20 Great Restaurant ideas to Promote Customer Loyalty - Part 2

Published on this site: December 29th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

It does not matter how well your restaurant is doing or what marketing you have planned, there are always lots of little things you can do that cost virtually no money. Here are some great ideas that we find are very effective in building customer loyalty other than just our great nutritious food (and sometimes they have provided some great free publicity):

11. Offer a free meeting room
    
    Where it is appropriate, especially if marketing to executives, offer a free meeting room, or set aside a special area. Make sure you let your customers know the room is available.
    
    
12. Offer free umbrellas during wet weather
    
    You can get inexpensive ones to give away or large solid ones that are printed with the restaurant name and website on them. The big ones can be returned on their next visit or dropped back any time. Or they can be given away too when appropriate.
    
    
13. Offer a calculator with the bill. This is handy for large groups.
    
    
14. Make adjustments for customers with disabilities
    
    While you already meet all legal requirements, it is good to promote that you go that extra mile for any special needs.
    
    
15. Create a Wall of Fame for regulars
    
    Regular diners like to feel special. It works the same for take away too. You can take a photo, add a short bio and even include their favourite meal. You can do the same on your website.
    
    
16. Buy regular guests a bottle of wine
    
    You know who the regulars are. They are also one of you strongest marketing people. Treat them accordingly. Take the wine to them personally. The results will be repaid ten fold.
    
    
17. Start a mug club
    
    This idea can be applied to countless possibilities, but the mug idea can be used almost anywhere. They can be kept at the café or bar and the patron even pays a fee for the purchase of the mug, or glass, or expensive bottle of Whisky or Brandy in Licensed restaurants.
    
    
18. Be a teacher
    
    Offer food education nights or lunches or even mornings on the weekend. Cooking shows, demonstrations or classes can all be very popular and can attract free publicity.
    
    
19. Have the chef deliver or accompany the food occasionally
    
    This is a sure fire way to impress guests. They love it. It makes them feel important and it allows the chef to get out of the kitchen and speak to the customers.
    
    
20. Name a menu item after a customer
    
    Just asking a customer for this privilege is a great compliment to them. Don't do it too often unless you have an extensive menu that you want to use this method as a theme.
    
    
21. Always give a bit more than you promise (like we have right now with this extra 21st suggestion)

This is what every business, including restaurants, should do. Anything extra, small or large is always appreciated.

Of course there are many other things you can do, and maybe this list will help you think of many others too.



Ian Macdonald - as founder and owner of Macdonald's Gourmet Burgers combines his passion and knowledge of food, wine and nutrition with savvy business tactics. He is also the MD of a corporate consulting firm that advises on strategic negotiation, dispute resolution and workplace change. Clients are mainly from top 100 corporations. For lots of free resources from their extensive website go to: http://www.MacdonaldsGourmetBurgers.com