A successful restaurant doesn't just serve great food, it creates a dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more. The decor and lighting all work together to create a space where people want to not only eat but drink, laugh, share stories and make memories.

When a meal becomes a memorable experience, diners are more likely to stay longer, spend more and plan their next visit even before they ask for the bill. And nothing makes a moment more memorable than the right music to set the mood.

At Soundtrack, we compiled a few tips on how to incorporate music to boost sales, improve customer retention and drive the repeat business that will set up your restaurant for long-term success.

1. Match your music to your restaurant's brand

Music isn't just background noise – 79% of customers notice it, especially in restaurants. But the wrong music can hurt sales.

A global restaurant chain found that playing random hits actually hurt their bottom line, leading to a 4.3% drop in sales compared with playing no music at all. But when they introduced a mix of popular songs and lesser-known, brand-aligned tracks, sales jumped 9.1%.

The key is finding the right balance. Restaurants that blended familiar hits with music fitting their brand saw sales rise 3.6% higher than those playing only brand-aligned tracks. And when they hit that sweet spot, even dessert sales climbed by 15.6%.

2. Create the right vibe

Set the tone from the moment guests walk in. Cultivate a welcoming, engaging atmosphere with comfortable seating, soft lighting, intentional decor and a playlist that fits your brand. A college hotspot might go for upbeat indie, while a retro diner will thrive on nostalgic tunes.

Add to the experience with free Wi-Fi, and ensure waitstaff frequently refill water glasses and soft drinks. A mix of thoughtful design, curated music and exceptional service creates an experience that keeps customers coming back and boosts your bottom line.

3. Remember: Timing is everything

The right music can influence how long guests stay, how much they spend and how they remember your restaurant. With Soundtrack's scheduling feature, you can plan playlists that match the rhythm of your service flow.

If you offer breakfast or brunch, something soothing but upbeat sets a positive tone that invites diners to ease into their day rather than rush to the next thing on their list. During lunch rushes, keep energy high with upbeat, fast-tempo tracks that encourage quick turnover while keeping the space lively. As the afternoon pace slows, shift to softer, mid-tempo songs to create a relaxed environment for coffee and conversation. When evening comes, move to deeper, slower rhythms that make guests want to linger, order dessert or enjoy another glass of wine.

4. Invest in a high-quality sound system

Even the best playlist falls flat with subpar audio equipment. Poor sound quality (crackling, distortion or rattling speakers) can ruin the dining experience. A high-quality business sound system enhances ambiance, ensuring restaurants fully benefit from the sales and retention boosts that well-curated music provides.

Find your soundtrack

If you want to learn more about using music to increase restaurant sales, Soundtrack can help your restaurant find licensed music for your custom playlist.