BRINGING THE RELUCTANT CUSTOMER TO YOU

FOR RESTAURANTS AND BARS

The disposable income of your average customer has shrunk. That is a fact. The poor state of the world economy has affected us all. In order to keep your head above water, until things loosen up a bit, you have to be creative, to get customers in your door.

The on premise segment is difficult even in the best of times. When money is tight, it becomes nearly impossible. Business as usual will not hack it. Out of the ordinary measures must be taken to keep your doors open.

Here are some creative ideas here to help you to lure customers to you.

A few “givens” must be stated here. With everyone watching their pennies closely, staying home for drinks and a meal has become very popular. If the consumer and his family are going to venture out for a meal, the main goal will be value, followed closely by entertainment and a feeling of "belonging." This is where you have to put on your thinking caps. Business as usual will just not cut it.

Here are some ideas that can draw customers to your establishment and keep them returning:
1) COUPONS
2) GIFT CARDS
3) SAMPLING NIGHTS…WHERE LEGAL
4) FREQUENT PURCHASE CLUBS
5) TELEVISED EVENTS YOUR CUSTOMERS CANNOT AFFORD (PAY-PER-VIEW)
6) IN-HOUSE GAMES (TRIVIA, SCAVENGER HUNTS, ETC.)
7) HAPPY HOURS (AT ALTERNATING TIMES)
8) IN-HOUSE DRAWINGS (WINNER MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE TO RECEIVE PRIZE)
9) DAILY DISCOUNTS OFFERING NIGHT-TIME MEALS AS PRIZES (GET YOUR AFTERNOON PATRONS TO VISIT YOU IN THE EVENING TOO).
10) A $1.00 APPETIZER MENU (LOOK AT COSTS AS WELL AS PORTION SIZE).
11) FREE APPETIZERS AT THE KEY, PRE-DINNER TIME FRAME (CHECK YOUR FOOD & BEVERAGE COSTS…DRAUGHT BEER AND PASTA ARE ALWAYS GOOD CHOICES).
12) ENTERTAINMENT (NO COVER CHARGE).
13) FEATURING SPORTING EVENTS WITH BEER DISCOUNTS FOR HOME TEAM SCORES.
14) CHILDREN EAT FOR FREE (YOU DETERMINE THE AGE PARAMETERS).

The above suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg. Be creative. Look at your own establishment. Many ideas may impact your type of business more than others. Are you a Southern BBQ place? How about the best cowboy hay eats for free? Or how about a beer special for the winner of any contest? Any idea is worth trying.

Remember, the consumer currently needs to be pried out of their house. You have to offer value and a good time. And last but not least, check every idea for legalities in your market.

Your comments are welcomed. Just go to the end of any post and click "comments," in comments linked to this post. This will take you to a site where you can add your comment or ask a question.

Training seminars are offered to suppliers, distributors and retailers. Contact us for information on specific details and costs.

Thank you for your support.

Don Apostolos
The Apostolos Pro Beer Post

973.692.9585

dapostolos@optonline.net