Articles

During the holidays, people enjoy going out to eat, drink and socialise. They enjoy the holidays so much that they do not always mind the price. However, once the holidays are over they take a good hard look at their budget and tend to become more frugal. Your restaurant probably enjoyed the seasonal increase in revenue and now it’s back to normal.

Although the working year has begun it doesn’t mean that people want to make their own meals. They are quite lazy in the beginning of the year and would prefer grabbing take-aways or a meal in a restaurant. Keeping that in mind, there are a few ways to keep your customers happy and coming back in the new year.

1. Affordable Meal Deals. Although customers didn’t mind spending the money on delectable dishes during the holidays, they don’t want to spend that now. Add affordable meal deals such as a free drink with a meal or a buy one drink and get one drink free promotion.

2. Offer Discounts. On the regular priced meals, offer a discounted price for a limited period. Customers love discounts and will make it a priority to come to your restaurant.

3. Offer a Meal Deal for Each Day of the Week. On Mondays you could offer burgers at half price. On Tuesdays perhaps offer bottomless soda drinks. On Wednesdays, a free side dish could be an option. On Thursdays, a half priced dessert could be a good idea. Fridays you could offer two drinks for the price of one. Weekends you could offer a free drink with a meal.

4. Loyalty Scheme. Set up a loyalty scheme based on either the number of visits to your restaurant or the amount spent. When the customer reaches a certain amount, you can give them a discount towards their next meal.

5. Add Limited Edition Affordable Dishes. You could add three to four new dishes that are cost effective and affordable for the customer. This can be limited to only two or three months. This will give the customer the additional option of selecting a new dish as well as saving at the end of the day. Make the meals look fun and delicious so that it attracts the customer.

You’ve invested a lot of time, catering equipment, and money into your restaurant. It may be the end of the holiday season but it does not have to be the end of your sales. If you are creative you can still make sales during the quiet seasons.