Restaurant public relations remain a crucial marketing component at a time when there are more restaurants and options than ever before. You need to do a little bit of everything, from having a presence online and content marketing to hosting events and working with charities.
And when restaurant public relations work, it helps create a loyal customer base that keeps coming back to your eatery.
If you’re trying to find public relations event ideas for 2024, the list below can help you get started.
7 PR Ideas for Restaurants in 2024
1. Customer-First Content
Restaurant PR starts with one thing: your customer. It would help if you began creating content for your customers that:
- Intrigues them to come in and order your food
- Shows customers that you care for them
Focus on your customers, such as explaining what entrées they can order for Christmas dinner or Valentine’s Day. If you’re known for your in-house bar, you can educate others on how to pair their drinks properly for a delicious meal.
Perhaps a red wine for their flank steak.
And your content can also be something a little extra for your guests. Perhaps the first ten people who share your post will receive a 30% coupon that they can use during their next visit.
Discounts and contests can be a way to get your restaurant’s posts shared by key figures in your area for simple PR.
2. Personalized Experiences for Customers
What do customers expect in 2024? Personalization. One study found that personalization led to a 10% to 15% increase in revenue. You'll also benefit from higher customer retention because when you personalize customer experience, it leads to better service.
So, how can you personalize the experience?
Build your public relations for restaurants around:
- Loyalty databases
- Remembering special occasions
- Knowing your regulars’ names
Personalization revolves around going the extra mile to care about your customers and to treat them like “family.”
If you have the budget, consider loyalty and reward programs for your eatery.
3. Local Cross-Promotion
Are you leveraging your cross-promotion opportunities adequately? If not, you’re missing out on vital opportunities to promote your eatery. For example, let’s assume that you own a local pizzeria, and you deliver, too.
You can connect with a hotel in the area that will:
- Share your pizzeria with all guests
- Cross-promote your business
In return, you can promote the hotel in your eatery, or you can provide a discount to anyone who orders from you at the hotel. If you can find cross-promotion opportunities, it will allow you to grow your business while helping others do the same.
Cross-promotion is a win-win opportunity for everyone involved.
4. Hold Parties for Locals
One of the PR events ideas that works so well yet is under-utilized is to hold parties for locals. You can do this in multiple ways. For example, you can offer a massive discount for a local church that always has dinner at your restaurant.
When high school students graduate, you can hold a local party for them – with a charge.
If your town’s sports team wins the championship or even your state’s major league team, you can hold a massive party. Viewing parties during the big game are also another option. By holding parties, you’ll attract locals into your eatery and build a name for your restaurant
5. Host Events for Charities
Locals are your bread and butter in terms of business. You'll attract the majority of your business from the local area, so any charity that you can provide, the better. For example, in my local area, the restaurants have done quite a few charity-related events, including:
- One eatery held a fundraiser for a local who had cancer. They hosted the event and also donated money. Food was provided at cost, but it ended up with more people going to the eatery because they supported a well-known local.
You can offer discounts and party options for charities. You may not be able to offer food at cost, but you can provide special perks and deals to any charities that are helping the community in some way.
You can connect with local charities to host events on a routine basis. Some events are just once per year, but they’ll be enough to increase your restaurant’s revenue and image in the local community.
And as an added bonus, you’re helping good causes and doing your part to be an integral part of the community.
6. Support Sport Teams
Your local sports teams may be an opportunity for some good PR. For example, you can do a few things that will strengthen your ties with the community in new, exciting ways:
- Buy your local sports team their outfits and in exchange, you can have your restaurant’s name promoted on it.
- Pay for a local team to go to a major event.
- Host the team on game night (or the next day) and provide a steep discount
7. Sponsor Local Charities, Teams, or Schools
There are many strategies for public relations in restaurants, but if you want to build goodwill and give back to the community, consider sponsoring local charities, schools, and teams.
Your sponsorship will benefit a good cause while helping build awareness of your restaurant.
Get in touch with your local community department, school or YMCA to find out how you can sponsor a team or school. For charities, connect with a board member to learn more about their process for sponsorships and guidelines.
You can also offer special discounts for schools, team members and charities, or anyone who supports these organizations. Offering special promotions will help get more customers through your door.
When sponsoring charities, you can host fundraising events at your restaurant and encourage diners to donate. Some restaurants will donate a portion of their sales during certain days of the week or special events to help support charitable organizations.
Conclusion
Investing in PR for restaurants will help you build brand awareness and attract more customers. These seven strategies are a great place to start, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and get creative with your PR.