly competition that encouraged thoughtful recommendations rather than just upselling. By focusing on guest satisfaction first, teams naturally guided diners toward premium selections that aligned with their preferences.
The results were clear. Over just a few months, PPA increased by an average of 14% across participating locations. More importantly, guests responded positively to the elevated service, enjoying personalized recommendations that enhanced their dining experience. Servers became more confident in guiding guests through the menu, and managers gained valuable insights into what worked best at each location.

By leveraging real-time insights and team engagement, the steakhouse transformed the way it approached premium offerings—not as an upsell, but as a way to craft a more memorable and elevated dining experience. Now, the brand continues to refine this approach, ensuring every guest leaves with not just a great meal, but a truly exceptional experience.