Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and potential customers are ready and willing to spend to make sure their special person has a great day. There are plenty of ways to entice customers to bring that willingness into the four walls of your restaurant, but especially with the use of promotions and cocktails. The money is out there, your business just needs to go and get it.
Promotions are always a sure fire way to bring in new customers, but especially themed or holiday promotions. Consumers want to feel like they are part of something, and participating in the holidays that everyone around them is also participating in. Valentine’s Day as a holiday gives you a lot of creative room to concoct a deal that fits the feeling and theme of couples and love. A classic BOGO deal, for a discounted price on the second item is always an enticer, and especially if the second item is free. Customers will want to take advantage of a deal presented to them, and it encourages them to bring in their loved one and bring more business. Plus, it’s an excuse for them to go on a Valentine’s Date. Even more enticing though, is a loyalty reward referral system. A restaurant and/or bar can offer a special discount or deal if someone signs up and makes a purchase with a referral from an existing member of the loyalty program. It rewards current members, and encourages others to come and contribute to the program as well.
Email newsletter marketing is also a great way to take advantage of the money spending going around for Valentine’s Day. A special offer only valid with proof of email to reel them in, but then providing them with various other information around the business to keep them interested and coming back in the future. It’s a great way to create extra Valentine’s Day business, and get customers coming back again and again.
The most important and best way to get more Valentine’s business though, is a Valentine’s Day Only offer. If customers want to take advantage of Valentine’s deals, it forces their hand and gets them to come in when you want them, and produces a big boost in finances. The deal could be something small or something big, but it’s guaranteed to get some spending feet in the door.
Perhaps the biggest fan favorite on Valentine’s Day though, is a special cocktail menu. Something limited and curated to fit the mood and feel of love. Between the classics and the new school, there are plenty of options to choose from to give customers a great selection of tasty libations to choose from. The one must-have is a classic Cosmopolitan. In fact, some customers will be in specifically to order one for their date night. A classic pink gin and tonic also does the trick, giving the right color and crispness a customer will be looking for in a love-inspired cocktail.
Some customers may come in specifically looking for a Cosmo. Make sure it’s on the menu.
Something even more themed though, will be what many customers are seeking. The Sweetheart Cocktail is the perfect addition to any Valentine’s Cocktail Menu. This recipe from Difford’s Guide is a great one.
1fl oz. of Ketel One Vodka
1 fl oz. of Rose Petal Liqueur
1 ¾ fl oz. of Cranberry Juice
½ oz. of Lime Juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into chilled glass.
Choices for a Valentine’s cocktail menu are endless, but something pink in color with aromatic and floral elements will always be a home run!
