The country is on its Summer holidays at the moment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your restaurant is closed. But you may be finding it a quiet time of the year as the students move out and as families are away or having more picnics and barbecues in the fine weather. Families have more time on their hands right now so let’s take a moment to work out how we can entice them to your restaurant.

More for families

Families are good customers for you as they spend more. They have more mouths to feed and more meals to buy. At the same time they have many expenses. They will only go to restaurants that give value for money. So, offer them a set meal deal: you get a good order and they get plenty of food.

Family-friendly food

Provide a good selection of dishes in your family meal deal. Children have strong likes and dislikes – some prefer plain food; others are happy with the same spicy food as adults. Parents worry about the healthiness of the food their children eat, so you need to be aware of the fat and sugar content of the dishes you include in the family menu.

You might consider including a small toy to make your family menu different.

If this sounds a bother, be re-assured that once you get it right, families will keep coming back to your restaurant. Parents will usually choose whatever makes their children happy.

Early dining

Families with children tend to eat earlier. Do you have an early bird offer to attract them to your restaurant? We can then promote this through your website. Even better they come off peak and you still have space for your regular crowd.

Teenagers are social

Much of what applies to younger children also applies to teenagers. They also have strong likes and dislikes and are very influential in deciding where the family eats. There’s even a Facebook campaign to get restaurants to supply crayons to teenagers! Which brings us to the other important thing about teenagers: they love Facebook. Do you have a well managed Facebook page for your restaurant?  If so, why not update it and add some comments to your Wall to prompt the conversation about your restaurant?

Catching the tourists

If you are lucky enough to live in a tourist area then don’t forget to catch the passing trade. It’s worth dropping off your menus at the local hotels and bed and breakfasts and perhaps slipping in an offer for the hotel staff and owners so they are more likely to recommend your restaurant. Not being familiar with your town, tourists rely heavily on your website and Facebook. Let us know if you would like us to do any special promotions.