In August, Bloomberg posted an article titled “Americans are Spending Like Crazy at Restaurants.” On top of that, the National Restaurant Association is projecting that the industry will rake in $863 billion this year. If you’re opening a restaurant and looking to grab some of the market share in an already-crowded industry, make sure your eatery stands out in the community.
Here are 4 ways to get your new venture noticed:
Become Involved with the Community
Word of mouth is the best endorsement, so participate in local events, so people can get to know you and your restaurant’s brand even before it opens. Set up a booth at fairs and festivals to spread awareness to people who might not find your restaurant organically.
Get involved in your local community by giving donations to organizations and schools, or sponsoring charitable events, but be discreet. No one likes a bragging do-gooder, but you can quietly generate goodwill by giving back, which creates long-term, lasting connections with residents in the community. These acts of kindness will attract people who want to support like-minded businesses.
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Be Engaging on Social Media
Don’t be shy—create an online profile for your restaurant business. Customers love to see what their favorite merchants are doing on social media, so set up accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to attract followers and interact with people. Use these platforms to your advantage by uploading photos of food, staff, and the restaurant to encourage likes and views of your restaurant’s pages and Twitter feed. Keep your commentary light and funny. You’ll attract more people with witty comments, and they’ll keep checking back to read. Instagram and Facebook can be used to showcase specials and featured items, and you should also upload the most recent menu and make sure it lists current prices.
Market Your Restaurant the Right Way
Opening a restaurant requires a marketing campaign that will encompass a large part of your eatery’s promotions. A comprehensive marketing plan that lays out the different promotional vehicles and events for a new restaurant business will keep you organized and ensure you’re reaching every segment of the market. Create special drinks or menu items that compliment your restaurant’s culture and speak to what your business is about, and make sure it’s available online via social networks and your restaurant’s webpage. Charitable events where you donate a part of the sales to help a local PTA, kids’ sports teams, or community organization speaks volumes about what kind of restaurant you run.
Get Ahead of Tech Trends
Restaurant technology changes quickly, with new platforms, services, and apps being introduced all the time, so stay ahead of the competition. Incorporating innovative technology like tablets, mobile ordering, payments, and an online ordering and reservation system will help your eatery run smoothly. A POS system that can manage all the different platforms and easily integrate with tablet and kiosk technology will give you a technology edge over other restaurants. Making the right technology choices when you’re opening a restaurant business sets up your operation for a higher level of efficiency and future growth opportunities.
Opening a restaurant is an exciting new venture that requires comprehensive plan for marketing, technology, and community involvement. The right technology can enhance your restaurant business and set it up for future growth and success. For more information about how you can incorporate up-to-the-minute technology and help your eatery stay ahead of the curve and the competition, please contact the Touch Dynamic sales team at 888.508.6824 or visit www.touchdynamic.com.
