How to Attract New Customers to Your Restaurant During Slow Hours?

1. Offer Special Deals and Discounts

What could be the easiest ways to attract new customers to a restaurant during slow hours? Well, think about running promotions with reduced prices on meals, drinks, or appetizers during those slower times. The key is to make the deals tempting and worthwhile so people want to come in during those slower times.

For instance, you could have a “happy hour” with discounts on drinks and small plates between 2-4 PM. Make sure everyone knows about these deals; promote them on your website, social media, and with signs in your restaurant. Running campaigns tailored for slow hours can also help drive more traffic, ensuring your restaurant stays busy throughout the day.

Here are some types of promotions you can offer for your restaurant during off-peak hours:

2. Create a Limited-Time Menu

Switching things up with a rotating or themed menu can really make your restaurant stand out. After all, it creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging people to come in before the offer is gone. 

If you consistently offer good food, people are going to return for more.

– Nikesh Lamba, Restaurateur, Co-founder, South North Hospitality

Try designing a special menu with unique dishes or drinks available only during slow hours. You may offer seasonal items, themed meals, or exclusive chef’s specials. Then, make sure to highlight these options in your marketing materials, like your website and social media channels.

3. Host Events or Activities

Hosting events and activities is an awesome way to create a buzz and attract new customers to the restaurant. The trick is to offer something that’s not just a crowd-puller but also fun and engaging for everyone who attends.

You may organize trivia nights, live music, or cooking classes. These kinds of events can create a lively vibe that gets people excited to visit your restaurant, even during those quiet times. Make sure to promote these events on local community boards, social media, and through partnerships with other businesses to get the word out and attract as many people as possible. 

Here’s a sample event and activity calendar to attract new customers to your restaurant during slow hours:

4. Implement a Loyalty Program

A well-designed loyalty program can turn casual diners into regulars, especially during slow hours. Imagine having a steady stream of customers between 2 and 4 p.m. just because they get extra points or discounts for dining then. Simple, right? 

We create an everlasting impression on the consumers’ minds with our loyalty programs! We’ve tie-ups with all the third parties, like Dineout, Nearbuy, Magicpin, etc. With the support of our tech partners, we get to know our customers’ database. So, when they visit our outlet, we know their preferences as per the database, their previous visits, and everything else. And we, accordingly, maintain loyalty programs.

– Varun Puri, Founder, Imly Restaurants, Duty Free, Vayu Bar, and more

Just make sure your loyalty program is easy to understand and clearly communicate the perks to your customers. This way, you’ll boost traffic and sales during off-peak times without any confusion.

Here’s a list of the benefits and rewards that you can offer in your loyalty program:

5. Partner with Delivery Services

Online food delivery has really taken off, jumping from 8% to 12% between 2019 and 2023. That’s a huge growth, about 2.8 times faster than the overall food service industry! Tapping into this trend can help you reach customers who love eating restaurant food at home. 

If you partner with popular food delivery platforms, you can make your menu accessible to a much broader audience. Plus, you can offer special deals and discounts for delivery orders placed during your slow hours. This not only improves your sales but also brings in customers who might not visit your restaurant in person.

Promote these delivery options and deals alongside your in-house offers to maximize both.

6. Improve Your Online Presence

Having a strong online presence is key to attracting customers, especially when they’re searching for dining options during quieter times. Here’s what you can do:

• Make sure your website is always up-to-date with your latest menu, special offers, and any planned events. 
• A user-friendly reservation system is also a must—it makes it super easy for customers to book a table, especially if you’re offering deals during slow hours. 
• Don’t forget to list your restaurant on review sites and directories with accurate information and plenty of positive reviews.

This helps make your place the top choice when people are deciding where to eat. 

7. Focus on Seasonal Promotions

Seasonal promotions are a great way to spice things up and get customers excited about dining at your restaurant. Think about it — holidays, local events, and seasonal trends provide perfect opportunities to craft appealing promotions. 

For instance, you could create holiday-themed menus, offer special discounts, or introduce unique items that celebrate the season. Spread the word about these seasonal offers through your website, social media, and local advertising. This way, you’ll attract customers who are looking for a timely and relevant dining experience. 

Here’s how you can plan seasonal promotions for your restaurant to attract new customers:

8. Leverage Social Media and Digital Marketing

Social media and digital marketing are great for improving your restaurant’s visibility and getting the word out to people who might not think of visiting during slower periods. Here’s what you should do:

• Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to update people on your special deals, limited-time menus, and exciting events. 
• Make sure your posts are engaging and showcase what makes your restaurant stand out during those quieter hours. 
• Don’t forget about targeted ads — they can help you reach local customers who might be interested in your promotions. 

Here’s a sample social media campaign planner showing various social media strategies and their objectives:

Wrapping Up

Getting customers in during slow hours involves a mix of smart promotions, fun activities, and powerful marketing. Offer special deals, roll out limited-time menus, host events, and use social media to spread the word. 

You can also start a loyalty program with Reelo and launch marketing campaigns and promotions. These strategies can help you turn those quiet times into busy periods. The result: repeat customers and increased profits!

Try Reelo for free.