Want to Fill More Tables? One Word… Email.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Really? Email lists? I’ve got food to prep, staff to manage, and a million fires to put out (hopefully not literal ones in the kitchen).” Trust me, I hear you. The last thing any of us need is another task on our never-ending to-do list.

But stick with me here, because this might be the game-changer your restaurant needs. And no, it’s not as painful as that time you had three servers call in sick on Valentine’s Day.

Here’s what having an email list really means:

• Got empty tables? Send out a “Wine Wednesday” “Taco Tuesday” “All You Can Eat Perch Monday” alert and watch your guests roll in.
• Planning a killer Mother’s Day brunch? Your regulars will know before anyone else.
• Launching that amazing new seasonal menu? Your email list folks get first dibs.
• Want to show off your new craft cocktail program? Boom – instant audience.
• Need to fill seats for that visiting chef collaboration? Done and done

And unlike those social media posts that disappear quickly, emails land right in your customers’ inboxes.

How To Get Those Emails Without Being That Annoying Restaurant

Here are three super-simple ways to build your list without driving yourself (or your staff) crazy:

1. The Gift Card Hustle Ditch- those boring old comment cards asking about the service (we all know they only get filled out when someone’s really happy or really mad). Instead, try this: “Want to win a $100 gift card to your favorite restaurant? (Hey, that’s us!) Drop your email below!” Pop these bad boys in with the check, and watch the emails roll in.

Pro tip: Have your servers mention it when dropping off the bill – “Don’t forget to enter our monthly gift card drawing!”

2. Your Website’s Secret Weapon- Already taking online reservations? Perfect – you’re halfway there! Now, jazz up your website with a pop-up or sign-up form that offers something juicy. Maybe it’s “VIP insider access” or “first dibs on special event tickets.” Everyone wants to feel like a VIP, especially when it comes to food. It’s like having a FastPass for your favorite restaurant!

3. QR Codes: Not Just for Menus Anymore Remember when we all scrambled to make QR code menus? Well, let’s make them work even harder. Create a QR code that leads to your email sign-up page, slap it on menus, receipts, and table tents. Sweeten the deal with an instant reward – like a free appetizer on their next visit. Who can resist free food?

The Secret Ingredient

Here’s the real deal: People will hand over their email if they’re getting something good in return. It’s like offering a taste of your famous sauce – give them a little something special, and they’ll come back for the whole meal.

Start Small, Win Big

Look, you don’t need to turn into a marketing guru overnight. Start with one thing – maybe those gift card drawing cards. Get that running smoother than your house-made aioli, then add another ingredient to the mix.

Just remember: Every day without an email list is another day you can’t tell your biggest fans about that amazing wine dinner you’re planning or that new dessert menu you’re launching.

Your food already keeps them coming back – now give them a way to know when to show up! After all, a full restaurant is a happy restaurant, and that’s what we’re all after, right?

Now, who’s ready to start collecting some emails? (And maybe grab a shift drink while we’re at it?)

FREE Resource

Listen, if you need help with this…and I’m not talking generic help; I mean real, customized direction and customization to build a massive email list in a hurry (less than 30 days) to start filling your restaurant during the week…

Click the button below and schedule a FREE DFY Make-You-Money Strategy Session. It’s not a sales pitch, I promise. It’s us taking a look at what you’re doing now and giving you CUSTOM ideas on how to get your existing customers back quicker, spending more.

Why do we do this for FREE? Yes, because were nice, but this is also how we get clients and friends down the road. In case you ever need something, you might think of us first. Because we’re nice

Hey, its FREE so what do you have to lose… except maybe an empty dining room.