Bring them back

If you've ever been to a Disney resort or on a cruise you'll recognize the term "Bounce Back" offer.

If you know you have shown your guests a good time, or you are even somewhat confident that they'd return for your product, you should really consider making a bounce back offer.

How do you do this? Easy. Staple a savings coupon for your restaurant to their take-out order. Offer a free lunch draw for people who leave their business cards. Ask your fans to follow you on Facebook and Twitter.

Simply find a way to interact, beyond at the table side.  If you're top of the mind for your guests,  and you provide consistently good food and service, why wouldn't they come back?

Simply invite them!

Mother's Day at the Diner

Mother's Day at the Diner was a busy one! We enjoyed a new one-day sales high. That success can be attributed to our approach to advertising that day.

We advertised our special as a dinner for 4 complete package, with soft drinks and dessert included. We did not discount our prices, but simply showcased our feature meal and stated the price.

The key to the ad's appeal was the "easy" call and complete package. With one phone call, Dad or the kids, could arrange to pick up our Mother's Day meal approximately 30 minutes later. It was easy peasy and did not require reservations or any advance booking.

The hardest choice was which pie to choose.

Seasonal Chopped Salad

With warmer weather in sight, guest's appetites turn to salads and lighter menu items.

In the winter, we all think hearty and comforting food. In the summer, it's the polar opposite.

One delightful choice I made recently was this chopped salad. It was a seasonal vegetable medley with a light dressing and fresh grated cheese. It was a meal in itself. The only think I thought was missing is the very trendy beet. Seems everyone is grilling and loving beets lately. Albeit, not currently in season, they are still readily available in many forms, including pickled.

Even if you own a retro burger joint (as I do) you can still offer a salad. You already have lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese for the burgers. All we do is add a few creative vegetables, like snow peas, peppers and broccoli for a nutritious and colourful alternative to fries.

Mother's Day in the Kitchen

Mother's Day is the busiest restaurant day of the year. Whether you work at KFC or Spago, it's bound to be a ridiculously busy event.

I think of it as "Game Day." It's the real event. It's not a drill. Every other day has been practice so that we can execute our plan and work to our maximum efficiency on Mother's Day.

As a mom it's tough though. You want to be with your own family. However, if you work in a floral shop or restaurant, you know that it's work first... and your own Mother's Day activities after.

The absolute majority of moms are treated to brunch or dinner that day. And as a restaurant owner, it is my pleasure to cook for others and I'm glad to do it on Mother's Day.

Restaurants who do NOT advertise for this event are making a big mistake. Let's face it, dads and kids need the obvious hints. Your Mother's Day advertisements don't need to be for a sale. Don't discount your prices. In fact, this is your time to charge full price, and provide your best service and experience possible. You will need your best staff working.

Your advertisements could showcase a special menu, or even a simple reminder to make reservations. Your goal is to make sure you are at the top of the list when families are planning their gifts/events for mom.