THE MIDDLE EAST'S NUMBER ONE RESTAURANT CONSULTANTS
It is Valentine’s Day on 14th February and this year it falls on a Wednesday. What bigger opportunity than this for restaurants to use a usually slow night and aim to make it one of the biggest sales day of 2018. Restaurants present people in love the perfect setting to bring their loved one. Delicious food and a romantic environment are usually at the top of the list of people celebrating this special day.
Restaurants will find Valentine’s Day as the best chance to attract new and old guests. If success on Valentine’s Day somehow eluded you last year, this year is a good time to turn that around. Lovers spend extravagantly on this special day so restaurants need to take some elaborate measures to ensure this night is a success for both, the business and the guests.
Adjust the menu to the theme
Get your chef to design and present dishes to promote love. You can use methods such as soft pastel colors or heart shapes alongside cocktails and layered entrees. Many restaurants opt for dishes that include oysters, avocados, honey and chocolate.
Attract media promotion
Have a marketing campaign to promote your Valentine’s Day theme. Distribute flyers, send out emails, and post on social media networks. Add hearts and flowers and you will get your guests engaged in your ideas. Another marketing trick is to attract people who seem vehemently against the idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Send out friendship hearts stating that this special day is not just for lovers but also for friends who love. Make sure you align your brand identity with your marketing campaign.
Bookings on Valentine’s Day
As much as you should have the restaurant open for people to just walk in and want to spend their Valentine’s evening, consider taking bookings so that it minimizes the risk of overstocking. You can also offer a deal package on either lunch or dinner, not everyone wants to or has the time to make it to dinner, so a package deal will make it ideal for people to choose whichever is more convenient.
Set a romantic tone
Consider a multi-course meal for the special day. You can offer a special menu for the day which includes champagne and chocolates and upgrade your services to silk tablecloth and candlelight. Include champagne, an appetizer, cocktails or wine; also have a salad, entree and a dessert to share. The restaurant can also offer soft music and light entertainment.
Prepare the staff
Decide beforehand which staff would serve at the front of the house. It is important you get the team together and delegate tasks accordingly. Some staff might have to take on more than they usually do, while others take on less. This should be a decision that everyone is comfortable with, remember, you are trying to please your customers and ensure they have a special and memorable dining experience with the best possible service.
The WOW factor
End with the wow factor, like delivering mints, fresh roses or heart shaped balloons to the table. In case your restaurant is occupied by new guests, you can be certain they would want to return if you’ve kept them delighted through their meal. Make this an opportunity to attract new guests and build on your loyal customer base.
