Valentine’s Day is nearing, are you prepared? It’s that special day when couples go out of their way to say “I love you.” Are you going out of your way to tell your customers the same?
This is a great opportunity to go above and beyond and help your customers make their Valentine’s date one to remember. And that means they won’t forget you as part of it. This goes beyond a special menu for the special occasion. It’s the little things that add up big and influence recommendations, social shares, word of mouth and return visits.
Pre-Plan a Personalized Experience
If you take reservations, that makes it easy to pre-plan with your guests to help them impress. Offer a personalized bouquet of flowers with a card, to be placed on the table prior to their arrival. Or arrange tableside delivery for your bouquet. Personalization is key to stand out and be remembered. Don’t offer every table the same stale rose – plan in advance with the customer to go that extra mile and give something that is different than the table next to them.
You can also personalize your menus for your guests to take home. Using the information from the reservation call, print out individual menus with a “Happy Valentine’s Day” message using their names and the date. This will inspire the guests to save the menu and help them remember the special day they shared at your restaurant.
Offer a Special Delivery
Many restaurants offer special menu items on Valentine’s Day, but do you offer a special delivery? Many couples opt to stay in instead of battling the crowds, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to make it special. As part of your carryout or delivery, offer candles and flowers and even cloth napkins to accompany the food. Let your guests know in advance via social media and your website so they can plan or order in advance. This will not only help them but will also help you manage the night.
Consider Menu Additions, Not Changes
If you believe changing your menu may risk your quality or service, an easy Valentine addition is specialty cocktails, wine or dessert. Make the night special by adding fun and festive cocktails or change the name of a popular cocktail or dessert to fit the theme – you don’t have to be too funny or witty, just in theme. Think of your youth and the candy conversation hearts: be mine, I’m yours, love, sweet, amore, forever…. It’s a bag full of ideas. It’s also a great opportunity to upsell.
The bottom line is to think about your audience and customize to please! A fine dining restaurant may approach this differently than a casual restaurant, but one thing remains the same across all segments – make your customers feel special and help them make their night extra special. They will remember and they will share!
Contact Rewards Network for more great ways to connect with customers and build loyalty.
