Next month is back-to-school for many families and an excellent opportunity for restaurants to promote their business! Promoting “Back to School” events or specials can be a great way for restaurants to attract families and increase sales. Here are some ideas for how restaurants can effectively promote themselves during this back-to-school season:
 

1. Special Discounts and Promotions

• Kids Eat Free Nights: Designate a night each week where kids eat free with a paying adult.
• Back-to-School Discounts: Offer a percentage off the bill for teachers and students showing a valid school ID.
• Family Meal Deals: Create discounted meal packages designed for families, making it easier for parents to enjoy a meal out without breaking the bank.

2. Themed Events and Parties

• Back-to-School Bash: Host a party with activities like face painting, balloon animals, and kid-friendly music.
• Teacher Appreciation Night: Celebrate teachers with special discounts and complimentary appetizers or desserts.

3. Partnerships with Local Schools

• Fundraising Nights: Partner with local schools for fundraising events where a percentage of the evening’s proceeds go to the school.
• School Supply Drives: Offer discounts to customers who bring in school supplies to donate.
• Sports Team Sponsorships: Sponsor local school sports teams and offer team members and their families discounts on meals.

4. Creative Marketing Strategies

• Social Media Campaigns: Run social media contests and back-to-school promotions targeting parents and students, such as a photo contest for the best first day of school picture.
• Email Newsletters: Send out emails to your subscriber list with details on back-to-school specials and events.
• In-House Promotion: Target current customers by advertising back-to-school promotions in house by creating displays on table top signage or napkin dispenser signage. Ask us about FREE napkin dispensers with space to advertise your specials and promotions! 

5. Menu Specials

• Themed Menu Items: Create special menu items with school themes, such as “Backpack Burgers” or “Homework Hotdogs.”
• Family  Meals: Families are busier this time of year. This is a perfect opportunity to create family meals to be enjoyed in the restaurant or at home. 

7. Loyalty Programs

• Back-to-School Rewards: Offer double points or special rewards for loyalty program members who dine during the back-to-school period.
• Referral Bonuses: Provide additional loyalty points or discounts for customers who refer new families to your restaurant.

8. Collaborations with Educational Brands

• Book Fair Partnerships: Partner with book fairs and offer discounts to customers who show receipts from the event.
• Tutoring Service Discounts: Collaborate with local tutoring services to offer mutual discounts, encouraging customers to visit both businesses.

Promoting back-to-school events and specials not only helps bring in more business but also strengthens the restaurant’s ties with the local community.