How do I increase traffic to a new restaurant.

Question

I've been offered a management position at a new BYOB.

The owner is a bit of a popular chef because of his first restaurant, but he's running out of money and we need ways to increase traffic on a shoestring budget. I keep badgering him to take advantage of the mailing list he has setup for his first restaurant, but he keeps blowing off that answer (it's free advertising.) Plus I believe those patrons would like to know about the new place. We haven't had a kick off grand opening party yet, but I'm trying to think of inexpensive ways to increase foot traffic. I was thinking of setting up a myspace & faceook page for the place. We're open for dinner 6 days & brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Any suggestions will be so helpful.

Thanks in advance.

-JW

Answer 1

ask your local newspaper, or tv station for a review

Answer 2

try hotels, bed and breakfasts hostels whatever to get your menu out.

Answer 3

an advertisement in newspaper??

Answer 4

In that business, Word-Of-Mouth is the best advertising gimmick.

Join local clubs like the Elks, Amvets, American Legion, Knights of Columbus. Post a ad with the Local Church. Getting to know more people alone would generate more business.

Also go to ......Vistaprint.com.........

There you can get very cheap business cards, getting the first 250 for FREE, then give all 250 to everyone who lives nearby, and tack some at a local supermarket.

Good Luck !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

Try placing an add in your local paper advertising the restaurant and the chef.  Also include a coupon in the ad for "buy 1 get 1 free dinner" or if that may be too difficult try a "buy 1 get 1 dinner 1/2 off".  People love free things and this will draw people in to the restaurant.Hopefully they will enjoy everything and come back again and again.  Some of my family's favorite restaurants that we often dine out are ones that I tried only because of the discount offered through the entertainment book. The 1 free dinner they offered  has brought these restaurants dozens of return visits from my family.