The National Restaurant Association states that a staggering 63% of U.S. consumers plan to eat out during the holidays.
The festive season offers restaurants a golden opportunity to captivate new diners and encourage loyal customers to keep coming back. By using a few of these tips and tricks, you can attract more customers and celebrate the end of the year on a high note.
Curate Holiday Specials and Events
Run holiday-themed promotions, such as “12 Days of Deals,” offering a new deal each day. Look at the current promotions you offer, then brainstorm with your staff to develop the remainder of the deals. This is also a great way to foster teamwork amongst your employees.
Consider offering a variety of festive drinks. Cocktails like the Hot Toddy and Mulled Wine are timeless favorites for all this time of year. Modern twists on drinks, such as the Spiked Hot Chocolate and Cranberry Moscow Mule, are great options to attract younger crowds who might not reach the classics.
Consider offering Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, and Cranberry Juice as non-alcoholic options so everyone can enjoy the fun. By offering a diverse selection of winter-themed drinks, you can cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ultimately driving more foot traffic to your restaurant.
If your restaurant has the space, consider offering holiday party packages for corporate and closed events. Hosting private parties can be a lucrative venture for your restaurants, especially around this time of year when most businesses are taking their team out.
Promote Giftcard Sales
According to Retailwire, “Consumers plan to spend 48% of their holiday budget on gift cards in 2024, up from 39% in 2023.” Encourage gift card purchases with a “Gift Card Giveaway,” offering a bonus gift card for every $100 spent.
Reward loyal customers with a “Holiday Loyalty Program,” offering incentives like complimentary appetizers, desserts, or simple discounts. This is the perfect way to give back to returning patrons and elevate your restaurant’s reputation within the community.
If you want to sell more gift cards but do not want to offer a cash incentive, you can order holiday-themed gift cards to catch diners’ attention as they wait to be seated.
Utilize Social Media
To maximize your restaurant’s potential during the holiday season, leverage the power of social media. Share festive content, such as mouthwatering photos of holiday dishes and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your kitchen staff. Use relevant hashtags so that more people can find your content easily.
Encourage customer engagement by actively responding to comments and messages. Re-share positive reviews and user-generated content on your social media channels to build trust and credibility.
Add Festive Décor For Added Ambiance
Add decor to your restaurant to get the holiday cheer going. Paper crafts, such as snowflakes, stars, and ornaments, can add a touch of whimsy to your space. You can create these decorations using colored paper, scissors, glue or purchase pre-cut paper and other craft supplies from a local craft store. String lights are another simple way to illuminate your restaurant and create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Remember, the key to a successful holiday season is to be creative, resourceful, and community-oriented. By implementing these affordable strategies, you can attract new customers, retain loyal patrons, and boost your restaurant’s bottom line.
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