Worried that offers might hurt your bottom line? Think again.
The right promotions can help boost bookings without cutting into profits. Smart, well-timed offers can attract more diners, build loyalty, and keep your restaurant thriving.
Explore our curated list of restaurant promotion ideas to fill your seats, whether you're looking to attract guests during quieter times or celebrate special occasions – all while building lasting customer loyalty.
1. Happy hour specials
Happy hour specials give discounts on drinks and snacks during certain hours, often in the late afternoon or early evening.
For example, you might have half-price cocktails or two-for-one beers from 4 pm to 6 pm. These specials attract more customers, boosting your sales and encouraging them to explore additional menu items.
Make it easy with a dedicated happy hour menu, featuring a mix of drinks and snacks that everyone will love.
2. All-you-can-eat
Delight your diners with an all-you-can-eat experience that combines variety and value. Guests can enjoy unlimited servings of select menu items for a fixed price.
It's perfect for attracting families and groups looking for a fun, communal dining experience. This encourages longer visits and offers a variety of dishes, boosting customer satisfaction and increasing sales.
3. Special occasion offers
Who doesn't love a little extra on their special day?
Celebrate special occasions by treating guests to a free dessert, complimentary drink, or special discount on their birthdays or anniversaries.
You can use your customer data to send friendly reminders via email or SMS. Remember to highlight the exclusive nature of the offer to make them feel appreciated and encourage them to celebrate with you.
4. Seasonal menus
Switch things up with dishes that celebrate the best of each season!
Whether it’s a refreshing summer salad or a cosy winter stew, these limited-time offerings keep your menu exciting.
To entice diners, offer a special discount on seasonal menu items. Promote these fresh options on social media and in your restaurant to draw in curious diners eager to try something new.
You can also promote them on your restaurant profile with Quandoo for Restaurants’ Menu Highlights feature. This helps guests easily spot standout dishes when booking, encouraging them to choose your restaurant.
5. Limited-time specials
Create excitement with limited-time specials that keep diners coming back for more.
These exclusive deals are available for a short period, sparking curiosity and urgency. You can offer a unique dish or a special discount for just a week. You could also feature a regional cuisine night, or provide a complimentary dessert with every meal.
Limited-time offers not only boost traffic but also give regulars a fresh reason to drop by.
6. Bundle offers
Make dining more fun with bundle offers that give diners great value. Combine popular dishes or drinks into a single package to encourage guests to explore your menu.
Think ‘Dinner for Two’ with an appetiser, two mains, and a dessert at a special price or a ‘Family Feast’ with a selection of dishes to share. You could also offer a ‘Lunch Combo’ with a main, side, and drink.
These bundles boost sales by encouraging larger orders and make dining easy and enjoyable by offering a convenient and cost-effective way to try a variety of dishes.
6. Loyalty rewards
Keep your regulars coming back with a rewarding loyalty program.
Use stamp cards to offer points for every visit or purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts, free items or exclusive perks.
For example, after ten stamps, a customer might earn a free meal or a special discount. You could also provide early access to special events or exclusive menu tastings.
These offers not only encourage repeat visits but also make customers feel valued and appreciated.
8. Social media contests
Engage your audience and boost your restaurant's visibility with fun social media contests. Encourage them to share their dining experiences for a chance to win prizes like free meals or gift cards.
Here are some social media contest ideas:
- Best Dish Photo: Snap and share your favourite dish for a prize
- Creative Caption Challenge: Write a witty caption for a restaurant picture
- Tag and Win: Tag friends in a post to enter a giveaway
- Trivia Tuesday: Answer a fun trivia question about the restaurant to win
- Story Share: Share your dining experience on Instagram for a reward
These contests create excitement and help spread the word about your restaurant, bringing in new diners and keeping regulars engaged.
9. Off-peak hour discounts
Boost business during quieter times with off-peak hour discounts. Offer special pricing on meals or drinks during slower periods to attract more diners.
For example, provide discounted dinners for early evening guests or reduced prices on snacks and drinks after 9 pm. Consider offering lunchtime deals to draw in the work crowd or special rates on tea and pastries mid-afternoon.
These discounts help fill tables during off-peak hours, increasing overall sales.
10. Group booking discounts
Make dining out a social affair with group booking discounts. Offer special deals for parties or large gatherings, such as a percentage off the total bill or a complimentary appetiser for groups of a certain size.
Here are some ideas:
- Birthday Bash: Discount for birthday groups of six or more
- Office Lunch Special: Reduced rates for workplace gatherings
- Family Feast Deal: Complimentary dessert for family groups
These discounts not only fill more seats but also bring in new diners, setting the stage for future visits.
11. Kids-eat-free
Attract families by offering kids-eat-free deals on specific days or times. This offer makes dining out more affordable for parents and encourages family visits.
For example, you could allow children to eat free with the purchase of an adult meal during weekday evenings or weekend brunches.
It’s a great restaurant promotion idea to create a welcoming atmosphere for families, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.
12. Reservation raffle
Turn reservations into a game with a reservation raffle! Every time guests book a table, they can be entered into a draw to win exciting prizes like a free meal or gift card.
This fun twist encourages more bookings and adds a surprise element to their visit. You can host the raffle monthly or during special events to keep the excitement alive.
13. Review incentives
Did you know 93% of diners check online reviews before choosing a restaurant?
Encourage your guests to share their experiences by offering perks like a discount on their next visit or a free appetiser for leaving a review.
This not only gathers helpful feedback but also boosts your visibility online. Make it easy with a direct link in emails or a QR code on the table. It’s a great way to attract new diners and build trust with future customers.
Wrapping up
Running strategic offers is a fantastic way to attract more diners and boost your bookings. These promotions bring in new customers and keep your regulars excited.
With our Special Offers feature, you can highlight these deals on your Quandoo profile, making it easy for guests to spot available offers while booking a table.
Don’t forget to spread the word on social media, through email, and with in-restaurant signs to make an impact. By showcasing your promotions, you’ll enjoy more traffic, higher sales and stronger customer loyalty.
