Restaurateurs, you’ve probably had this thought at some point. Does winning an award increase sales, or is it just something nice to post on Instagram for a few days? Because let’s be honest. Plenty of places win a Restaurant award, share a photo, and then… nothing really changes.
At the same time, you’ll see other restaurants win something like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, often called the Oscars of the Curry Industry, and suddenly they’re busier, more talked about, and even charging a bit more.
So what’s going on here?
What Winning an Award Actually Means for Your Restaurant
On paper, an award means recognition. Good food, solid service, happy customers. That part’s obvious. But in real life, it’s more about what it signals to people who don’t know you yet.
Think about a new customer scrolling through options. They don’t have time to analyse every menu or read dozens of reviews. If one place says “award-winning,” that often becomes the easy choice.
It’s not that they’ve tested you. They’re trusting the fact that someone else already has. That’s where the real value sits.
Why Awards Can Nudge People to Spend With You
People don’t always choose logically when it comes to food. A lot of it is instinct and trust. An award helps with both. It gives you a bit of authority straight away. Instead of being “just another takeaway,” you become the one who’s been recognised.
That small shift can do a few things:
Customers feel more confident trying you for the first time.
They’re less likely to compare you purely on price.
They assume a certain level of quality before even ordering.
And that’s important, especially in busy areas where competition is tight.
Do You See Sales Jump Straight Away?
Usually, no. This is where a lot of restaurant owners get disappointed. They expect a spike in orders the moment they win a Restaurant award. That rarely happens on its own. Winning is the easy part compared to what comes next. If you don’t push it out properly, most people won’t even know about it.
So it ends up like this:
You win → you post once → a few likes → back to normal.
But if you treat it properly:
You win → you talk about it everywhere → customers notice → trust builds → orders slowly increase.
It’s more of a steady climb than a sudden jump.
How to Actually Turn an Award Into More Orders
This is where things either work… or don’t. A lot of restaurants miss this part completely.
Make it impossible to miss
Your award should show up everywhere a customer interacts with you. Website, Google listing, menu, packaging, and even your shop front if you have one. If someone orders from you three times, they should have seen that award at least three times.
Talk about it like it matters
Don’t just say “we won an award.” That doesn’t mean much on its own. Say why it matters.
Something like:
“We’re proud winners of the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. It means a lot because it’s voted by customers.”
Now it feels real.
Keep using it, not just once
This is where most people drop off. An award isn’t a one-week piece of content. You can keep bringing it up for months.
Post about dishes that helped you win.
Share customer reactions.
Mention it in offers or promotions.
It keeps reinforcing the same message.
Let it support your pricing
This one’s subtle, but it works.
When you’re known as an award-winning restaurant, people expect slightly higher prices. Not massively higher, but enough to improve your margins. And they’re less likely to question it.
Where Most Restaurants Get It Wrong
You’d be surprised how often this happens. They win a Restaurant award and then treat it like a one-off moment. A quick post, maybe a story, and that’s it.
Another big mistake is not updating the basics. Their website still looks the same. Their Google page says nothing about the award. Their takeaway bags don’t mention it.
So customers never really connect the dots. Also, some places overcomplicate it. Long explanations, too much detail. Most customers just need a simple signal that says “this place is good.”
When Awards Don’t Make Much Difference
There are cases where awards don’t really move the needle. If the award isn’t well recognised, it won’t carry much weight. If your food or service isn’t consistent, people might try you once and not come back.
And if you’re not doing any proper marketing, even a strong award won’t reach enough people. So it’s not magic. It works best when the basics are already solid.
A More Practical Way to Think About It
Instead of asking “Does winning an award increase sales,” it’s better to think: “Can I use this award to make my restaurant easier to trust and choose?” Because that’s really what it does. It shortens the decision-making process for customers. And in a crowded market, that can make a real difference.
Should You Go After Awards?
If your food is consistent and your service is reliable, then yes, it’s worth considering. Awards like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards can give you a strong edge. But only if you’re ready to actually use them. Otherwise, you’re just collecting trophies.
FAQ: Does Winning an Award Increase Sales?
1. Do restaurant awards bring in new customers?
They can, especially people who haven’t tried you before. The award acts as a trust signal.
2. How quickly will I see results?
Usually over a few months. It’s more gradual than instant.
3. Are awards worth the effort for small takeaways?
Yes, often more so. They help smaller places stand out quickly.
4. What’s the biggest mistake after winning an award?
Not promoting it properly or only mentioning it once.
5. Can I charge more after winning an award?
In many cases, yes. Customers often accept slightly higher prices from award-winning restaurants.
Final Thought
Winning a Restaurant award can help your sales, but it won’t do the work for you. Think of it as a tool. Use it properly, and it builds trust, brings in new customers, and supports your growth over time. Ignore it, and it’s just something hanging on the wall.
