Restaurant Specials Ideas: Discounts and Promotions You Can Offer

Your restaurant has all the ingredients for success: delectable cuisine, exceptional staff, and an ideal location. Your loyal customers appreciate it, but don’t you wish more diners knew about your culinary haven?

As a business owner, the pursuit of growth and attracting new patrons is a perpetual mission. This is where the art of marketing, particularly restaurant promotions, steps into the limelight.

Embrace the Power of Restaurant Promotions

Restaurant deals, daily specials, and promotions serve as a delightful surprise for your regular patrons and a potent magnet for new business. Let’s explore the creative possibilities of restaurant promotions that can take your establishment to new heights.

1. Limited-Time Offers and Menu Specials

Introducing limited-time offers allows you to experiment with your menu without a long-term commitment. Specials, on the other hand, offer your kitchen staff a platform to innovate with new dishes and showcase seasonal delights. Seasonal menus hold tremendous appeal, with 45% of Americans associating seasonal flavors and ingredients with freshness, while 78% consider seasonal dishes a delightful treat.

2. Creative Restaurant Specials Ideas

a. Seasonal Menu Items: Take a cue from the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte phenomenon. This premium, seasonal delight has garnered a devoted following since its launch in 2003, with reported annual sales of 20 million in 2022. Starbucks’ estimated earnings of up to $1.4 billion from this one item alone showcase the power of seasonal offerings. Experimenting with new and seasonal items can pique customer interest and boost business.

b. Supporting a Good Cause: Consider leveraging limited-time offers as a means to make a positive impact in your community. An example is the initiative by Jersey Pizza Boys and Slice Out Hunger on National Pizza Day. Participating restaurants donated pizzas to local shelters and soup kitchens when customers purchased pizza. Such initiatives not only boost sales but also cultivate goodwill.

You can integrate charitable actions into your long-term business plan, as demonstrated by Diesel Cafe’s partnership with More Than Words. They host a mini bookstore within their cafe, operated by the non-profit, with proceeds benefiting the organization. This not only exposes More Than Words to Diesel’s customer base but also encourages customers to linger and enjoy additional offerings.

c. The Eternal Chef’s Special: Emulate establishments like Chef’s Table in Brooklyn, which offers a daily rotating menu chosen by the chef. Announcing daily menus as an exciting marketing event can be a powerful promotional strategy. Promote these menus on social media, in newsletters, or through gift card promotions that offer free tasting meals to social media followers. Such specials naturally attract first-time customers, garnering attention from food bloggers and influencers.

3. Loyalty Programs for Discounts

Loyalty programs can be a restaurant owner’s best friend, with approximately 80% of American consumers participating in at least one loyalty program. Howard Schneider, a loyalty marketing expert, emphasizes that customers remember their experiences with a brand long after discounts have faded from memory. Loyalty program members are your most loyal customers, appreciating the value of frequent visits and personalized communication.

Modernize loyalty stamp cards by utilizing a loyalty program management tool, streamlining the process for both staff and customers. By implementing a points-based system tied to spending, you can encourage repeat visits. Skipli, for instance, offers a robust loyalty program management tool that can help you track and reward your loyal customers effectively.

4. Limited Time Online Ordering Offers

In today’s era of online ordering and takeout, consider offering special deals to bolster off-premise dining sales. Timing is crucial; avoid hosting online specials during peak hours. Here are some online ordering incentives to entice customers:

• Free delivery during slower times can significantly boost sales, as 95% of consumers appreciate free delivery.
• Coupons such as 10% off, buy-one-get-one, or lunch combo deals.
• Special discounts for events like Super Bowl Sunday or Mother’s Day.

These incentives can be particularly effective during weekday lunch hours when employees seek a quick and convenient meal.

5. Specializing in Specials

As you explore various promotional styles, leverage your POS data to identify which specials drive customer traffic and revenue. Use this data to fine-tune your promotional strategy. Pay close attention to customer feedback; the most successful deals are those that resonate with your guests.

With these innovative restaurant promotion ideas, you have the tools to highlight what makes your restaurant exceptional. Your profit margins are poised for growth, and by continually listening to your customers and adapting your offerings, you’ll create an enduring recipe for success.