Restaurateurs, all across Canada, are gleefully looking forward to two very important upcoming changes. Firstly, the beginning of summer takes place June 20th. Secondly, the softening of pandemic-based restrictions is expected in the weeks to come. Together, these two happenings combine to make for a much more successful season of welcoming customers.
To help boost sales at your restaurant this summer, you may want to appeal to the sweet tooth in each of your visitors. Consider promoting your desserts as a way to offer savings on summer treats. That, of course, is not the only sweet way to market your restaurant this summer. Here are four more:
1. Offer taste testing experiences.
A great way to encourage new (and old) customers to visit your restaurant this summer is to offer them some free samples. Who doesn’t like getting stuff for free, right? A great way to do that is through a taste testing event. By offering free samples at such events, you’ll encourage greater patronage. You’ll also give your establishment excellent opportunities to get feedback on new menu items. On LinkedIn.com, Nathalia Santarelli suggests hosting wine and beer tastings.
“Why should your customers trek to a faraway winery to taste new wines?” she asks, “Hosting a summer wine and/or microbrew tasting can help attract new customers while also providing you with the opportunity to partner with existing wineries and breweries. You will see more customers buying your food, and your partner companies will be able to advertise their wines and beers to new people.”
2. Celebrate National Junk Food Day.
Down in the United States, July 21st is National Junk Food Day. Who says we can’t have such a celebration up here in Canada? The way we see it, you don’t have to wait until the 21st of July to offer your customers discounts on sweet treats. Consider coming up with special occasions of your own and make them unique to your brand. Offer special menu items and awesome deals on meals on various dates all throughout the summer.
“Offer special deals on kids’ meals, such as ‘kids under age 12 eat free with a paying adult,’” suggests Rewards Network, “Other, less family-focused restaurants can play up junk food festivities with specials utilizing snacky ingredients like Cheetos in mac n’ cheese or Coca-Cola barbecue sauce.”
3. Host special events with unique offers.
There’s no time like the summertime to throw parties and host special events. Depending on the limitations set in your neck of the woods, you may want to open up your patio to a party atmosphere. Santarelli recommends making such offers as a fixed fee for all you can drink or eat nights.
“Put on nights such as $50 for unlimited drinks 8pm until Midnight,” she suggests, “You can be certain that they won’t leave the bar after having few glasses and will most certainly continuing drinking, increasing your revenue. This will also motivate people to come earlier and fill the venue, so all new customers walking in will see the place is busy.”
4. Don’t forget those who like to eat at home.
Can your customers order food directly from your restaurant’s website? Contact Unity Payments and quickly set up your own online ordering system for your restaurant! To get started, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-661-3761 or email us at info@unitypayments.ca.
