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Thinking strategically about Valentine’s Day has many rewards for restaurateurs. True, many restaurants are typically booked solid for the holiday, and in 2015, Valentine’s Day packs a double punch because it’s on Saturday.
Fun Facts about Valentine’s Day (Gourmet Marketing)
According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, Valentine’s Day spending statistics include:
- Consumers spend about $13.19 billion on Valentine’s Day.
- Each consumer spends an average of $116.21.
- About 34.6 percent of people go out to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day.
- Most restaurants rank Valentine’s Day as the second busiest day of the year.
With diner bookings steadily flowing in and expectations set high – below are some ideas to make Valentine’s Day extra special for you and your diners.
Set Menu
Guests have an opportunity to choose from a shortened list compared to your regular extended menu – which may be themed for Valentine’s Day if fitting for your clientele. By presenting less items than usually on offer, kitchen prep and service will be more streamlined and will enable you to turn tables quicker. As part of the set menu, a bottle of wine (white, red or sparkling) can be offered to diners. These can be wines that are not usually available on the menu or old stock that is still on hand that you’re looking use up.
Up-sell extras
A special day, like Valentine’s Day, is a great opportunity to delve into areas that aren’t usually on offer, for instance; lavish high end desserts, complicated chocolate or sugar work and interesting cocktails. These will give you the opportunity to up-sell beyond your set menu whilst simultaneously showcasing what your restaurant has to offer.
If you need any assistance setting up your set menu give the training line a call on 1300 667 067 extension 4 or email training@ordermate.com.au