Can you think of any really good promo ideas for an upscale restaurant?

Question

We have a charming atmosphere, fabulous food, and professional service. Every guest leaves happy, business is good, but could be better. I can't compete with corporate chains in advertising and promotion. Please help me think outside the box!

Thank you!

Answer 1

I dont like stuffy places or ones that prefer presentation over substance...I go to eat, not look at the pretty food.    Go with the ecomony, have an earlybird special,  make people "think" they are getting a deal.  People dont go out to upscale when they need to worry about value in a slumping ecomony

Answer 2

live music, something simple like a guitar (soft jazz or light rock depending on the mood you are going for) or a violin. I've seen this in all types of restaurants from corporate to privately owned. i thought it was a nice touch.

Answer 3

How about an open house? Invite your special guests in for a tour of the kitchen, recipe secrets, wine tasting, and maybe some entertainment. Saturn auto does this every year (a picnic in Tennessee), and it is apparently very successful

I'll bet you there isn't a corporate kitchen in the country that would allow a manager to do that. And, what better impression to leave with your regulars than the memory of a spotlessly clean kitchen? And if it isn't clean? well, in that case, you've got your priorities all wrong. LOL

Answer 4

free appetizer with purchase of two dinners

free dessert with purchase of one dinner

buy one entree get one half off

10% off entire bill

VIP Card - complimentary dinner after purchase of 5 full priced dinners

create a lunch buffet

free fresh bread/muffins on table

advertise on local free websites

barter local newspaper ad for free meals

Answer 5

happy hour, martini menu, and lobster dishes ( pizza, tacos, different tails on a platter, lobster pasta).