Every restaurant owner knows that slow times are inevitable, whether it’s mid-afternoon lulls or quiet weekday nights. But instead of letting those hours drag, why not turn them into a chance to fill more tables and boost your revenue? Here are some super practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you attract more customers during off-peak hours and keep your restaurant buzzing!
1. Offer Exclusive Off-Peak Deals
Let’s be honest—everyone loves a good deal! A great way to get people through the door during slow times is by offering discounts or special offers that they can’t resist. Think of ideas like “Lunch for Two” or “Afternoon Tea Special,” and market them as something they can only grab between certain hours, like 2-5 p.m.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider offering a fun perk like a raffle. You could allow your customers to win tickets to foodie events like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. Not only does this sound fancy, but it’s also a great way to engage with food lovers in your community.
2. Host Fun Events or Theme Days
If you’re trying to get people in the door during quieter times, give them a reason to show up! Hosting events like a cooking class, wine tasting, or themed nights (like Taco Tuesdays) will create excitement around your restaurant.
For something extra special, tie your event into a well-known food competition like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. Offer a menu inspired by the award-winning dishes, or throw a mini version of the event at your place. This makes your restaurant feel part of something bigger and gives your customers a fresh, new reason to visit.
3. Promote Your Online Food Ordering System
Just because it’s quiet inside doesn’t mean your kitchen has to be! Boost your online takeaway sales by running special offers through your online food ordering system. You could discount takeaways during off-peak hours to lure in customers who prefer to enjoy your food at home.
For example, offering a 10% discount on orders between 3 and 5 p.m. could motivate people to order at times they usually wouldn’t. Plus, collecting data from your online system lets you see when people are most likely to order and tailor your offers accordingly.
4. Partner with Local Businesses
Want to get more people through your doors? Team up with nearby businesses! If your restaurant is close to a gym, co-working space, or office buildings, offering lunch deals for their employees is a win-win. They get a good deal, and you get more foot traffic.
For an extra boost, highlight any awards you’ve won or been nominated for. Customers love knowing they’re eating at an award-winning spot!
5. Launch a Loyalty Program with Off-Peak Bonuses
Loyalty programs work like magic for restaurants. Everyone loves being rewarded, and you can use this to your advantage by giving extra points or perks to customers who dine during quieter hours. For example, you could offer double points for eating between 2 and 5 p.m. or a special “off-peak discount” for members only.
To spread the word, promote it on social media and through your online food ordering system so customers know about the perks whenever they think of ordering.
6. Shout Out Off-Peak Specials on Social Media
Everyone’s on social media these days, so use it to your advantage! Create a buzz around your off-peak deals by posting time-sensitive offers like “Today only! 20% off between 2-4 p.m.” People love to snag a deal, especially when it feels exclusive.
If you want to spice things up, post a video of your chef whipping up the lunchtime special or a quick clip of happy customers enjoying their meals. Mentioning your involvement in something like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards can also give your restaurant that extra credibility and make your posts stand out.
7. Encourage Takeaway with Flash Deals
If you’re struggling to fill tables, consider focusing on takeaway orders. Offering time-specific flash deals like “Free delivery from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.” will give people a reason to order when they usually wouldn’t.
Make sure you promote these offers via email, SMS, or app notifications to remind customers about the deal. A quick message like, “Order within the next hour for 20% off!” can give them that final push to place an order.
8. Team Up with Local Influencers or Bloggers
Getting your name out there doesn’t have to be expensive. Partnering with local food bloggers or influencers can be a smart, cost-effective way to drive traffic during off-peak hours. Invite them to dine at your restaurant and share their experience with their followers. You’ll be surprised how much buzz this can create!
For extra credibility, collaborate with influencers involved in events like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. They’ll add added prestige to your restaurant, which can attract even more customers.
9. Create a Smaller, Flexible Menu for Off-Peak Hours
Sometimes people are in the mood for a light, quick bite, especially during quieter times. Offering a simplified or “lighter” menu for off-peak hours can attract customers who might not want to sit down for a full meal. It’s also a smart way to reduce kitchen prep and waste.
Why not feature a few award-winning dishes to make things even more tempting? If your restaurant has any ties to the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards, showcasing dishes linked to those events can make your menu more irresistible.
10. Early Bird or Late-Night Deals
Early bird or late-night specials can work wonders in getting more customers into your restaurant. You could offer a “Book a table before 6 p.m. and get 15% off” deal, or run a “Late Night Happy Hour” after 9 p.m. People love getting a good deal, and this is a great way to encourage them to visit during times they wouldn’t normally consider.
Use your online food ordering system to push these deals and let people know they can enjoy special prices at specific times. It creates urgency and gets people thinking about how they can take advantage.
Final Thoughts
Attracting customers during off-peak hours doesn’t have to be difficult. With some clever promotions, social media shout-outs, and collaborations with influencers or local businesses, you can turn those slow times into opportunities to boost business. And remember, being tied to prestigious events like the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards adds an extra layer of appeal. The trick is to stay flexible, try new things, and see what works best for your restaurant!
