If love isn't the answer then food definitely is...
With Valentine's Day approaching, most couples find that going out for dinner adds a hint of flavor to their relationship.
According to multiple reports, Americans spend approximately 3.7 Billion dollars on going out to eat. On top of that, as per an article done by Restaurant Business Online, "one-quarter of Americans will be sitting in restaurants on February 14, according to research from the National Restaurant Association (NRA)." Apparently, those who are going out plan to celebrate not only on the day of, but also on the weekends before and after!
Those are some big numbers... but how can you ensure that your restaurant is the first choice?
According to multiple reports, Americans spend approximately 3.7 Billion dollars on going out to eat. On top of that, as per an article done by Restaurant Business Online, "one-quarter of Americans will be sitting in restaurants on February 14, according to research from the National Restaurant Association (NRA)." Apparently, those who are going out plan to celebrate not only on the day of, but also on the weekends before and after!
Those are some big numbers... but how can you ensure that your restaurant is the first choice?
"Spending on food and entertainment options for a night out on the town are projected at $3.7 billion, followed by flowers ($2 billion), clothing ($1.9 billion) and candy ($1.8 billion)". (FoxBusiness)
Here are a few tips if you want your restaurant to do well this Valentine's Day:
1. Offer Food Specials For Both Couples and Singles
You heard that right!
Singles count too! Guests of different backgrounds will be out and about, and more importantly will still need to eat. There is no need to ostracize a large group of potential guests because they do not have or want a significant other to spend this day with. Target groups of friends as well as couples and those who will be dining solo. Places that offer special events menus, especially when it comes to the day of love should try to reach all potential audiences.
Valentine's day is definitely one of the busiest times of the year and it makes total sense for restaurants to give it the appropriate attention. Specials can vary from couple's all inclusive dinner combo, to a galentine's free appetizer special, all the way to a singles’ free wine tasting with the purchase of a dinner entree.
Singles count too! Guests of different backgrounds will be out and about, and more importantly will still need to eat. There is no need to ostracize a large group of potential guests because they do not have or want a significant other to spend this day with. Target groups of friends as well as couples and those who will be dining solo. Places that offer special events menus, especially when it comes to the day of love should try to reach all potential audiences.
Valentine's day is definitely one of the busiest times of the year and it makes total sense for restaurants to give it the appropriate attention. Specials can vary from couple's all inclusive dinner combo, to a galentine's free appetizer special, all the way to a singles’ free wine tasting with the purchase of a dinner entree.
2. Schedule Your Most Skillful Staff
For some individuals, going out for dinner is not a frequent event, so it is your duty to make Valentine's Day a memorable experience. One way to do so is by scheduling the most competent of your employees.
You don't wine mixed up orders going out along with spilled glasses of wine and-broken dishes. You want things to go as smoothly as possible. Guests should enjoy themselves at your restaurant, and be able to recall something special about the incredible service they had received.
When your most skillful staff is on hand, all tasks will be completed with a flourish, making sure that your restaurant gets recommended again and again.
You don't wine mixed up orders going out along with spilled glasses of wine and-broken dishes. You want things to go as smoothly as possible. Guests should enjoy themselves at your restaurant, and be able to recall something special about the incredible service they had received.
When your most skillful staff is on hand, all tasks will be completed with a flourish, making sure that your restaurant gets recommended again and again.
3. Decorate For The Occasion
Some of you may find it nonessential to get into the aesthetics of Valentine’s Day. This is 100% wrong. When planning for the night, not that even just a few touch ups to the original setting of the restaurant can make a significant difference.
Light some candles, and keep it classy with roses, or go all out with balloons and glitter. Need more ideas? Check out this article describing more ways to get creative with your restaurant promotions.
Creating a relevant ambiance for the customers enhances their experiences and provides them with a warm and romantic welcome. You don't have to go all-in in by hiring a professional decorator. Simply including a few special touches would suffice. Just do not forget to play Frank Sinatra...
Light some candles, and keep it classy with roses, or go all out with balloons and glitter. Need more ideas? Check out this article describing more ways to get creative with your restaurant promotions.
Creating a relevant ambiance for the customers enhances their experiences and provides them with a warm and romantic welcome. You don't have to go all-in in by hiring a professional decorator. Simply including a few special touches would suffice. Just do not forget to play Frank Sinatra...
4. Hand Out Valentines's Gifts
No one would deny a gift in general, much less when it comes to a Valentine’s Day celebration. Take the next step and make a customer's visit more memorable by offering them one during or after their visit.
There is a range of possible offerings. Theses items could either be personal gifts like chocolates, flowers, or free professional photos to promotional materials like coupons, fliers, and gift cards for future dates.
Small touches are what matter and are what will make a difference between a nice dining experience and something extraordinary.
There is a range of possible offerings. Theses items could either be personal gifts like chocolates, flowers, or free professional photos to promotional materials like coupons, fliers, and gift cards for future dates.
Small touches are what matter and are what will make a difference between a nice dining experience and something extraordinary.
5. Use Social Media to Advertise Early
Not looking the spend much on advertising? Post promo videos, fliers, and images of special holiday dishes across all of your social media accounts. A great way to spread the word is to ask your employees to post and re-post about it as well.
When people see pictures of your special heart shaped lava cakes and photo-shoot worthy background, they'll be tempted to put in their reservations early.
When people see pictures of your special heart shaped lava cakes and photo-shoot worthy background, they'll be tempted to put in their reservations early.
For any restaurant, Valentine’s Day has plenty of potential to be one of the most eventful and profitable nights of the year. Therefore, it is important to take some time to organize and plan on how to execute the day and night. Start by setting up a special menu, add in some decorations, have your best staff on hand, and top it off with a souvenir to win the hearts of your customers. Click here to read some facts about this holiday and see below!
About the Author: Stephanie Gabriel
Stephanie Gabriel is a Marketing Intern at Ordyx POS and a soon-to-be graduate of Florida Atlantic University. She Enjoys creating new content and learning about the different marketing and business strategies.
Updates made by Sloane Viner in 2020.
Stephanie Gabriel is a Marketing Intern at Ordyx POS and a soon-to-be graduate of Florida Atlantic University. She Enjoys creating new content and learning about the different marketing and business strategies.
Updates made by Sloane Viner in 2020.
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