Create a Recipe
for Success This
Valentine's Day
As one of the most popular holidays to eat out during the year, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to think about attracting new customers to your restaurant. Capture the sentimental spirit by creating a special promotion that will win hearts for the day and keep them coming back long after February 14. Whether you partner with a nonprofit or create the perfect mood at the table for your guests, taking that extra step could make all the difference when diners are choosing between several restaurants.
Ingredients:
Valentine's Day themed goods
Special menu item
Candles
Flowers
Champagne
Directions:
Give a red rose to every customer.
Partner with a local flower shop. Ask a flower shop to donate red roses to your restaurant for Valentine's Day in exchange for appetizer cards. Then the florist can hand out appetizer cards to his customers on Valentine's Day and you can give roses to yours. It's a perfect trade!
Put some love into the menu.
Make customized Valentine's Day specials that serve traditional aphrodisiacs such as decadent chocolate, champagne and oysters. Try using red foods such as berries, tomatoes and peppers. Also create menu items with the intention that they are to be shared so couples can experience something together.
Set the mood.
Play up the atmospherics in your restaurant by dimming the lights, adding splashes of red on the tables such as hearts, lighting candles and playing romantic music.
Show you care.
Partner with the American Heart Association to create a Valentine's Day promotion that shows your restaurant has a heart. Donate a percentage of the entire day's earnings or promote a percentage of dollars for a particular item during the day. Spread the word by sending the media a press release in advance about the promotion.
Provide takeout.
Give guests the opportunity to enjoy a romantic dinner from your restaurant in the privacy of their own home, especially if Valentine's Day lands on a weekday. Provide a packaged dinner option or let customers choose from your menu.
Give out cards ahead of time.
Create Valentine's Day cards for teachers to give to their students on Valentine's Day with a complimentary children's menu item (with purchase of an adult entrée) and be the hit of the school!
Offer a dinner package.
Provide a preset romantic menu at a fixed price that provides customers with a bottle of champagne, starter, side, entree and dessert. Try to incorporate a Valentine's Day theme.
Show your appreciation.
Pass out small boxes with heart-shaped coins, candy or other small trinkets tucked inside, and include a note that says "You Won Our Heart." Offer a complimentary entrée or appetizer for their next visit.
Unique promotions will bring customers in the door, but great service and food will surely bring them back. Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to connect with your guests and show them you value their business for more than just one day.
Source: Duke Marketing
Duke Marketing, LLC, based in California, is a full-service marketing company with expertise in integrated marketing communications for multilocation and franchise organizations. Duke Marketing combines a full range of services, including thought leadership, local store marketing, public relations, promotions and cause marketing, franchise communications, market-by-market planning, creative development, social media, and media buying with on-target strategies, fresh ideas and creative concepts to offer complete solutions. For more information, contact Duke Marketing at 415-492-4534 or visit www.dukemarketing.com.