The first quarter of the year is a prime opportunity to launch fresh restaurant marketing initiatives that will set the tone for the year ahead. It is traditionally a slow time for many restaurants as we emerge from the holiday season, and the weather (at least here in New Jersey) is not enticing guests to venture out to their local eateries.
Whether your goal is to attract new customers, increase repeat visits, or build your brand’s presence, Q1 provides unique opportunities to make a strong start.
Here are 10 innovative and proven strategies to help your restaurant stand out in the new year:
1. Leverage New Year Resolutions
January is all about fresh starts, and customers are eager to focus on health and self-improvement. Position your restaurant as their go-to destination for achieving their goals.
- Healthy Menu Options: Highlight nutritious dishes like salads, lean proteins, and plant-based meals.
- Dry January: Promote creative mocktails.
- Special Promotions: Offer deals on “resolution-friendly” combos or lighter meals.
- Engaging Campaigns: Create social media challenges, such as “Try 10 Healthy Dishes in 30 Days,” and showcase how your menu fits their lifestyle.
2. Start Advertising Holidays Early
Q1 offers a variety of holidays perfect for restaurant promotions, with key dates like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter providing excellent opportunities to drive business and attract new customers. March is an ideal month to start promoting Easter, especially since it’s right around the corner after St. Patrick’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Promotions (February 14th)
Start promoting for Valentine’s Day in January to give your guests ample time to make plans. This year, with February 14th falling on a Friday, the entire weekend offers a chance to celebrate love. Many restaurants are already half-booked for Valentine’s Day, so getting the word out early can ensure full tables.
- Prix Fixe Menus: Curate romantic 3- or 5-course meals, complete with wine pairings, to elevate the dining experience.
- Group Offers: Don’t forget “Galentine’s Day” packages for friends celebrating together—this can draw in a wider crowd, including those without a significant other.
- Social Contests: Engage with your followers by encouraging them to tag loved ones for a chance to win a special Valentine’s dinner at your restaurant.
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
St. Patrick’s Day is always a festive occasion, and it’s a great chance for your restaurant to feature themed menus or drinks. Celebrate Irish culture with hearty food specials, Irish beer pairings, and fun events. Offering live music or themed décor can help attract crowds looking for an authentic experience. Promote your specials starting early to get ahead of the competition.
Easter (March/April)
March is a great month to begin promoting Easter, especially if you plan to offer special brunches, family-style meals, or Easter Bunny visits. Easter is a popular time for families to dine out together, so early promotions can help secure reservations. Highlight unique menu items like holiday-themed pastries, lamb dishes, or spring-inspired cocktails, and consider offering a prix fixe menu or buffet-style brunch for a more festive atmosphere.
By planning your marketing strategies early and targeting these Q1 holidays, you’ll set your restaurant up for a successful start to the year!
3. Embrace Winter Comfort Food
The cozy vibe of winter is ideal for promoting hearty, nostalgic dishes that bring people together.
- Limited-Time Offerings: Feature soups, stews, and warm desserts on your menu.
- Family-Style Options: Highlight shareable platters for family gatherings.
- Takeout Campaigns: Market your comfort food as the perfect companion for cold nights at home.
4. Boost Weekday Traffic
Combat slower weekdays by offering irresistible incentives for diners to visit during off-peak hours.
- Happy Hours: Offer discounted drinks and appetizers during slower times.
- Loyalty Rewards: Introduce weekday-specific discounts for repeat customers.
- Weekday food specials: BOGO burger or pizza nights.
5. Engage with Social Media Contests and Influencers
Keep your online audience engaged with fun, interactive campaigns with local influencers.
- Influencers: Create something fun and different that influencers would want to promote to their followers. Preview a Valentine’s Day menu for select influencers or exciting winter cocktails.
- Giveaways: Partner with local influencers to promote gift cards or dining experience giveaways.
6. Invest in Paid Ads
Now that the holidays are behind us paid advertising on Meta will be less competitive and should be much more affordable.
- Private Parties: Promote catering and private party bookings with paid ad campaigns. Wedding season is coming and that means engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and weddings if your venue can accommodate. Get in front now before decisions are made. The same goes for graduation parties and first communions.
- New Winter Menu / Cocktails: Get the word out with paid ads on Facebook and Instagram.
- Specials or Holidays: Promote your Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day menus, or Happy Hour, etc.
7. Plan for March Madness
March Madness is a significant event for sports fans, and your restaurant can become their go-to spot to watch the games.
- Game-Day Deals: Offer special pricing on drinks, appetizers, and party packages.
- Themed Menus: Create game-inspired dishes or combos.
- Branded Merchandise: Give away t-shirts or koozies for fans participating in contests or promotions. Your liquor partners can be a great resource for free merch.
8. Promote Catering and Delivery Options
With winter weather and key events like Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl, many customers prefer to stay in.
- Seasonal Catering: Market catering packages for parties and small gatherings.
- Delivery Promotions: Highlight your delivery services with incentives like free delivery for first-time users.
9. Refresh Your Brand
The new year is the perfect time to refresh your restaurant’s look and feel.
- New Menu Items: Introduce dishes inspired by seasonal trends.
- Interior Updates: Showcase any new decor or renovations on social media.
- Updated Branding: Roll out refreshed logos, photography, or packaging to draw attention.
10. Gather and Act on Customer Feedback
Strengthen relationships by showing customers that their opinions matter.
- Surveys: Offer incentives like free appetizers for completing feedback surveys.
- Respond to Reviews: Engage with online reviews on Yelp, Google, and social media platforms.
- Test New Ideas: Use customer feedback to refine your menu, specials, or events.
By implementing these marketing strategies, your restaurant can thrive in Q1, drawing in customers, building loyalty, and driving revenue. The key is to plan and promote well in advance.