1. Sharing is caring

Bringing happiness to those who have less, helping others in need: the holidays are the ultimate time to give back. Positive vibes are a restaurant’s best friend, and especially important if you’re based in a smaller town or area. Consider actively supporting a local charity, service, or sports team to build goodwill and raise brand awareness. Think about hosting a fundraiser, donating a percentage of your profit, or creating a menu item especially for the cause. It takes some effort, but it definitely helps to create more meaningful connections with your guests. In the long run, it will benefit both your restaurant and your diners!

2. A perfect partnership

Busy times often become even busier as everyone tries to give their guests that little bit extra. However, all that holiday cheer also requires a lot of organising. Teaming up with other restaurant-owners may just be the solution! For instance, you could organise a walking or cycling dinner.. If we take, say, a three-course menu, you could work together with two partners. This allows you to narrow your focus and streamline your process. It’s more exposure with less effort and a great way to introduce your restaurant to new guests. An extra benefit? When you’ve done it once, the second time is even easier!

3. LTO’s with mouth-watering looks

A special day coming up? Go for a Limited Time Offer (LTO)!! Something you can dream up at any time of the year, ready to implement when the day is due. Think of a cool Halloween drink or a festive side dish, and make sure your presentation is absolutely Instagrammable to gain some extra online engagement. You can even create more buzz by keeping your LTO a mystery until it’s available, or by creating a contest where people can guess the special ingredient.

Want to create the perfect LTO? 

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4. Free the parents 

During holidays, kids usually have time off from school. This might just be the opportunity to show your guests that you’re thinking along with them. Provide an enjoyable experience for both children and their parents by offering workshops or interactive experiences for the kids. Think holiday crafts, an Easter egg hunt, or baking themed cookies, while the parents can quietly enjoy a meal or catch up over some drinks and bites.

5. Themed take-out

Some guests prefer to celebrate at home. To still expand your restaurant’s reach and increase sales, you can offer them special holiday-themed takeout and delivery boxes. As it’s trendy to mix on- and offline experiences, think of where you can add value. Offering festive dishes and add-ons on your menu is one thing, but you can take it further. For instance, provide inspiration on how to set the table and add in the cocktail picks or pretty napkins that you use in your online photos too! That way, you offer your guests (especially the Gen Z-ers!) a complete experience.

6. It’s all in the family

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Eid al Fitr, or New Year’s Eve; festive times often revolve around being together with friends, family and loved ones. You can tap into that by hosting a special family event, such as a brunch, a dinner night or even a breakfast deal. Offer your guests an exclusive experience with a surprise menu or a special setting. Think live music, an extra special dessert, or hiring a photographer to capture the moment. Anything to make it unforgettable!

7. Sharing moments, not stuff 

If you like a restaurant, what better way to show that than by bringing your friends there? By selling gift-cards for your restaurant, you offer your guests a great option to share their experience. Word-of-mouth advertising is a very effective approach to foodservice marketing. The best part? You can choose to load that card with a set amount, a special dish, or a complete menu. 

Consider how you position your card during the festive season too: as a present for food lovers? Then gift-wrap it with a tasty treat.  Do you see your card as a way to give someone an exclusive experience? Then try boosting its exclusivity by only making the card available for a certain period!

8. Advent advertising

Advent calendars are the best, aren’t they? They come in all shapes and sizes, so why not make a custom one for your restaurant? Post a promo on your socials every day to boost engagement and attract customers. Alternate between discounts and fun add-ons that enhance your outlet's image. For instance, offer a 10% discount on special menu items or get people a free drink when they come in wearing a Christmas hat!

9. Sending love 

Nostalgia is in, and cosy get-togethers are always in fashion.. When you mix these two elements, you end up with a great promotion for restaurants: postcard invitations! Gift your guests postcards from your restaurant or put them up for grabs at the entrance. As they’re relatively cheap to print, they offer two advantages. Firstly, they enhance your brand awareness. Secondly, they create an accessible way for people to connect and meet at your restaurant. You can even offer an extra treat or small discount for anyone who brings the card with them!

10. Treats ‘n tunes

Music makes memories, especially when it’s combined with mouthwatering food. Adding some live beats to the menu might be the way to go, as music never fails to attract a crowd. To do it well, make sure your music matches your restaurant’s clientele, atmosphere, or cuisine. Jazzy vibes, for instance, work magic in creative gourmet restaurants and rock music often fits perfectly in a more ‘pub-like’ setting. You can also go for young, local bands to support your restaurant’s unique and authentic image.

Finally, there’s only one piece of advice left: preparation is the key to success! So, devise your plan and finalise the details in time, so you can focus on what you do best. That way, you’re all set when the crowds come in!