Fall into the season: 10 restaurant marketing ideas for Fall

Technically, Fall is here. The kids are back at school, and while the weather in Louisiana is still warm, here at the Louisiana Restaurant Association we’re hopeful we can breakout the jackets and scarves sooner rather than later. Now what’s your Fall marketing plan?

Here are our top 10 ideas to pack your restaurant this Fall:

1. Football and other fall sports

It’s football season! Bring crowds to your place by sending out schedules announcing what games you’ll be showing when. Promote your restaurant as the place to celebrate before and after the game. Offer special take-out deals for customers hosting their own viewing parties. And while football is king in most many towns, don’t forget about the other sports fans!

2. Columbus Day

Columbus Day is Monday, October 14 and many will have the day off from work and school. Promote brunch or lunch specials – and don’t forget about Sunday specials.

3. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest runs from late September to the first week in October. Have a great beer selection? Ask your customers which is their favorite with a Facebook Poll. Then during Oktoberfest, select the favorite as a special.

4. Kids in Costume Eat Free

‘Kids Eat Free’ if they’re wearing a Halloween costume! Why limit kids to just one night to show off their costume? Host a “kids eat free night” on the Tuesday or Wednesday before Halloween to increase traffic and create guest loyalty.

5. Halloween Photo Contest

Put together a Facebook Halloween Photo Contest. Encourage guests to post a picture with their best Halloween costume. The winner gets a restaurant gift card!

6. Pumpkin and Apple and Squash, oh my!

So many great foods are in season during Fall. Is your famous pumpkin pie back on the menu? Have you created a pumpkin spice martini? Let your guests know about new seasonal menu items and cocktails.

7. One for You, One for Me

Get folks in the giving mood with a One for You, One for Me Facebook Sweepstakes. Customers will “Like” your Facebook page and provide their email address, and then be entered for a chance to win a prize.

8. Check in Deals

Bring in new business by utilizing check in deals on Foursquare, Yelp and Groupon Offers. All of these sites provide tracking and you can see when guests “unlock” and redeem your deal.

9. Holiday Catering and Party Space?

Do you cater? Or have a private dining space? Many corporate holiday parties and events are beginning to be planned now. Make sure your guests are aware of your capabilities and encourage them to make their holiday plans early.

10. Gift Cards

Early and often is the name of this game.  If you offer gift cards for your restaurant, let your guests know in all your promotional efforts including in-store material, on email, Facebook, etc.

This content was provided by National Restaurant Association partner Fishbowl.