As the weather starts to turn, we are reminded that back-to-school is around the corner, so how can your restaurant attract families at this time of year? Fall often brings a hectic schedule for families, so it’s time to sharpen your pencil to create something that will attract diners to your restaurant.
A new start
Make your restaurant a destination for first-day celebrations with promos that centre around the return to school. Find out when kids go back to elementary and secondary school in your area and focus on getting families together around the table to share a meal and reminisce about the first day back. You could create an offer like ‘kids eat free,’ a BOGO, or even just value-priced meals may sweeten the deal. To add value and lessen the burden on our kitchen, consider offering a family-style menu for the day or week to get families sharing dishes as they share about their days.
For some extra fun, make up a mocktail menu that can be enjoyed by parents and kids with a back-to-school theme, including fun names like Teacher’s Pet, Study Punch, and more.
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You could even go the extra mile by partnering with a local store to offer coupons for school supplies (or anything else) that they can receive when they visit.
On the go
This is a busy time of year for parents getting back into the swing of things with homework, sports, and more. They may not have time to dine in, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy your restaurant. Think up creative ways to offer family meals that can be heated up quickly, eaten on the go, or even enjoyed on the sidelines as parents spectate. Recognizing that your customers lead busy lives and trying to fit into their schedules will help you become an easy choice for family dinners throughout the year.
By the hour
Think about when you might be able to draw a crowd and create promos around those times. For example, hosting a happy hour for teachers that starts right after school could encourage groups to gather after work. This could also apply to age-appropriate college or university students who provide their student id.
If you’re open before school starts, you might offer free coffee or tea with the purchase of a breakfast item to encourage those early morning visits. Are you located near a high school where kids might visit at lunch? Create lunchtime meals with a student discount, offer grab-and-go items, and promote your LTOs at the school, if you can.
Back-to-school means families are looking for ways to save time as they get into the groove with new schedules and busier lives. By creating value and addressing their needs, your restaurant will attract attention and new guests this fall.
