Restaurant Promotions That Bring Groups

If you run a restaurant, you want as many people coming in the door and buying food and drinks as possible. You also know that running promotions and throwing special events can help drive more traffic. For most local restaurants, coupon promotions are an essential aspect of marketing. There are weekly flyers, local papers, mail-outs and more that feature local businesses. Your competition is usually present in these areas, so if you fail to be, you are missing out.

Coupon promotions can be great. But is there something you can do to make sure they draw in groups?

Optimize Promotions for Groups

Instead of offering a 25% off coupon for lunch, try a 50% Off One Lunch Entree When You Buy Another or Buy Two Lunch Entrees Get One Free. These small changes mean two people are buying entrees (and hopefully more) for lunch instead of just one person.

When it comes to after work drinks, you can offer discounts on pitchers or "Table Discounts" to encourage larger groups to stop in. Whenever you run promotions or include coupons in your marketing plan, always consider these options and how they can encourage larger groups of people to come in.

Group Events Too

This strategy does not need to be restricted to coupon promotions. You can hold special events that draw in groups. A great example is a "Trivia Night" which has teams going against each other to answer trivia questions. Your marketing for this event should point out the number of people per team, such as "Bring Your Team of 4 to Compete". This event is easily drawing in groups of at least 4 people.

Get the Word Out

Of course, with any promotion or event, you have to get the word out. Schedule various messages to go out on social media accounts leading up to the event/promo. Add the happening to your Facebook Page calendar and website calendar. Promote your upcoming events in your restaurant itself.