Offering great food at good prices is simply not enough to win over new customers and build your business. What you need is a loyal customer base and repeat business. But in this economy, that could be considered a rather tall order. However, there are lots of cost-effective ways you can build business, even when your customers are tightening their belts a bit.

Check out these local, seasonal and holiday promotions that can help keep your image fresh and your restaurant top of mind.

Block Party!

Fresh squeezed classic lemonade infused with rosemary, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Suggested Sell Price: $4.99 or less
Serving Size: 4
Preparation Time: 30 mins - 1 hour

Ingredients:
3/4 cup – Granulated Sugar (#4782694)
5 cup – Water
5 ea. – 165 Count Lemons
1/2 cup – IQF Berry Perfect (#1410976)
6 ea. – Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

Instructions:
Classic Lemonade - Bring one cup of water to a simmer; dissolve all of the sugar in the simmering water and remove the syrup from the heat.

Green building materials aren’t just for start-up restaurants. Any restaurant can update its look, and add new green design elements to its scheme…it just takes a little creativity and the right resources.

At the core of the green movement is the mantra “reduce, reuse, recycle.” In green design this is first and foremost. Opportunity is hiding behind every old table and used bar stool. When it’s necessary to purchase new materials, like paint, or equipment, keep key factors in mind like sourcing non-toxic products and energy efficient equipment that will run for years and provide a solid return on investment.

PICNIC! — Put together a special indoor picnic menu with a gourmet twist and offer it over the holiday weekend. Items and selections could include hot dogs (various wursts), baked ham, potato salads and slaws, fruit compotes, watermelon ices and special fruit-based cocktails or chilled microbrewed beers. Picnic menus can be served in the restaurant or specially packed in picnic baskets to be enjoyed while watching the parade or fireworks. Have paper items, such as picnic table spreads and napkins printed with your restaurant’s logo to be included with each to-go order.

Like email a decade ago, permission-based mobile marketing is emerging as a powerful new way to reach your customers outside of your restaurant. Why? Because cell phones are with your customers 24/7 and they are using text messaging like never before – over 12 billion sent each year (and growing rapidly) in the United States according to the research firm Informa. Still not convinced? The National Restaurant Association 2008 Restaurant Industry Forecast reports that one in five people would like to receive cell phone notifications from their favorite restaurant if they had the option.