3-minute read ---
The holiday season brings crowds of shoppers looking to refuel and relax between visits to stores or browsing online. For restaurants, this busy time presents an opportunity to draw in more customers and boost sales. With the right marketing approach, and modern tools like QR codes, restaurant owners can not only support shoppers but also stand out as a preferred holiday destination, and a welcoming and rewarding restaurant to return to after the holidays are over. Here are some ideas to make the most of this busy holiday season.
1. Offer Exclusive Holiday-Themed Menus
A festive menu can instantly put diners in a holiday spirit. Consider offering limited-edition holiday meals or themed desserts that capitalize on traditional holiday flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, gingerbread, and peppermint. Specialty menu items like these encourage shoppers to dine out for a unique experience they won’t find elsewhere. Promote these dishes on social media, your website, and in-store with enticing visuals and descriptions.
A festive menu can instantly put diners in a holiday spirit. Consider offering limited-edition holiday meals or themed desserts that capitalize on traditional holiday flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, gingerbread, and peppermint. Specialty menu items like these encourage shoppers to dine out for a unique experience they won’t find elsewhere. Promote these dishes on social media, your website, and in-store with enticing visuals and descriptions.
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2. Create Holiday Gift Card Specials
Gift cards are a go-to holiday purchase for last-minute shoppers or those who "have it all." By offering promotions such as “Buy $50, Get a $10 Bonus Gift Card,” restaurants can encourage customers to give the gift of dining while boosting future sales. These promotions are particularly impactful when combined with digital gift card options. With Aldelo's Masa+ platform, restaurants can offer multi-store digital gift cards that are easy for shoppers to buy and gift, even on the go. 3. Provide a Warm, Welcoming Environment for Shoppers
During the hustle and bustle, shoppers appreciate a space to unwind. Restaurants can create a cozy ambiance with seasonal décor, cheerful music, and warming winter drinks. Promoting a comfortable environment through social media and local advertising can help drive foot traffic as people seek a break from the holiday rush. Consider offering incentives like "Hot Chocolate Happy Hours" or "Holiday Coffee on Us" with a meal to entice shoppers to take a break. |
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4. Run “After Hours” Shopping Events
Partnering with nearby stores to offer late-night dining options for shoppers staying out later can be a unique way to draw in customers. Coordinate a local shopping night where participating restaurants stay open later than usual, offering discounts or exclusive holiday treats to entice shoppers coming from nearby stores. This collaborative approach enhances community engagement and encourages cross-promotion.
Partnering with nearby stores to offer late-night dining options for shoppers staying out later can be a unique way to draw in customers. Coordinate a local shopping night where participating restaurants stay open later than usual, offering discounts or exclusive holiday treats to entice shoppers coming from nearby stores. This collaborative approach enhances community engagement and encourages cross-promotion.
5. Launch a Social Media “12 Days of Giving” Campaign
An interactive social media campaign can build excitement and engagement. Consider running a "12 Days of Giving" event where you post a special deal, giveaway, or promotion each day for the 12 days leading up to a key holiday. Offers can include discounts, BOGO deals, or even small giveaways for followers who engage with your content. For a broader reach, encourage customers to tag friends or share the post, helping your restaurant connect with new patrons.
An interactive social media campaign can build excitement and engagement. Consider running a "12 Days of Giving" event where you post a special deal, giveaway, or promotion each day for the 12 days leading up to a key holiday. Offers can include discounts, BOGO deals, or even small giveaways for followers who engage with your content. For a broader reach, encourage customers to tag friends or share the post, helping your restaurant connect with new patrons.
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6. Streamline and Simplify with Digital Payments
During peak times and the holiday season, it’s essential to offer fast and seamless customer experiences. Masa+ Scan & Pay can improve transaction speed, enabling shoppers to pay quickly and get back to their shopping without delay. For guests seeking a secure and contactless option, Masa+ QR Code Fast Pay simplifies transactions while keeping customers' payment details protected. These digital tools enhance convenience and contribute to positive experiences that could encourage repeat visits. 7. Send Timely Email Marketing with Targeted Promotions
Using email to reach customers with targeted holiday offers is effective, especially if you can segment your customer base. Send out festive emails with specific promotions, such as “Holiday Happy Hour Specials” or “Family Dinner Discounts.” Include a digital gift card promotion in the email to remind customers of convenient, last-minute gift options they can purchase online through Masa+. |
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8. Reward Loyal Customers with a Holiday Perk
Reward your loyal customers with a holiday thank-you perk, like a discount on their next visit or a special holiday dessert “on the house.” A gesture like this reinforces customer loyalty, ensuring that your regulars feel valued, even during the busy holiday season. Consider adding a small surprise for those who order through Masa+ Online Ordering as a way to highlight your digital ordering options.
With these thoughtful marketing strategies and QR code-based services, restaurants can become an integral part of their customers’ holiday experience. By providing a festive atmosphere, convenient solutions, and seasonal perks, you can help make the holidays a little brighter for all who visit.
Masa+ supports multiple QR code-based services to provide convenient and smooth interactions with the restaurant:
Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410
Reward your loyal customers with a holiday thank-you perk, like a discount on their next visit or a special holiday dessert “on the house.” A gesture like this reinforces customer loyalty, ensuring that your regulars feel valued, even during the busy holiday season. Consider adding a small surprise for those who order through Masa+ Online Ordering as a way to highlight your digital ordering options.
With these thoughtful marketing strategies and QR code-based services, restaurants can become an integral part of their customers’ holiday experience. By providing a festive atmosphere, convenient solutions, and seasonal perks, you can help make the holidays a little brighter for all who visit.
Masa+ supports multiple QR code-based services to provide convenient and smooth interactions with the restaurant:
- QR Code Digital Menus
- QR Code Online Ordering
- QR Code e-Gift Cards
- QR Code Loyalty Rewards Programs
- QR Code Promo Cards (Smart Digital Offers)
- QR Code Scan & Pay from Physical Guest Check
- And More!
Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410
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Restaurants that use ultra-competitive Aldelo Pay or Aldelo Partner Merchant Services obtain access to a Centralized Multi-Store Restaurant Technology Platform that includes Masa+ Online Ordering, Unlimited Software Releases, Unlimited Software Upgrades, and 24/7 Technical Support! *** Please contact an Aldelo representative today for more details, including a free Aldelo Express POS demo trial [email protected] | 877-639-8767 | [email protected] |
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