What is the best way to get people to try a new restaurant?

Question

It's in a strip mall in a developing upscale neighborhood & warehouse businesses. Besides the newspaper, what else can I do? When people do come in, I'm highly praised for the food. Yet, the place is empty in the p.m. The decor is modern. I also get compliments on it.

Answer 1

Do you want your restaurant to attract "upscale" customers in keeping with the neighborhood (and your highly-praised food)? If so, don't do coupons, don't do 2-for-1 deals, don't do any kind of food discounts at all. To do so gives the impression that you are going for the bargain-hunter customers and that can be the death of an upscale or "boutique" (one-of-a-kind) type of restaurant. Once you start with the discounting, the people who eat out based on that will continue to expect it. That kind of customer is notoriously fickle and disloyal. They're looking for a bargain, not for great food in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

If you want to run on that treadmill, then use that technique. If, on the other hand, you want to attract consistent, loyal customers who like good food in an interesting neighborhood you need word of mouth, plus some reminders for the kinds of customers you want. Having a happy hour (if you have a bar) can't hurt at all; just make it something really nice, not a cheap-beer free for all.

Restaurants can take years to become established, so you do need to be patient. But in the meantime, make sure everyone in the neighborhood knows you're there - not with discounts, but with signage, simple ads in local publications (not just citywide papers), and by hosting events and/or live music. Be sure that the local restaurant critics (print, radio, AND TV) and alternative media know that you exist (many cities have papers other than the big dailies, plus "local-flavor" magazines). You don't have to take out an ad to do this. Send them a press release about an event or any small change in your restaurant - it's their job to keep track of things like this. Be sure you get your name in the balloting for "best of" competitions - many cities of all sizes have them.

Be sure that you personally talk to your customers about the business and listen to their ideas as well. They are your best marketing by far - the better you treat them, the faster you will get more customers. And listen to them about the menu and the pricing. Get to know the customers who have lots of experience in the restaurants in your city and in your neighborhood - they can give you invaluable insight into all kinds of things.

One last thing - it never ceases to amaze me how many restaurant owners lose track of their business by putting other people in charge. You personally have to be there as many hours as humanly possible until you are getting the kind of business you want. You are going to have to listen and adapt and adapt again to be able to make it - to do that you personally have to be in that place to know how to adapt. If you're already doing that, you're way ahead of many other restaurants and you're doing something that has led many restaurants toward success.

Answer 2

Have you tried direct mail marketing in the local neighborhood(s)
Coupon for buy 1 get 1 free - or some such offer. If the food is really good word will get out, but the problem is getting people in to get the word out. It may be a little of a cost up front, but there's a lot to be said about advertising. People see the name in print and it legitimizes it in their minds. The coupon give them an incentive to try it out.

Answer 3

Might try TV or radio ads, or flyers. If your food and service are excellent, word of mouth will help a lot eventually but might take time.

Are you competitive in menu selection and price?

Have you considered some kind of promotion, like $2 off on each dinner or something, or even 2 for 1 if you can afford it? You could restrict it to days or times when right now you're really slow.People like a bargain, and will probably come back if they really like your place.

Answer 4

My sister increased lunchtime traffic of a bistro in Los Angeles she was doing marketing for by simply dressing in a classy, tasteful suit, taking some samples of their house special and going in to the businesses at the large business park where the bistro was located to introduce herself/ the bistro, offer a sample of the food and drop off a menu. Most people said they did not even know the bistro was right around the corner (this is a bistro that focuses on catering special events for Hollywood types); but thanks to this simple effort they increase sales of lunchtime traffic by 30% just one week after her "introductions" (the key is to have someone do this who is classy, attractive, intelligent and can walk in with confidence without seeming salesy -- and the food has to be excellent!) Sounds simple, but "face time" and word of mouth is your best bet -- I should note my sister is also quite attractive and people always want to chat with her no matter what the topic of conversation, so just send your best rep forward who can answer questions about your menu / prices / catering, etc and wait for new customers to start dropping by!

Answer 5

If you are open to investing some budget into it, I would consider doing a live remote with the top radio station that hits your demo. Have them do a live remote during evening drive or an event then run specials. For example, if the radio station is 610AM, run $6.10 specials...something like that. Make sure you get their biggest draw on-air talent. Don't settle for a producer. No one will show up for just a producer or overnight DJ.

Answer 6

Join the local Chamber of Commerce, it doesn't cost much and you can meet lots of people who...eat! There are mixers and introductions of new members; make up some flyers or brochures to leave at these events. Chambers work for business but you have to make the process work for you.

Answer 7

Flyers offering discount coupons. Buy 1 get i free appy. Make it for a weekday when things are slower.

Asvertise in the radio, hand out flyers, maybe a billboard.

Answer 8

Offer buy 1 get 1 free deals, send out coupons

Answer 9

Check the website below to find creative restaurant marketing strategies to increase cash flows.

Hope this helps

Answer 10

Reward your current customers, kinda like websites. If we give 5 of our friends emails then we get some reward from the site we are on. Give your dedicated customers somthing for gettin their friends in there.