The holiday season is a prime time for restaurants to shine. Every year, at this time, people are eager to celebrate the festive season over great food. However, for restaurateurs, standing out during this very busy season can be challenging. Are you looking for ways to attract more customers to your restaurant during this holiday season? What can do you do to turn your eatery into a top holiday celebration destination?
Let everyone know you’re open!
Many businesses extend their hours during the holidays, while some others shorten them. Don’t simply assume that the general public knows you’re open for business. Make your onsite signage clear that your restaurant is open. Have your website contain a banner that declares your availability to take orders. Blast your social media accounts with posts about when you’re open. That way, you can ensure the public is aware that your fine eats are viable holiday options.
“Is your restaurant still open?” asks Laura-Andreea Voicu of GloriaFood, “Since there aren’t many restaurants open on Christmas, this is your chance to stand out in the crowd. Spread far and wide that you’re the exception. Make sure you target every possible means of communicating with your customers.”
Allow your customers to order from your restaurant online.
Convenience is key during the busy holiday season. Many people prefer ordering food for family gatherings or holiday parties rather than cooking at home. Offering online ordering and delivery options ensures you can cater to these customers. If your restaurant doesn’t already have an online ordering system, implementing one can make all the difference. Use social media and email newsletters to let your audience know about your delivery services. Consider offering special discounts on online orders during the holiday period.
“As a locally-owned small business, you probably worry that the expense of developing a proprietary app for cell phones and tablets is too much of an investment,” writes Jonathon Henderson of Modern Restaurant Management, “For many businesses, the cost outweighs the benefits.”
Promote your gift cards.
Holiday gift cards are a win-win. They make a perfect last-minute present for shoppers and they help drive future visits to your restaurant. Make it easy for customers to purchase gift cards directly from your website. Promote this offering prominently. This is especially important during in the final weeks before the major holidays. Pair gift card purchases with a special incentive, such as a free dessert voucher, to sweeten the deal.
Henderson even suggests that you give away some of your gift cards. “Give $20 gift cards to a local charity that’s running an auction,” he suggests, “Donate gift cards to the radio station to give away to the 10th caller after a certain song. Not only will your business benefit from having your name associated with the giveaway, those gift cards will get people in your restaurant trying your food.”
Sell the electronic version of gift cards!
These days, you don’t need actual, physical gift cards to offer as presents! You can send electronic gift cards to your loved ones via email! To learn how you can begin selling e-gift cards to your customers, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-748-2884 or send us a message on our Contact Us page.
