Whether you’re a Michelin-star chef, or you’re running a mom-and-pop operation with some downhome favorites, things can always improve in your restaurant — even if they’re already great.
Like any successful restaurateur, you’ve likely cultivated relationships with a group of loyal regulars who keep those profit margins healthy. However, to expand (and potentially start a chain), you must acquire new business — then maybe those first-time customers will end up as regulars, increasing your base.
Running short on ideas of how to draw new faces to your restaurant? Luckily, we have 10 excellent tips to remedy that problem:
1. Making Memorable Flyers
Flyers are only truly cost-effective if they generate a return. Unfortunately, many restaurant owners make the mistake of either cramming brochures with event pictures or just with a printed menu.
The results are paltry. Those flyer methods aren’t memorable enough to convert people into patrons.
It’s time to channel your inner Don Draper and mold your flyer around a savvy, targeted strategy with a simple message and promotion that lasts at least a month, so people have the time to use it. Thoughtfulness is not only integral to the creative execution of the flyer, but also to your distribution methods. Don’t irritate your potential customers by sending out flyers every week. Once a month will do.
2. Cross Promotion
Establishing relationships with nearby businesses is one way to procure inexpensive advertising space. It’s the beauty of quid pro quo, if you scratch their back, neighboring storefronts and offices will scratch yours.
So, talk to the nearby café about purchasing their coffee wholesale and selling it in your restaurant (while giving them a big shout-out on your menu). See if the barber across the street is willing to hand out your promotional materials if you give him 20% off on entrees. It’s through harmonious relationships with local professionals that you’ll continually drive new businesses into your restaurant.
3. Serve Local Businesses
Not only do relationships with nearby businesses allow for cross-promotion, but by pounding the pavement and introducing yourself to local owners, you’ll pick up catering gigs.
If these businesses host regular events for customers and clients, it’ll provide you with a consistent revenue stream.
4. Don’t Frown at Happy Hour
Happy hour attracts customers during the slowest time of the day.
Usually, happy hour is reserved for the late afternoon when most people get off work between Monday and Thursday, and most restaurants offer drinks and appetizer deals as their main draw.
After splitting appetizers and drinks with their friends and colleagues, patrons are more inclined to order dinner. A well-run happy hour is one way to turn new customers into regulars.
5. Loyalty Programs
The facts are in, and the business-bolstering benefits offered by loyalty programs are indisputable.
Of course, impeccable service and tasty food are your #1 priorities, but rewarding customers for their continued business is the cherry on top. Word tends to spread about quality loyalty programs, thus attracting new customers to your restaurant.
What’s more, is digitally based loyalty programs such as Loopy Loyalty require minimal effort to implement and don’t waste paper because the reward cards are saved in the mobile wallet of your customers..
6. Use Sports to Your Advantage
If you own a restaurant, learn to love sports — particularly if you own a pub. Offer specials dedicated to the local pro teams during the days they play.
The more successful a local sports franchise, and the bigger their following, the more you can capitalize. Playoff time for basketball, baseball, and football ensures an influx of fans looking for a place to enjoy both the game and mouth-watering eats.
Do everything you can to contribute to a positive atmosphere, and word will soon spread that your restaurant is the best place to enjoy the big game. Keep in mind, there’s the caveat of requiring several televisions to show the games and the budget to afford any possible licensing fees.
7. Sponsor a Local Children’s Team
Getting your logo on children’s team jerseys is a sure-fire way to reach relevant eyes with your branding.
Offering a discount to team members — and their parents — is sure to get them through the door, and your nuanced skills as a restaurateur will turn them into regulars.
From there, the word could spread like wildfire. And remember, opposing team members see the jerseys as well. On their way out of time, they may feel compelled to get a bite at your spot.
8. Offer Samples
Wander nearby streets, and lure in customers with free samples of your signature dishes. Or set up a stand outside your restaurant.
Either way, samples are a bold display of confidence and belief in your cooking skills and gives people — who’ve never tried your food before — enough of a taste to entice them into wanting more.
And in our experience, fortune favors the bold.
9. Give Back to Your Community
An intelligent way to give back to your community as a restaurateur/chef is teaching a cooking class at the local rec center. Not only does it introduce you to an entire classroom of potential new customers, but it also advertises your culinary skills.
This way, you’ll establish a reputation as a gastronomical authority that uses real ingredients and nuanced cooking techniques in the kitchen — instead of someone who oven bakes frozen food and throws it on a plate.
10. Produce Cooking Videos on YouTube
Most of the production costs are already accounted for with a cooking video; you have the kitchen space, a decent enough camera on your phone, and the food.
If the Food Network has shown us anything, it’s that people love cooking shows. Take advantage of the continually evolving foody culture and show the masses what goes on behind the scenes in conjuring up your most flavorful entrees and sweetest desserts.
Afraid you won’t get views? Promote your video in your restaurant and ask your patrons and employees to share it on social media, so it reaches enough eyes. Offer digital reward stamps to any customer sharing your content with their networks.
