Question

Topic: Strategy

Creative Ideas For Grand Opening!

Posted by Anonymous on 2/14/2007 at 12:49 PM ET 25 Points
Thank you for the responses..In regard to the few asking what type of restaurant it is? It is a Small Plates TAPAS restaurant & Lounge. The space is huge and it has three full bars. We want to market it as a restaurant and not a venue/ bar...even though we have a lounge and a casual atmosphere. It is located in midtown. Yes we did do a soft opening and it went very well. so far we have been listed on the local dining mags and some internet mag. However, We are now ready for a bang. as for the budget. It is always better to find free publicity whenever possible. and we have spent $$$ on advertising with local papers and radios. I am looking for creative ideas for promotions so as to create a buzz as well as an interest? We have faxed out menus to local businesses as well. Any and all comments welcome.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 2/14/2007 at 7:15 PM Accepted
    Have an "invitation only" Tasting event. Since you serve Tapas style this should be easy. I put invitation only quotation marks because you can place an ad in the local entertainment paper that is an invitation itself. Just be sure to say Reservations Required!
    Rotate people through the evening at different times. Treat it like a meet and greet with a bit of a happy hour cocktail party feel. Serve a variety of tapas throughout the evening horsdoerve (sp) style. Be sure to personally invite food critics and other reporters from print, TV, Radio, Web etc. - do not require those people to make reservations but politely ask for an RSVP. Hand out flyers with the invitation on it to local businesses surrounding your establishment.
    Have a guestbook and request name address and email use this later to thank your guests for their participation and continue to send emails and specials on a monthly basis.
  • Posted by Tracey on 2/14/2007 at 8:28 PM Accepted
    I really like the ideas posted above. Additionally, you could send invites or advertise specially to event planners. When I was in event planning I was always looking for new restaurants where I could host events or refer clients. You could even host a special "familiarization" tapas hour or something like that. (You can reach local event planners through your city's convention & visitors bureau).
  • Posted on 2/14/2007 at 9:10 PM Member
    I forgot to say....Still charge for drinks....free food NO freee drinks
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 2/15/2007 at 9:42 PM Member
    I would fusion market with a wine store and do winemaker dinners. Your wine merchant has contacts to bring in the winemaker with their distributor. I have owned a restaurant, and am doing such a theme for a friends birthday.

    Tango is hot! Offer lessons.

    Spanish art show-- any local artists you can do a art show with? You exhibit their art and its on your walls on a rotating basis. Its for sale, which helps them.

    Tapas Cooking classes? Is there a gourmet restaurant or a Williams Sonoma that you can market with?

    Carol
    Sell Well and Prosper tm
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