It can feel like a vicious circle: You understand that you need to market to build business, but you also need to take care of your current customers; leaving you no time to go looking for new business! And not only do you feel you don’t have time to market, there’s a pretty good chance you feel don’t even have time to read about it. The staff at Superior understands!
If your promotions have been hit and miss; if your advertising plan has taken many-too-many precious hours, read on! These quick and easy strategies and ideas will help kick-start your restaurant marketing plan while allowing you time to tend to the business at hand!
Hey, Ricky! It’s your birthday!
The sombrero-wearing servers approach the table clapping happily. And loudly. Carrying a flaming mound of fried ice cream, they sing (loudly) to the tune of some long-forgotten and always cheesy melody. Ricky, aged 46, loves it. So does his wife, three kids, parents and next door neighbors. Paying customers, one-and-all.
Birthday promotions top our list of quick and easy ideas certain to generate business. When you ask your customers to complete one of Superior’s Comment Cards, ask that they note their birthday and offer a free dinner. Each month, send a fun and colorful postcard (check out KogleCards.com for a wide selection of innovative cards) to that month’s birthday celebrants, reminding them of your offer. Instant party!
And the winner is ….
Contests. Whether it’s chili-eating or “Color Peter Rabbit,” contests bring out the fun.
If you are known for your tacos, consider a burrito eating contest. Bring attention to the other great items on your menu. Superior’s easy-to-change menu papers are a great way to make the special night stand out. Prizes? Name a menu item after the winner!
What to do with all of those Peter Rabbits? Display them and offer a free desert to any little artist willing to participate. Mom and Dad (and Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Jeannie and …) will happily stop in to (have lunch and) view their budding Picasso’s latest work. Everyone is a winner!
Charity begins at … your place
Consider hosting a local charity event. Contact your favorite local charity or simply place a call to the Chamber of Commerce for a list of local non-profit organizations. Your menu and space contribution are well spent dollars straight from your advertising budget and may even be tax deductible. The media attention can be priceless. There is no easier way to draw in new customers than to open your doors ~ and your heart ~ to the community.
No whining …
When seeking new customers, fine dining restaurants face a unique challenge. How do we get them to come through the door when it’s not a special occasion? How do we show them that our establishment is warm and comfortable and that our menu prices are not out of reach?
First things first: We have to get them through the door ~ and wine tasting is a lovely way to do just that. For the price of several bottles of reds and whites, you will find you will soon find that you have introduced a new clientele to your restaurant. When laminated, Superior’s menu papers make a delightful and elegant one-time wine list. Make your wine tasting a monthly event, schedule it during the traditional “happy hour” and watch the word spread!
Whether it’s an elegant wine tasting, a fun and silly burrito eat-off or a heart-felt charity event ~ keep it quick and easy and you won’t be disappointed in the results!
These are just a few of our ideas ~ as always, we’d love to hear yours!
Filed under: Food Business Marketing Tips, Restaurant Advice, Restaurant Marketing, Restaurant Supplies, Restaurant Tips
