#Japan #Tokyo #Customer Retention #Restaurant Marketing #LINE Official

Essential Insights for Restaurant Owners

In the ever-evolving landscape of the dining industry, attracting and retaining customers continues to be a pressing concern for many restaurant operators. A recent survey conducted by Cross Prop Works, a subsidiary of Cross Marketing Group, provides valuable insights and hints based on the experiences of 1,597 restaurant owners and operators throughout Japan. This report aims to unveil the current state of customer attraction strategies, focusing on the role of LINE Official Accounts and the trends observed within the sector.

Overview of the Survey

Conducted in June 2025, this comprehensive survey sheds light on the utilization of LINE Official Accounts, especially among businesses primarily engaged in restaurant operations. The findings indicate that LINE has transitioned into a vital marketing tool, aiding restaurateurs in building continuous customer engagement.

Key Findings

1. Sales and Customer Visits: A noticeable decline in sales and the number of new customers was reported, particularly among single店舗 (single-unit) operators. While the overall trend showed revenue stability, almost 40% of individual店舗 reported a decrease in sales. This trend illustrates that smaller establishments struggle more with attracting new customers compared to their larger counterparts.
2. Social Media Utilization: Larger restaurants are more proactive in implementing social media strategies, with Instagram being particularly popular. The survey highlighted a stark contrast in approach, as smaller店舗 often reported having no dedicated strategies in place, which risks their visibility and marketing effectiveness.
3. Challenges in Social Media Management: The survey revealed significant challenges faced by restaurant operators in managing their social media accounts. Common issues included a lack of dedicated personnel and inadequate know-how. Many owners expressed feeling overwhelmed, underlining the need for resources and guidance to proactively manage their social media engagements.

Insights on Effective Promotional Channels

The report compiles quantitative data on promotional strategies that have proven effective for restaurant operators, along with insights regarding the challenges of attracting new customers. Key promotional channels that yield results were identified, which can assist other restaurant owners in refining their strategies.

Recommendations for Restaurant Owners

This report serves as a critical resource not just for existing owners but also for those looking to enter the market. Here are some recommendations based on the survey's findings:

• - Harnessing Social Media: Embrace platforms like Instagram and LINE to foster customer engagement and visibility.
• - Tailored Strategies: Consider the size of your restaurant when developing marketing strategies. Smaller店舗 may need to adopt different methods compared to multi-unit operations.
• - Addressing Resource Gaps: Ensure you have dedicated personnel or outsource social media management to focus on community engagement effectively.

Ideal for Restaurant Owners

This report is particularly beneficial for:

• - Restaurant owners keen on enhancing their customer attraction strategies using LINE and social media.
• - Marketing professionals seeking tailored promotional methods based on restaurant size and type.
• - Business owners aiming to increase return visits and explore effective promotional channels to boost sales.

For those interested in potential collaboration or support in utilizing this data for your specific needs, Cross Prop Works remains open to inquiries regarding SNS strategy, promotional planning, and additional research services.

Company Overview

Cross Prop Works

• - Representative: Kohei Kawasaki, President & CEO
• - Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: April 2015
• - Services: Research business support, quality verification, SNS operation support, and other BPO services.
• - Website: Cross Prop Works

Cross Marketing Group

• - Representative: Miki Igarashi, President & CEO
• - Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: June 2013
• - Services: Digital and data marketing, as well as management of subsidiary insights businesses.
• - Website: Cross Marketing Group