If you are open on Fourth of July, be sure to advertise for it in June. Replenish take-out menus at local hotels, chamber of commerce, and any other places they are likely to be picked up by vacationers. With school out for the summer, you should look at ways to improve your kids menu and offer kid-friendly specials.
July
Summer is in full swing. If your area has a large tourist draw in the summer months, run promotions in the local paper. Consider partnering with local hotels to give discounts to their guests.
August
Along with summer tourism, many areas have summer festivals that draw large crowds. Consider sponsoring festivals or other community activities for some easy advertising. Now is the time to start thinking about revamping your holiday catering menus and getting ready for the change to autumn. Start thinking about back to school ads and other fall advertising ideas.
September
Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer. Some restaurant advertising ideas include back to school promotions and harvest dinner menus. Partner with local farmers for some organic, farm-to-table fare which you can advertise and offer in a prix fixe menu.
October
Get into the Halloween spirit with scary promotions. If you have a bar or pub, considering throwing a Halloween costume contest. This is also a good time to start sending out holiday flyers and encouraging people to book their holiday parties early. If you provide any off-site catering, now is the time to advertise it.
November
Many people opt out of cooking their own Thanksgiving dinner. If you are open on Thanksgiving, advertise it well in advance. Other advertising for your restaurant includes holiday party promotions and New Years Eve reservations.
December
Promote your New Year’s Eve menu through local papers, radio spots and your website. Even if you don’t normally take reservations, New Year’s Eve (and Valentine’s Day) is a good exception.
