If you are a restaurant, likely you are already thinking about planning a special menu or promotion for Valentine’s Day. In fact, any gimmick that you come up with could be the ticket to romance, a proposal - or hopefully - a lot more business. If you have an especially romantic setting, why don’t you just step it up a notch and OFFER a proposal package? Marriage proposals are good for business - in fact it excites the staff and lifts the mood of the entire restaurant. The Commander's Palace in New Orleans gets a proposal every week or two. Wouldn't it be great for morale if you had a love story started, at your restaurant? The good news for your restaurant about a side of "I do!" at your restaurant?? The happy couple will likely become regulars for the rest of their lives!

Today's proposals are becoming larger than life - and many women are popping the question, too! In fact, nothing is typical, about some proposals, but when it comes to love and marriage, the "story" of the ask is always requested. As far as what this has to do with your business? Well...we already know that your customers are going to spend more money on Valentine’s Day than any other Saturday night – so let's make this Valentine's Day absolutely fabulous. What can your restaurant do to offer a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime moment? ABC Consulting has been scouring the internet looking for ideas - here are some:

• Pauli’s in Boston actually includes the diamond in their offer. A princess-cut diamond tucked into the bun for $3,000. That is a BBQ sandwich she'll love forever! Do you have a menu item that you could add a diamond to?
• Offer a special "Will You Marry Me?" dessert with room for a ring box (that they bring and you don't include in the price!)
• Offer appetizers that are typically categorized as aphrodisiacs – oysters and strawberries, for instance.
• Offer a fixed menu for Valentine's Day with simple choices and all courses included.
• Upserve suggests eliminating gender pronouns - including all that want to be romantic, this Valentine's Day.
• Include a nearby couples massage Spa Package as part of the package.
• Include a hotel stay, at a nearby hotel.
• Include a flower on each plate, for the first course.
• Have a professional photographer, on hand, to capture the moment.
• Include a bouquet of flowers for the bride-to-be.
• Include a champagne toast after the “Yes!”
• Bring in especially romantic music - even a pianist or a harpist can make things especially romantic if you don't have room for a jazz band.
• Here are some start advertising ideas: Make SURE to advertise your promotion on all social media channels. To get the romantic juices flowing - publish your menu, now and consider taking a photo of a romantic table with the "Will You Marry Me?" dessert plate, in your restaurant. Price your Proposal Package menu, now - so that he has time to get the ring and make a reservation.

 Lastly, make sure that your staff is on alert for proposal night! People giggling or gawking can really ruin the romantic moment.  And make sure that you teach and discuss the poker face – that way no one is tipped off, made to feel uncomfortable for a “no!” or congratulating too early. ABC Consulting is hoping that THIS Valentine's Day is your biggest sale day, yet.

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Application Processing - ABC Consulting processes any alcohol licensing for you. You can rest assured that all the documents needed for Virginia ABC approval will be reviewed by our experts before presenting the package to Virginia ABC. Our experts will find and correct any issues before submitting the application to Virginia ABC.  This results in a quicker license approval. You will not be surprised to know that documents needed for approval are not always indicated on applications.  We know what is needed for approval.  We are also the first to know of changes in the approval process. 

MBAR (Mixed Beverage Annual Review) - ABC Consulting maintains state required food-to-liquor ratio, minimum monthly sales requirements and year end reporting of food and beverage sales for Mixed Beverage clients.

Access to Expert Attorneys, versed in Virginia ABC Law - ABC Consulting has developed relationships with premier attorneys who are experts in the field of Virginia ABC law.

Hearings and Appeals - Hearing preparation is paramount. Our experts have extensive experience in the court room.  We will prepare you for any hearing (whether you have an attorney or not).  

T.O.A.S.T. VA - The Operational Alcohol Standards Training of Virginia was developed by Crystal E. Stump, a former Virginia ABC Special Agent and now CEO of ABC Consulting.  The program has been certified by Virginia ABC. This training course is presented from the unique perspective of an ABC Special Agent. The program includes in-depth training of the regulations, the ability to spot fake ID's, managing confrontational situations, and instruction on the various programs operated by VA ABC including the underage buyer program.