Catering is big business— in 2015, restaurants offering off-premise catering raked in $52.3 billion, and it looks like that number is only growing. The good news? Your restaurant is already offering an off-site catering service. Bad news? Your customers don't seem to be aware that this option is available.
How do you generate interest in your in-store catering service? The answer is simple: signage. With some creative and eye-catching signs, you'll soon have the interest your catering service deserves! Read on for some helpful and creative ways to incorporate signs into your restaurant.
This sign notifies visitors that you're open for (catering) business before they even walk through your doors. Reserve a couple of front-row parking spots for folks picking up their catering order, and mark them with large, colorful signs. This will generate more interest in your catering service and inspire visitors to seek out more information once they've entered the restaurant.
Does your catering service deliver? Invest in an eye-catching vehicle wrap. Why? Well, according to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA), more than 95% of Americans are reached by media that targets vehicle drivers and passengers. While your employees are delivering to customers, you can be reaching more people than ever—all while conducting business as usual.
Be sure that you include contact information on the wrap—your restaurant's phone number and website URL should be featured prominently, ensuring that potential customers can reach you to place their order.
As your customers sit down to eat, attract their attention with small, colorful tabletop signs. Keep them simple—it's unlikely that anyone will have the time or the attention span to read multiple paragraphs, so a few short sentences explaining that you offer catering and how to learn more should suffice. Share your website URL or direct them to ask an employee for more information, and leave it at that.
Another option is to include catering information on your tablewraps or tabletop graphics, like these:
POP (Point of Purchase) signage is a quick and easy way to draw attention to a service or promotion that you're offering. If you're concerned about cluttering the counter top with signage, you have a couple of alternatives. One option is to create a 3-D sign and hang it above the register, where it will catch the eye of anyone near the POP—they won't have to be directly in front of the counter to get the message. Alternately, you can wrap your counter top with a bright sign touting your catering services. This will keep your counter free of clutter AND convey the message you want your customers to see.
A beautifully designed promotional mailer with a full menu and coupons is a quick and easy way to share the news that your restaurant offers top-notch catering to the community. Don't stop at the residential areas near your restaurant—be sure that you send them to businesses in your community as well. Get in touch with your local Chamber of Commerce and let them know that you're willing and eager to cater large events. This will give you a way to connect with a variety of businesses, offering them a taste of what you can provide them. Pass out attractive fliers with coupons, and you'll soon have all the business you can handle.
Need some help creating signage to promote your in-store catering? The Vomela Companies can help. Contact us today to learn more about the power of print.