Mother’s Day can be a busy day for restaurants - especially those that take the time to create and execute promotions that work. Here are just a few ideas you could try:
- Generation discounts: 10% off the meal price when mom and child both come to dinner, 20% off for grandmother, mom and child, etc.
- Essay contests: This idea takes a bit of work, but can garner you some excellent publicity. Create a contest for kids asking them why their mom should be nominated as “Mother of the Year.” Work with a local newspaper to see if they would be interested in publishing some of the short essays as part of a Mother’s Day feature. Every child who participates can receive a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert at your restaurant.
- Free childcare: If you have the space to make it work - if you are operating a hotel, for example - consider hiring licensed daycare or nanny service providers and offer free on-site childcare for your customers during their Mother’s Day meal.
- Complimentary anything: Offer your dining moms a free dessert, free glass of champagne, or free red rose (perhaps offered in co-promotion with a local florist). A free gift like this on a special day goes a long way to building customer satisfaction and loyalty.
What promotions have you tried in the past? Let us know what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in the comments below.
