New patrons can be welcomed to new restaurants with themed promotional events.
Successful restaurants have the ability to draw patrons through the door to sample their menu offerings, experience their customer service and enjoy the ambiance--whether formal or information dinning is offered. Attracting customers to visit restaurants and share their experiences with family, friends and colleagues involves developing promotional ideas that fit with the restaurants personality and the needs and wants of local patrons.
Opening NIght
Introduce a restaurant to the neighborhood by hosting an opening-night event that gives influential members of the community, such as business owners, stylists, bloggers, magazine editors and writers who fit the target demographic. Because these people are so influential, their opinions of your establishment will resonate with potential patrons in the area. Limit the guest list to keep costs low, but let invitees experience signature drinks and food items. After the event, follow up with them to get feedback.
Cooking Demonstrations
Offer cooking demonstrations for such holidays as Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Limit the number of people who can sign up and select at least two or three dates for the sessions. This will keep the event exclusive and prompt interested patrons to sign up sooner, rather than later, to reserve a spot. Charge guests for the cooking demonstration, but offer them a complimentary wine tasting before or after the cooking demonstration.
Wine Tastings
Offer monthly wine-tasting classes or events for the locals in the restaurant's vicinity. Hold the event monthly or six times a year with a limited amount of seating. Offer an appetizer-only menu during the wine tasting events, which can be included in the cost of attending the tasting. This will give you an opportunity to prepare signature appetizers for attendees to taste.
Desserts and Cocktails
Break from the normal routine of serving entrees, appetizers and desserts and host brunch hour desserts and cocktails promotions on Saturdays or Sundays. Work with area boutiques, art galleries and theaters to promote the events to their patrons. Position the events as a chance to recharge their energy after a day of shopping, running errands and entertainment.
Networking Events
Reach out to local business owners and young professionals by hosting networking events. Position these events as an opportunity for locals to grow their professional networks. Schedule the events for after work hours and host it for 3-4 hours. Offer appetizers, door prizes and giveaways. Door prizes and giveaways can include items such as briefcases, gift certificates to clothing stores, golf accessories, electronics or any items that may appeal to your demographic.
Sponsorships
Sponsor local business and community events by purchasing advertising space, donating funds or services or volunteering to host booths. Sponsorships help get business logos in front of potential restaurant patrons. Sponsor events that the target market would attend.
