I am in Lansing MI and right down the street from a community college. ALso on the outskirts of downtown. All the ideas in the world are appreciated!!!
2006-08-18 17:40:39 · 7 answers · asked by ying and yang 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
my food is also very cheap like 1/2 lb burger combos for less than $6 and korean entrees and salads and 6 and 12 inch subs. i also serve breakfast!! nothing is more than $6!! and the food is all made fresh and made to order!!! i need to get this info out how do i do it?
2006-08-18 17:54:44 · update #1
Well word of mouth is a big deal. Unfortunetly it's a really big deal in the resturant indusrty. You have to have excellent food (or at least decent food that's really cheap) and good or fast service.
But, what I've done is make small menus, and made deals with near-by apartments and hotels. Ask them to put your menus in their monthly newsletters or in their hotel rooms, and each month you'll cater to thier employees. Many places welcome this trade off, because you get your menus out to all kinds of people, and then they get a decent free meal once a month for doing practically nothing.
You stated that you're near a college, and close to downtown. Put on your menus that Mon-Fri you'll give a 15% discount, or a free dessert to those students with a valid Student ID. Make a similar deal for your neighboring shops or resturant's employees.
If you serve them good food, and give good service, they will tell their friends.
2006-08-18 17:59:26 · answer #1 · answered by Pinky385 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See if the community college has a school newspaper and check out the advertising rates; perhaps offer a student special or frequent visitor card. If they have no newspaper, they surely have a bulletin board...flyers, business cards, etc...
You can also contact the local city newspaper and speak with the editor that handles the 'lifestyles' or similar entertainment section; let them know you're a new restaurant and see if they'd be interested in interviewing you. Or, send a press release announcing the grand opening.
Best of luck to you, I hope that helps a bit. :)
2006-08-18 17:47:53 · answer #2 · answered by Word Game Addict 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advertise in a variety of ways. First idea, put a sign on the street that people will notice, Second, go around the campus and post signs , at the bookstore or other areas-rest rooms, poles,etc Signs that you can make yourself, hand write or type and make copies on a printer-a simple sign on an 8 x 10 with name, address, and details about your restrauant. Third, but more expensive adverise in the local newspaper--just call and ask about advertising they will help you. Good luck!
2006-08-18 17:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by ruthie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that your place needs something so that people notice it - it you are right down the road from a communty college, why are those people passing you by? Be honest with yourself - is your food not what the people really want, you may be cheap, but is your food good to eat! (when was the last time you tried it?) Is your restaurant dark looking, does it need something outside it (other than a food sign) to get peoples attention - a plant, a lamp, seats/tables. Are your servers friendly -smile, smile smile!
2006-08-18 20:32:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm hungry now. I'd like to eat there, except I'm not in ur state.
Put flyer's on cars parked around your areas and poles there as well. Put flyer's under doors of people that live in the area. If you deliver, make sure that you put that in there as well. Drop off menus anywhere and everywhere possible.
Get fax numbers to local business and fax menus to them. Perhaps even daily if you have daily specials
2006-08-18 18:09:42 · answer #5 · answered by poojally 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can try flyers. pass them at the college. you can put an advertisement in the local papers( the college will sure to have one), if the city allows this; put an 'A' frame advertisement on the sidewalk. to the former ideas: have coupons...two for one or a percentage off the meals, buy the meal and the drink is free.
2006-08-18 17:51:05 · answer #6 · answered by rubberduck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advertising works. You can print flyers and highlight your specialty. Create promos like free drinks or eat all you can buffet. Show your price so that people will have no second thoughts. People are looking for value for money. Make sure that every penny that they will spend if well worth it.
2006-08-18 17:49:27 · answer #7 · answered by Tama G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋