Valentine’s Day, the second most popular day to dine out after Mother’s Day, is upon us! A whopping 70 million people go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day, and the average Valentine’s couple spends over $100 dollars on their dinner. The day is also one when your guests will expect tip-top service and an especially stellar experience. After all, romance is on the line! How can your restaurant make sure you are booked up for the evening? Here are a few ideas and tips that will boost your reservations and make sure your guests have the romantic evening they deserve.
Romantic Atmosphere
A romantic ambience is an absolute must if you are looking to attract Valentine’s Day reservations. Even if your restaurant typically has a louder or more casual vibe, add some softer music and dim the light a tad to create that romantic atmosphere. You can even introduce a theme to your Valentine’s celebration, such as old romantic movies. Add some decorations, like old movie posters. If you have a television, you can have old movies play throughout the evening.
Supply a Special Menu
Curate a special menu for Valentine’s Day at your restaurant, adding special cocktails, classic dinner specials such as a steak meal, and a dessert especially geared towards couples. Other meal ideas are a lobster special, heart shaped pizzas, and oysters. Make it something easy to share! A lot of favorite couple spots also offer a special treat on the house, such as two free glasses of champagne for couples celebrating the holiday. A special price for your unique Valentine’s Dinner is also a favorite hook. If you think your market is more geared towards singles, offer delivery specials for those who are having a quiet night at home.
Romantic Daytime Activity
While you wait for the romance to begin in the evening, you can also lure couples and other groups looking to spend the day together with a daytime activity, such as a wine tasting or cooking class. Adding an experience to the dinner ensures your guests leave entirely satisfied with choosing to spend their day with you. For “Galentine’s Day” where girlfriends celebrate Valentine’s together you can offer a special on bottomless mimosas in the morning.
Prepare for the Rush
Don’t be caught unprepared for the holiday business! Make sure you schedule extra staff to be on hand when all your guests arrive. Begin taking reservations well in advance, and if you got a late start, catch up on advertising your specials and why diners should choose your restaurant for their romantic evening. Remember to advertise your specials and their discounts on your website and social media! Prepare your staff for the busy day as well. Remind them to be on their toes and extra warm and attentive to guests on this day.
Add the Extras
As great as being creative with Valentine’s Day is, most couples just want that classic love theme all around them. So give them the extras! Add roses to your tables. Light a few extra candles, maybe some special red and pink ones. These little things, plus some well-placed heart decorations will let guests know they have chosen the right place for a romantic evening.
Conclusion: Cashing in on Valentine’s Day is a must for restaurants. so don’t miss out! Let your guests know your spot is the place to be on this special day.
Challenge: Plan a special wine to serve during the romantic evening. A good rosé is a solid choice!
Contact Best Metropolitan Towel & Linen today for assistance with sourcing all your restaurant linen needs, and proven strategies to grow your customer base.
By mary
Introduction – Valentine’s Day at Your Restaurant
Valentine’s Day, the second most popular day to dine out after Mother’s Day, is upon us! A whopping 70 million people go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day, and the average Valentine’s couple spends over $100 dollars on their dinner. The day is also one when your guests will expect tip-top service and an especially stellar experience. After all, romance is on the line! How can your restaurant make sure you are booked up for the evening? Here are a few ideas and tips that will boost your reservations and make sure your guests have the romantic evening they deserve.
Romantic Atmosphere
A romantic ambience is an absolute must if you are looking to attract Valentine’s Day reservations. Even if your restaurant typically has a louder or more casual vibe, add some softer music and dim the light a tad to create that romantic atmosphere. You can even introduce a theme to your Valentine’s celebration, such as old romantic movies. Add some decorations, like old movie posters. If you have a television, you can have old movies play throughout the evening.
Supply a Special Menu
Curate a special menu for Valentine’s Day at your restaurant, adding special cocktails, classic dinner specials such as a steak meal, and a dessert especially geared towards couples. Other meal ideas are a lobster special, heart shaped pizzas, and oysters. Make it something easy to share! A lot of favorite couple spots also offer a special treat on the house, such as two free glasses of champagne for couples celebrating the holiday. A special price for your unique Valentine’s Dinner is also a favorite hook. If you think your market is more geared towards singles, offer delivery specials for those who are having a quiet night at home.
Romantic Daytime Activity
While you wait for the romance to begin in the evening, you can also lure couples and other groups looking to spend the day together with a daytime activity, such as a wine tasting or cooking class. Adding an experience to the dinner ensures your guests leave entirely satisfied with choosing to spend their day with you. For “Galentine’s Day” where girlfriends celebrate Valentine’s together you can offer a special on bottomless mimosas in the morning.
Prepare for the Rush
Don’t be caught unprepared for the holiday business! Make sure you schedule extra staff to be on hand when all your guests arrive. Begin taking reservations well in advance, and if you got a late start, catch up on advertising your specials and why diners should choose your restaurant for their romantic evening. Remember to advertise your specials and their discounts on your website and social media! Prepare your staff for the busy day as well. Remind them to be on their toes and extra warm and attentive to guests on this day.
Add the Extras
As great as being creative with Valentine’s Day is, most couples just want that classic love theme all around them. So give them the extras! Add roses to your tables. Light a few extra candles, maybe some special red and pink ones. These little things, plus some well-placed heart decorations will let guests know they have chosen the right place for a romantic evening.
Conclusion: Cashing in on Valentine’s Day is a must for restaurants. so don’t miss out! Let your guests know your spot is the place to be on this special day.
Challenge: Plan a special wine to serve during the romantic evening. A good rosé is a solid choice!
Contact Best Metropolitan Towel & Linen today for assistance with sourcing all your restaurant linen needs, and proven strategies to grow your customer base.