Restaurant marketing ideas that fill tables on slow nights

2 min read · Updated

The short answer

The restaurant marketing ideas that pay off are aimed at a specific problem, usually slow nights. Give people a reason to come on a Tuesday: a set menu, a family night, trivia, a chef's special. Tell regulars first, post the food when it's fresh, team up with nearby businesses, and keep your Google hours and menu right.

Promotions that target a gap

  • A weeknight set menu or family night.
  • A standing event: trivia, live music, a tasting.
  • A lunch offer for nearby offices.
  • A slow-hours happy hour, where your state's rules on drink promotions allow it.

Social media that works

Real food, shot in good light, posted when it's on the menu. Show the kitchen and the people. A short clip of tonight's special reaches more people than a polished ad.

Local partners

Theaters, breweries, gyms and offices nearby share your customers. A simple swap, like a discount for their ticket stub or badge, costs little and brings people who were already close.

Questions

Do discounts hurt a restaurant's image?

Constant discounts can. Targeted ones for slow times usually don't.

Should restaurants use email?

Yes. Regulars who opted in are the cheapest people to bring back.

What's the best free restaurant marketing?

An accurate Google profile with current photos and hours.

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