Little Known Ways To Attract More Restaurant Patrons

Most business experts say that around 80% of income comes from only 20% of the restaurant’s clients. This is called the 80/20 rule, and it’s something new restaurant owners should note down. Fact is seasoned restaurant business owners use this knowledge to boost their success.

What does the 20% denominator tell you? Out of 10 people who visit your restaurant, only two will become loyal patrons. This is where creative restaurant marketing comes in. As a restaurant operator, you need first and foremost to make that 20% of loyal customers feel like they’re the only people in the world.

The point: focus on your loyal customers.

But don’t get the wrong idea. When I say “focus“, I mean going the extra mile to add small touches to your service that would make them feel special and glad they’d chosen to dine at your restaurant.

For instance, if a patron calls to schedule a reservation, try to find what the occasion is about, and surprise them when they come in to dine. If it’s Valentine’s Day, place a single red rose on the lady’s seat. If it’s to celebrate an anniversary, compliment them with a bottle of red wine. Think of something creative no matter what the occasion.

I know what you’re thinking. What’s all this for? Am I supposed to content myself with just 20% fan base?

Far from it. All this effort is to promote “positive word-of-mouth”, a form of advertisement more effective than a 30-minute spot on a Superbowl game.

Truth is that people seem to remember the little things the most, the small touches, like a single red rose or a romantic message printed on a piece of napkin on their table. They will tell their friends about it—how your restaurant made their dinner date extra special. Before you know it, you could barely afford to seat any more people next Valentine’s Day.

The trick is to be creative. Creative restaurant marketing campaign. That’s something you don’t hear every day. But pull it off right and it might as well be the best decision you’ll make as a restaurant entrepreneur.