How To Market Your Thanksgiving Dinner
If you own a restaurant, you’ve probably thought about staying open on Thanksgiving Day. It could become one of your most profitable days of the year, so if you decide to go for it, you’ll want to make the most of the opportunity. There are many factors to consider, such as staffing, planning your menu, estimating how much food to order, and setting the right ambiance for the occasion.
But none of that will matter if you don’t market your restaurant effectively. Until you become known as a Thanksgiving Day destination with a loyal following, you’ll need to actively spread the word that your doors will be open.
You can do this in a variety of ways, from tried-and-true methods like word of mouth, flyers, and signage to utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Pinterest. Creating a buzz on TikTok, sharing your menu on Instagram, or tweeting about your Thanksgiving plans can stir up excitement. Writing Thanksgiving-themed blogs, showcasing cooking ideas, and keeping customers in the loop will help drive interest and anticipation for your holiday offerings.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Social media is your most direct line to potential customers, and it should be the focal point of your Thanksgiving marketing strategy. If you plan to open on Thanksgiving, start posting early across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok and Pinterest. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, keep the momentum going, share images of your Thanksgiving menu on Instagram and Pinterest, tweet about the local sources of your ingredients, engage Tik Tok users with demonstrations of Thanksgiving recipes, and use catchy hashtags to drive engagement and expand your reach.
Don’t shy away from paid ads either. Facebook ads can increase visibility, Tik Tok ads can target specific demographics, locations, and interests, and tools like Waze ads can alert nearby drivers that your restaurant is open for Thanksgiving. Whether you manage this yourself or get some help, social media provides an array of creative ways to get the word out.
Word of Mouth Still Works
While social media is crucial, word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective forms of advertising, especially for restaurants. Spread the word among your regulars by placing table cards that promote your Thanksgiving hours and menu. Hand out invites when guests leave, encouraging them to come back for your special holiday meal. Email blasts to your existing customer base can also create buzz. When people hear from those they trust that your restaurant is the place to be on Thanksgiving, it can quickly turn into a full house.
Classic Flyers
Flyers may seem old-fashioned, but they still hold a lot of value in local advertising. Design eye-catching flyers with the key details of your Thanksgiving event and distribute them in areas close to your restaurant. You can mail them to homes, place them on cars in busy parking lots, or hand them out directly. Ask neighboring businesses if they’d be willing to display your flyer. Flyers give a personal touch and serve as a physical reminder that your restaurant is open for the holiday.
Eye-Catching Signs
A sign placed strategically can attract a lot of attention. Invest in a sign to advertise your Thanksgiving Day specials and position it in high-traffic areas near your restaurant. A visible, well-designed sign serves as a reminder to passersby and strengthens the message they might have already seen online. This method is simple but effective for pulling in new customers.
Local Newspaper Exposure
If your marketing budget allows, consider taking out an ad in your local newspaper. This approach is especially useful if your customer base includes an older demographic that may not rely on social media. Classified ads or announcement sections work well for smaller budgets, while larger businesses might opt for a display ad. Reaching out to local media outlets or bloggers to feature your restaurant’s Thanksgiving plans can also be an excellent way to get coverage and attract customers who wouldn’t otherwise know about your special holiday offering.