How busy has your restaurant been as of late? The holiday season is always an exciting time of year for the restaurant industry. With increased foot traffic and festive gatherings, the holidays offer you the perfect opportunity to attract new customers and keep regulars coming back. If you’re a restaurant owner looking to make the most of this busy season, it’s important to entice hungry members of the public to select your establishment.
Here are three steps for stepping up the holiday cheer in your restaurant:
1. Electrify the atmosphere.
If you haven’t yet, it’s definitely time to transform your restaurant into a festive haven. Incorporate seasonal decor, warm lighting and holiday music in your dining room. Get your hands on garlands, twinkling lights and candles to use as decorations. They help to create a festive and cozy environment. As well, if you serve food inspired by specific cultural holidays, embrace those traditions with themed decorations for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa.
“If the dining room looks especially fun and festive, guests will handle some of the holiday marketing themselves,” says OpenTable, “They’ll encourage others to visit through word-of-mouth marketing. Put some thought into photogenic, seasonal decor that will have diners snapping pics they can’t wait to share online. Their friends just may make a reservation to come see for themselves. No one wants to miss a great Instagram opportunity.”
2. Spice things up with a seasonal menu.
It’s not too late! Many families will be looking for restaurants to celebrate the holidays next week. A limited-time holiday menu is a great way to create a buzz. Feature festive specials like holiday cocktails for party animals, seasonal desserts for those with sweet tooths (sweet teeth?) and heartier meals for those wishing to combat the colder weather.
“While your normal menu is great, you can help festive people celebrate even more with a specific holiday menu,” encourages DSL Canada, “Even if it’s just a special drink or appetizer, telling festive patrons that something is only on offer during this holiday season will make them want to buy one and continue to celebrate.”
3. Promote online ordering and gift cards.
Not every customer will dine in this season. With busy schedules and colder weather, many people will prefer takeout or delivery. Optimize your online ordering system to ensure a seamless experience. As well, push your electronic gift cards! They make perfect holiday gifts, especially for last-minute shoppers. Naturally, gift cards encourage recipients to visit your restaurant later. This can boost long-term patronage. Be sure to promote your gift cards on social media and through email marketing.
“When people aren’t dining at restaurants around a holiday, they’re likely shopping for gifts,” notes OpenTable, “Don’t miss the opportunity to remind them about gift cards as part of any holiday marketing efforts. Spread the word on social media and via your email list. A well-placed notice in the restaurant, at the bottom of the menu, or on the guest receipt can give people a great gift idea when they need it most.”
Contact Priority Pay today!
We’d be happy to help you start offering your customers electronic gift cards. We can also help you to quickly set up your own online ordering system for your restaurant! Give us a call at 1-888-431-4344. You may also email us at info@prioritypay.ca or request a quote on our Contact page!