While many people will argue that Valentine’s Day is the product of American consumer society, and that day has been invented to make people spend all their money and for traders to get more profit, this holiday is truly traditional and dates back to the Roman era. Today’s Valentine’s Day that we celebrate on 14th February, dates from the third century, the time of the Roman Empire. Emperor Claudius II forbade to soldiers to marry to prevent them to be tied to their family and, therefore, avoid going to war.
All priests except one — called Valentin compiled the emperor’s command. This priest resisted to the Emperor’s decision and keep on marrying young couples secretly. After they discover this disobedience Valentin has been imprisoned, and on 14th February executed. Soon, he has been declared as a saint and lovers around the globe still celebrate this day of love every February every year.
It’s now clear that Valentine’s Day is great opportunity to attract new guests in your restaurant. If you did not have success last year, read some ideas for your restaurant promotion on Valentine’s day and don’t let that failure happen again.
Probably most restaurants have an offer that really fits for lovers, which is really cool, but is this offer good enough to fully satisfy them on Valentine’s Day? Valentine ‘s Day is the perfect opportunity to introduce your guests with your offer and to give them unforgettable experience and a romantic evening in your restaurant.
People, regardless of whether they are old or young are always in demand for new special events and experiences, and for their money they demand more, not only good food but also the appropriate ambiance and something special. Valentine ‘s Day is an event when your restaurant simply must be changed into the love nest.
Run a “We Love Our Customers” Promotion
All businesses love their customers (well, most of their customers!). Show them how much they mean to you by offering special, limited-time Valentine’s Day promotions for current customers only. It could be a buy-one-get-one offer, a discount on their next service or purchase, or a free gift the next time they come in.
Use your Valentine’s Day promotions to position gift cards as a way to make the giver look like a hero or include messaging about how the gift card will make the recipient’s life SO much easier. Under the “hero” category: spas, salons, massage therapy, babysitting. Under the “easier life” category: home cleaning, a personal chef, dry cleaning service, professional organizer.
Compile your best gift suggestions in a printed or digital gift guide. To really get creative and cut costs, partner with other businesses or your local Chamber of Commerce to create a gift guide that promotes all of the gifting options available in your city. You can use this idea even if you don’t offer any Valentine’s-related products or services by explaining how your non-traditional gifts are actually great options for customers.
This can get really fun! Ask customers to submit their best love story, most romantic date, a photo of the cutest couple, a pet decked out in Valentines Day attire — be as creative as you like and make sure to promote the contest heavily on your social media networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. The prize could be a $100 Visa gift card, a collection of romantic movies or books, or a date package that includes free dinner and movie tickets for two.