As the hustle and bustle of the season picks up, date nights can become tough for many couples to fit into their busy schedules. Make it easy for your guests to visit and enjoy date nights at your restaurant this season.
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking to turn your restaurant into a date-night destination.
Get organized
While you might be able to attract couples Thursday through Saturday based on your regular menu, consider formalizing a date night approach with entertainment, a special menu, beverage features, and more.
Host it weekly – or even monthly – so couples can get it on their calendars and plan in advance. When you can gauge traffic ahead of time it also helps you better manage your scheduling and inventory. If you have it on a regular rotation, you can try and make it on a night that doesn’t typically see as much traffic to help maximize your margins on a previously slow night.
Offer options
Think about the vibe your restaurant offers couples and what ambiance you want to provide. You may want to section off your restaurant so there’s something for everyone. For example, offering entertainment buts as fantastic entertainment, but makes it hard for couples to talk. In fact, 43 per cent of couples said they wouldn’t return to a restaurant if it was too loud for them to talk to each other. Offering separate areas like cozier, quieter tables, or a heated outdoor patio (romantic bonfire included) may help you attract a wider range of guests to help fill those seats.
Get creative
Nearly 46 per cent of couples say they book date nights at restaurants they’ve visited before, but would be willing to try something new. Couples who visit your restaurant regularly may be looking for something new to try and that’s where events might attract even more guests. Think about live entertainment like music or comedy, or even a matchmaking event like speed dating where singles can meet and get to know each other.
Getting couples into your restaurant for regular visits means upping that guest experience and reminding them each time why they should choose your location to spend time with their partner. Be flexible, set the mood, and offer something unique to get couples coming back for date night.
