How to Run a Successful Event & Party Room
May 1, 2019Do you have a large space in your restaurant set aside for special events and parties? Does it get reserved as often as you wished?If you’re like most restaurant owners or managers, the answers are yes and no. You probably have a space – almost everyone is expected to – but you may not be promoting it effectively.
Do you need better restaurant supplies? Curious what it takes to get your event space rented? Specific marketing?
Yes! Here are the tips you need.
Market Well in Advance
Do you know the perfect time to start marketing outreach to organizations and companies that might host a holiday event in your restaurant?
If you guessed June, you’re right!
Remember, businesses plan ahead. Corporate events and even weddings are planned 6 – 12 months ahead, so your marketing needs to keep pace. In the summer, you should be getting restaurant supplies for and marketing to people hosting holiday parties. In winter, ramp up your marketing to wedding parties and summer holidays.
The great news when it comes to this advance planning is that you can have a pretty good idea what kind of party revenue you’ll have well before the events happen. This can help you order the supplies you need as well.
Use Your Existing Outreach
The people who are most likely to use your event space are probably already customers that are connected to your restaurant. Use your existing marketing channels to reach them and remind them about your event space.
A regular dinner customer may work at a company that needs ideas for their next corporate lunch or teambuilding event. When you reach your current social media channels, email list, and website with a reminder about your space, you’ll be marketing to those most likely to book.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try traditional outreach as well. Use Every Door Direct Mail to reach the homes and businesses near your restaurant without buying a mailing list. Also, consider doing a free sample event at local employers.
Focus on the Experience
People only buy a home if they can see themselves living in it, and people will only book your event space if they can see themselves having a great time in it. Having a large or beautiful area is only step one.
You also need to make an effort to show images of people enjoying your event space. You can even stage this, with appropriate restaurant supplies and people posing as diners having a great time.
The purpose is to let people know what it will feel like to have an event at your restaurant and to show them how much fun it will be.
Build Your Reputation
Marketing an event space and becoming a restaurant known for a great party room can take some time. One thing that will make a big difference is to ask those who have events in your space to leave online reviews.
From Yelp to Google, people trust online reviews almost as much as personal recommendations. When they see people talking about having an amazing time in your party room, it will make a big impression and may be the deciding factor in a booking.
Have the Restaurant Supplies You Need
If you’re going to create great patron experiences in your event room, you’ll need to decorate and provide restaurant supplies that match the occasion. From plates and glasses to napkins and even silverware that match the event, people will notice and appreciate the extra touches.
If you’re ready to make your event room a success, we have the supplies you need. Contact us to see what we can do for you today!
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