Marketing Thoughts for Restaurants

My husband John and I used to frequent a wonderful restaurant that was showing signs of neglect. It was wonderful because the food was excellent, and they had the best salad bar anyone could ever want. The salad bar was stocked with the usual greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers but also included pepperoncini, beets, pickled okra, olives, anchovies, and more. It was a treat to go to the restaurant even though there were few others that seemed to share our opinion because the place was never packed. Perhaps that is because of the carpet was worn and the booths needed to be re-covered. However, the atmosphere was good.  It had nice lighting for a romantic dinner, was always perfectly clean, had great customer service and good sound buffering.

Several nights as we sat there looking at the sparse crowd but completely enjoying our scrumptious food, we began talking about ways the couple could increase their clientele.  For instance, if they chose specific groups such as school teachers, college professors, attorneys, CPAs  and offered a special to them – ten percent off or free dessert on a rotational basis – at least for a while, it would bring in new customers to learn how great the food and atmosphere. 

Likewise, there are some great restaurants in Old Town but, again, most of them are lacking a strong customer base.  I suggested to one of the owners that he package pints of his homemade pimento cheese and deliver them (or get college students to deliver) to the fire departments and police department on Christmas Eve or some other holiday when the fire fighters or officers are working and away from their families.  These guys love good food, and they would love the attention!  And, most of them have wives that they take out to dinner….   They also talk to their friends and family - not only face to face but also through social media outlets such as Facebook. 

Sampling is a great way to let people get to know how wonderful your product is and once they are hooked, you have them.  Plus, the extra effort to think of them on a holiday would likely begin a new relationship.  Just a thought….

Now, back to the top.  The restaurant that I began the posting has not been in business for more than 10 years.   Anyone remember it?