April Promotions
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April is packed with special occasions that are perfect for restaurant promotions- from Easter to Earth Day. Here are some ways to spring into the warmer weather and take advantage of the festivities.
Easter Hop to it
About 13% of the public celebrates Easter at restaurants, making it the sixth most popular holiday for dining out, according to the National Restaurant Association's 2004 Holiday Dining Report. Easter offers a great opportunity to promote Sunday brunch or to introduce one. Use press releases and local newspapers to announce a "Kids Eat Free" special on that day. Have a staff member dress as the Easter Bunny and hand out colored plastic eggs filled with candy. For the adults, fill the eggs with certificates for different bonuses, such as a free dessert or 10% off an entire check. In one egg, hide a coupon for a free meal.
Take me out to the Ball Game
If your restaurant broadcasts sporting events, promote special pre-game prices throughout the season. Offer discounted drinks and appetizers for the entire hour prior to the start of each home-team baseball game. You could also organize a bus trip from your restaurant's parking lot to a local game. Attendees are likely to stop at your restaurant either before or after the game for a nosh or a drink. Not only can such a trip be profitable, but it also creats a community-like atmosphere around your establishment.
The Tax Man Cometh
"Celebrate" the passing of another tax year with entree specials such as "W-2 Pasta", or "IRS Omelets". Offer specials as take-out items the evenings of April 12-15 when procrastinators are short on time and stay up late completing their taxes.
Secretaries Day
Bosses will be looking for ways to express their appreciation to their employees on Secretaries Day. Entice them to say "Thank You" with lunch at your restaurant. Send nearby businesses discount coupons and menus.
Earthly Delights
For Earth Day, offer environmentally aware entrees, like veggie burgers or pasta with stir-fried tofu and vegetables. Donate a certain percentage of revenue from those dishes to an environmental organization.
source: The National Restaurant Association
