For restaurant owners, a change of seasons is a chance at trying out new marketing strategies. The ambience is different especially in places where winter brings along a drop in temperature and snow days. Here are some fun and effective ways to market a restaurant for the winter.
Events
People love events. In small towns, low-key activities such as an open-mic night showcasing local musical talents can go a long way. Restaurant owners can take advantage of all the pre-winter events such as Halloween and Thanksgiving to promote events held in December. A month-long Christmas celebration is a great way to attract families. Instead of holding a single event, owners can host a series of events with promos that can help patrons save money during the Christmas season.
Decoration
How a business establishment looks is the first thing prospective customers see. As such, when owners dress up their establishments, it piques the interest of passers-by. Take two restaurants with the same cuisine. One is dressed up for Christmas, with lights, decorations, and the works. The second looks like it would any other day of the year. Naturally, the first establishment will attract more attention.
Menu
New items on the menu can also be a fantastic way of saying “hey, look what we have” to both restaurant regulars, as well as newcomers. The biggest restaurant chains know this, and many of their clients actually look forward to the change of seasons for this. Winter could be an excellent time to add hot cocoa mixes and unique coffee cocktails to the menu. People love that.
Peter Medlyn is a pizzeria owner who is based in Oakland, CA. Follow him on Twitter for more updates on the restaurant biz.
Peter Medlyn 
