How should menus ideally be structured to promote sales?

When structuring menus to promote sales, placing popular items in the center is particularly effective because this section typically garners the most attention from customers. Research into consumer behavior suggests that items located in prominent positions are more likely to be noticed and purchased. The central placement draws the eye and encourages customers to consider these popular offerings, enhancing the likelihood of selection.

Additionally, visually appealing items strategically positioned can create a psychological effect, making customers feel as though they are making a special choice. This tactic can be particularly impactful if those popular items also represent higher profit margins, ensuring that not only is there increased sales volume but also improved profitability for the establishment.

While other strategies like emphasizing desserts or using color differentiation can attract attention to certain items, they do not leverage the same proven psychological impact of positioning, which places items in the most beneficial and visible spot on the menu. Grouping items of similar types together can aid in logical flow and decision-making but does not hold the same weight in stimulating impulse buys or drawing attention as well as centered placement of popular items.