Are you a restaurant owner taking advantage of the holidays with a creative, marketing strategy? Halloween is the kick-off for such a time, bringing out the most creative promotions within the industry.
For example, Sonic Drive-In locations promise “A Scary Good Deal”: 50-cent corn dogs for the entire day of Oct. 31. Currently, their boards tout the promotion, with corn dogs bearing daunting faces drawn with ketchup or mustard.
Additionally, participating Outback Steakhouse locations will let kids eat free on Halloween (with the purchase of an adult entrée, of course) and will hide a free treat inside the beverage menu, while the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Dunkin’ Donuts chains have Halloween-themed flavors stocking the shelves.
Whether little to large, such inventive items and offerings help restaurants boom with business during the holiday season.
The results can be “frighteningly” fruitful. Consider Starbucks’ popular seasonal coffee concoctions, such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Peppermint Mocha. According to Bloomberg.com, Starbucks’ first-quarter profit increased 10 percent “as consumers bought more specialty beverages during the holidays.” The increase is astounding, considering the drinks are only available for a few months of the year.
However, holiday marketing is not just about the extra revenue. Restaurant promotions are an exceptional way to reach out to existing customers and show appreciation for their business, while hopefully gaining new customers along the way.