Restaurant Survival Tips During a Recession

Welcome to the world of recession. A world where customers do not easily part with their hard earned finances. Restaurant owners know firsthand that when local consumers have limited financial resources, dining out is one of the first things to go. Certainly, owners are seeking ideas to bring in customers to help their restaurants survive.

Discount the Early Bird

Offer daily early bird specials at special low prices to get those hungry stomachs in your establishment right away. Many patrons are more inclined to drop by and get the dinner special if normal fare is offered a few hours earlier at a discounted price.

Go to School

Survey the local school system. Wouldn't it be great if you could get all the local kids and their parents to try your restaurant? It can be done by approaching the school principal and P.T.O. president and designating a special night as that school's night out at your establishment. You typically donate five to ten percent of your profits from that night back to the school but the school handles the advertising and promotion of the event. This is a win-win for everyone because families get a great meal, schools get a donation, and your restaurant gets valuable traffic.

Give the Customer Something to Cut

In order to get customers cutting their teeth on your food, it might be helpful to provide coupons for clipping. Coupons not only advertise your place of business but can pull in customers that otherwise would not frequent your establishment. A coupon offering a percentage discount or buy-one get-one free deal gets attention and promotes the frugal customer spending income in your restaurant.

Make the Connection

In today's environment, restaurant owners can help guarantee repeat business by getting customer contact information. Allow customers to drop off their business cards e-mail information or devise a method of collecting customer e-mail addresses. Send customers special offers, coupons, or provide them with regular updates. You might be surprised how often customers return to try a new entrée or dessert once they are notified and personally invited.

Service, Service, Service

No matter how challenging a recession may become, do not under any circumstances cutback on customer service. Customers are much more willing to spend their money in a restaurant that provides tip-top service. If service is excellent, word of mouth will attract people to your seats and put profits in your pocket.