In the current scenario, the restaurant business is incredibly competitive. New restaurants can launch quickly and capture attention, but true success is measured by customer loyalty and growth. When a restaurant gains a loyal customer base it’s imperative to show appreciation for that loyalty to maintain that customer base and reach new customers.

Customer Appreciation Ideas for Restaurants

People have multiple options when considering dining out and your restaurant should go above and beyond standard customer appreciation methods. Here are few tips you can implement to make your customers feel appreciated, satisfied, and continually coming back:

Appreciate Existing Customers
Remember, customer appreciation must focus first on keeping existing customers happy and satisfied. Most importantly, your regular customers will become supporters and advertisers of your restaurant and brand by providing word-of-mouth referrals to friends, family, and co-workers. That’s why you must appreciate those who appreciate you.

Special Offers
Build a database with customer names and contact details. Share value coupons along with a letter thanking your customers for their patronage. Provide offers like a free entrée, appetizer, or glass of wine with the purchase of another entrée. The restaurant will experience increased profits with such offers and customers will appreciate the free items associated with their purchase. That’s appreciation!

Send Emails with Exclusive Announcements & Offers
If you run your loyalty program through email, employ your customer database as a medium to display appreciation. Send special deals exclusive to your customer database. Whenever you receive a new loyalty program member signup, remind them to be attentive to these new emails and use a distinct subject line message that easily associates your brand to your customers.

Send Birthday Gifts
Try to record your esteemed guests’ birthdays and use this valuable information to show customer appreciation. For example, you can email or text a coupon, digital gift card, or discount code valid during the week of that customer’s birthday. Moreover, a yearly gift will keep your restaurant in your customers’ minds as they look forward to returning.

Customer of the Month
At the end of every month, evaluate your sales records to see who spent the most at your restaurant. Then, email them a complimentary message and thank them for their support. Apart from this, post their picture in your restaurant as ‘Customer of the Month’ as measure of appreciation and gratitude.

To sum up, all of these tips will surely help appreciate your customers and encourage them to continue coming back to your restaurant which will grow your customer base and increase revenue.