How Your Restaurant Can Keep the Celebration Alive
How Your Restaurant Can Keep the Celebration Alive
We might be in the thick of a global pandemic, but major life events haven’t been put on pause. In fact, we recently read about the incredible sales restaurants saw this past Mother’s Day despite self-quarantine restrictions. With graduations, birthdays, Father’s Day and summer celebrations fast upon us, let’s explore how your restaurant can keep the celebration alive.
Cocktail Delivery
With dine-in service and bars closed for the moment, we’ve seen an uptick in drink delivery options and cocktail kits. What a fun idea for a recent college grad or birthday! Create a menu of themed drinks to celebrate a range of events. You could even let customers include a personalized message along with the drink-making instructions, so the recipient knows who their libation is from.
Gift Cards
Many consumers are opting to purchase gift cards to their favorite businesses in an effort to help keep revenue flowing in. That makes this a perfect time to test out a gift card sale. Whether the recipient chooses to use it now or later, gift cards are wonderful sources of income for your business. All the better if you’re able to send them to customers digitally.
Meal Packages
In the sprit of celebrations, put together fun “meal packages” tailored to events like graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, even date night. You can include drinks and special desserts, even birthday candles or hats. Make it festive and fun, and be creative with your menu. Unique ideas like this are what drive social media pictures and posts that could very well increase brand awareness and engagement for your restaurant.
Engage Your Customers
Once you’ve outlined all the exciting ways you’re going to help customers celebrate their special occasions, the next step is to raise awareness via email and social media. Let customers know what you have in store for them by sending out tailored messaging. Make sure you mention whether you’ll be offering dine-in service, outdoor-only seating, curbside pickup, or delivery options so guests can plan accordingly. It’s always good business to sweeten the deal with a discount or incentive—especially in these uncertain times. A survey conducted by Modern Restaurant Management found that 86 percent of respondents believe the country is on track for another recession. Every little bit helps!
We’re all trying to return to some sense of normalcy as we move into yet another season of quarantine. If you’re able to help consumers keep these special occasions as meaningful as possible, then you’re playing a huge role in creating wonderful memories for families and friends.