How To Fill Your Restaurant With Guests During The Week Before Christmas

This is such an exciting time of year! With Christmas less than a week away, families and friends all over Canada are planning their gatherings to celebrate the occasion. Big festive meals are always part of the festivities. As a restaurateur, that means you are in luck. That is, of course, if you are willing to put in efforts to advertise. Are you looking for some marketing ideas to help you fill your restaurant with guests during the week before Christmas?

Promote your gift cards.

With less than a week to go before Christmas, there is arguably no better time to promote the sale of your restaurant’s gift cards than now. They are the perfect present for last-minute shoppers. These cards not only drive immediate sales but also ensure return visits in the future.

“Position your restaurant as the perfect solution by highlighting your gift cards,” advises Grubhub.com, “Create holiday-themed signs and place them on your host stand, bar and individual tables so diners remember to grab one on their way out. You can also promote gift cards on your website, marketing emails, and social media profiles. Make sure to add a direct link to the ordering page.”

Highlight your special holiday menu.

Have you updated your menu to reflect the festive season? If not, it’s not too late to incorporate seasonal ingredients and create traditional dishes with a twist. Don’t forget festive-themed drinks and desserts too. Be sure to highlight these offerings on your website and social media platforms. Consider displaying beautifully designed table menus or posters in-house. By all means, bring attention to your special discounts or deals to entice diners.

“Help your guests relax, unwind, and enjoy the season by offering a holiday-themed menu,” encourages Janine Jones on WebstaurantStore.com, “Try serving a spin on classic holiday dishes like deep-fried ham or incorporate some unique holiday cocktails on your drink menu. Remember to stick with the general theme of your establishment, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your holiday ideas.”

Throw a holiday event.

Make the opportunity to party an easy one of your guests! Who doesn’t enjoy a good holiday soirée? Bring the community together by hosting holiday-themed events. Consider a Christmas Eve dinner, a brunch with Santa or a live music night featuring carollers. These events add value to the dining experience and attract families and friends looking for memorable moments. Promote these events through local event listings, social media and targeted email campaigns to draw in crowds seeking holiday cheer.

“Give your diners a reason to visit your restaurant by throwing a holiday event,” suggests Grubhub.com, “Make it something special, such as a taste-testing evening where participants try out Christmas menu items at a fixed price. Create a sense of ownership by asking for feedback about which dishes should make it to the final menu.”

No matter which advertising strategy you decide to use to boost business in your restaurant the week before Christmas, you’ll need funding to make it work. At Synergy Merchants, our merchant cash advance program can get you the cash you need immediately! For more information, call us at 1-877-718-2026 or email us at info@synergymerchants.com. You can also apply online for a free, no obligation quote!