You should start thinking NOW of a special menu or promotion for Valentine’s Day, because any gimmick that your restaurant offers could be the ticket to romance, a proposal – or you’re your sake: 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. What’s in it for you to be the “proposal” restaurant? The happy couple will (likely) become regulars for the rest of their lives! Today’s proposals are group efforts, largely public and some are larger than life – don’t you want a piece of that?
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? Well, before we answer that, remember to factor in your food/beverage ratio: Pair special adult beverages with your food items, for one price, but make sure to separate food and alcohol sales for compliant record keeping. For example: 1 bottle of wine, 2 entrées, sides, 2 desserts for $125. Another important tip: be sure to not discount any alcohol after 9pm!
ABC Consulting has been scouring the internet looking for some Valentine promotion ideas:
- 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! Can you think of a creative way to add a diamond or a “will you marry me?” card?
- Offer a special “Will You Marry Me?” dessert with room on the plate for a ring box (that they bring!).
- Offer appetizers that are typically categorized as aphrodisiacs (i.e. oysters and strawberries).
- Offer a fixed menu for Valentine’s Day with simple choices, 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 – 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: 1) Make SURE to advertise your promotion on all social media channels 2) Publish your menu, now, with a photo of a romantic table 3) Photograph a “Will You Marry Me?” dessert plate, in your restaurant 4) Price your Proposal Package menu, now – so that he has time to get the ring and make a reservation.
This is overlooked but terribly important: make sure that your staff is on alert for proposal night! People giggling or gawking can really ruin a romantic moment. Practice the “Poker Face” – that way no one is tipped off, made to feel uncomfortable for a “no!” or by congratulating too early. ABC Consulting is hoping that THIS Valentine’s Day is your biggest, yet.
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