Founderology Growth Summit

5 ways to turn your gift card program into a 6-figure revenue stream

Ralph Lewis, owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse, reported selling over $180,000 in gift cards in just six hours across two smaller locations after using the program.

Kathleen Wood (center) poses with the founder and leaders of Paisans Restaurant Group after they sold $200,000 worth of gift cards her strategy. Photo: KWP

May 7, 2025

Restaurants looking to boost their revenue can learn how to turn gift card programs into six-figure income streams during the session, "Get the Gift of Gift Cards: Unlock Six-Figure Success," which is part of the Restaurant Marketing Workshop, June 2-3 in Indianapolis.

Restaurant marketing expert Kathleen Wood, who wrote "FOUNDERology — the Ultimate Employee Guide to Succeed with Any Boss," and founded the Founderology Growth Summit and Kathleen Wood Partners, will outline five steps to drive gift card sales year-round, amplify holiday campaigns and boost team engagement.

"Attendees will learn how to generate immediate revenue, increase customer trial and leverage seasonal and philanthropic opportunities to supercharge sales," Wood said. "The session will also include tips to engage restaurant teams for sustained success."

Over $180K in gift cards sold in six hours

Early results from restaurants implementing these strategies have been significant. Ralph Lewis, owner of Okeechobee Steakhouse, reported selling over $180,000 in gift cards in just six hours across two smaller locations after using Wood's program.

"Lines were around the building at 10 a.m.," Lewis said in an email interview. "I am confident we will double sales this year! P.S. Make sure you have a lot of extra gift cards, we ran out."

Terry Scarlatos, founder of Toast Coffee+Kitchen, and Dominick Fejzuloski, vice president of the Paisans Restaurant Group, also shared impressive results.

"By implementing several of Kathleen Wood Partners' Gift Card strategies, we achieved incredible results — in just four days across four restaurants, we quadrupled our gift card sales, generating well over six figures," Scarlatos said.

Fejzuloski implemented Wood's one-day-only Secret Santa program across its 10 locations, and saw gift card sales for that single day surpass his target, generating over $200,000 in revenue.

"It was, without a doubt, one of our most successful promotions, generating a lot of buzz and excitement," he said. "Take it from us — don't underestimate demand! Stock up on gift cards well beyond what you think you'll need. We're planning to run the same BOGO promotion again this year, aiming to double last year's impressive numbers.

As a bonus for attending her session, workshop participants will receive invitations to Wood's Summer Series on Building Sales-Driving Plans to Win Q4.

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