Restaurant Special Offers Ideas to Attract More Customers

The priority for any restaurateur is to fill their restaurant, but that's sometimes easier said than done. There is strong competition between restaurants in cities, which is why it's so important to stand out from the crowd. Meanwhile, small-town restaurants need visibility.

TheFork Manager will help you achieve your goal by enabling you to attract new customers with special restaurant offers. Over time, this strategy will help you to maximise your occupancy rate and increase revenue.

Benefits of restaurant special offers to increase customer engagement

Increase visibility and get more bookings fast

With TheFork, you have the option to offer your customers discounts ranging from 20% to 50%. When you offer a special 50% discount, you could see a 6.5x increase in the number of visits to your TheFork page and an 11-fold increase in your number of reservations!*

Maximise your restaurant’s occupancy with special offers

You can maximise your occupancy rate by setting the amount of your special offer, the days and times to which it will apply, and the number of covers.

For a restaurant that becomes profitable faster and stays profitable longer

Special offers represent an additional source of revenue all year round. In addition, it's a risk-free investment because it helps you to attract new customers. It's a virtuous circle: With special offers, you can attract new customers who, if they're happy, will post positive reviews, return to your restaurant, and make other customers want to eat there too.

If you’re looking for restaurant offers ideas for your establishment, look no further–we’ve got you covered!

Types of restaurant special offers to attract customers

Restaurants can attract more diners by offering a variety of unique deals, for instance,  time-specific discounts and early-bird specials are some of the most effective restaurant special offers.

Set menus are another popular option that many restaurateurs are embracing, providing a fixed price for multiple courses, which can be appealing for both cost-conscious customers and those seeking a curated experience.

Special packages, such as “dine and wine” deals or themed tasting nights are also effective ways to draw in crowds, particularly when tied to seasonal events. Additionally, collaborations with other businesses, such as discounts for customers who show receipts from nearby shops, can increase foot traffic and foster a sense of community in your local area.

Lunch deals and happy hour specials

Cafes and restaurants can also benefit from employing various promotions to attract customers throughout the day. For instance, lunch special ideas for restaurants such as featuring discounted meals or combo offers can draw in the midday crowd, while happy hour discounts on drinks and appetisers are a great way to appeal to those looking to relax and unwind after work (without spending their entire day’s paycheck!).

Evening promotional packages, like multi-course set menus or themed dining nights, can entice diners seeking a special night out.

Themed nights and seasonal menus

Why not spice things up by hosting theme nights or introducing seasonal menus? There are plenty of occasions throughout the year to do this, so why not take advantage of them?

These kinds of promotions can instantly boost your restaurant's appeal while keeping things fresh for your customers. Whether it’s a Taco Tuesday, a themed night for Valentine’s Day, or a special menu that showcases the best flavours of the Autumn season, these events give your guests something to look forward to and a reason to keep coming back.

Plus, they’re a great way to attract new faces looking for something different and exciting. Not only do these options create a buzz around your establishment, but they’re an effective way to encourage repeat visits, turning first-timers into loyal patrons.

Coffee shop special offers ideas

If you’re looking to attract more customers, why not try coffee shop special offers ideas tailored for your caffeine-loving crowd?

Fortunately, there are plenty of ideas for specials in a cafe. Consider offering a weekly coffee subscription where regulars can prepay for their favourite brew and enjoy a discounted rate in return.

Another great idea is to give customers a deal on their second drink—perfect for friends enjoying a coffee date or those for whom one cup is just not enough. To attract new customers, why not run a special offering a free pastry with their first coffee purchase? These kinds of loyalty promotions are ideal for coffee shops, as they foster a sense of community and provide customers with an incentive to keep coming back.

Loyalty programmes and free trials

To build customer loyalty at your coffee shop, why not introduce a loyalty programme or offer free tastings to keep your regulars coming back for more? A simple and cost-effective coffee shop special offer idea is to implement a digital or stamp card system, where customers earn a free drink or a discount after a set number of visits.

You could also host free tasting events where customers can try new blends or seasonal specials, giving them a reason to return and explore different options that might not be in their go-to order. These kinds of promotions are incredibly popular in coffee shops, as they not only reward loyal customers but also create a fun, interactive experience that makes people feel more connected to your brand.

A simple, no-fuss way to tap into the benefits of this kind of promotion is through TheFork’s very own Yums loyalty programme.

With TheFork's Yums loyalty programme, restaurants can easily opt into a pre-designed solution. When customers book a table through TheFork app, they automatically earn 100 points, or ‘Yums’. After accumulating 1,000 Yums, they can redeem these points for discounts on their next visit. This straightforward yet powerful system adds value to every dining experience, turning occasional visitors into loyal, repeat customers.

A simple, no-fuss way to tap into the benefits of this kind of promotion is through TheFork’s very own Yums loyalty programme. 

With TheFork's Yums loyalty programme, restaurants can easily opt into a pre-designed solution. When customers book a table through TheFork app, they automatically earn 100 points, or ‘Yums’. After accumulating 1,000 Yums, they can redeem these points for discounts on their next visit. This straightforward yet powerful system adds value to every dining experience, turning occasional visitors into loyal, repeat customers. 

Even more advantages with TheFork

An exclusive tool

The option to provide special offers to your customers is available only on TheFork's website and app; you won't find this functionality anywhere else! Your promos won't appear on partner sites such as Google.

Personalised support

Your TheFork Account Manager is there to help you find the best offer for your restaurant...

with no strings attached!

You can stop your special offers at any time; it's entirely up to you.

Measuring the impact of special offers

Promotions are a wonderful way to attract and retain customers, but it’s essential to keep an eye on how each special offer is performing to understand which ones are delivering the best results. By tracking key metrics, you can gauge what’s working and what isn’t, making adjustments where necessary.

Tools like Google Analytics, point-of-sale reports, and customer feedback can help you measure success. It’s also important to track key performance indicators (KPIs), such as the number of bookings, repeat customer visits, and revenue growth, to better understand how well your promotions are resonating with your audience. Monitoring these metrics regularly will allow you to refine your strategy, ensuring you and your customers get the most out of your special offers.

TheFork tips

Restrict your cafe or restaurant special offers to a limited number of customers

With TheFork, you can offer a discount of your choice on your restaurant's menu for a limited number of reservations. This allows you to rapidly fill your restaurant.

Offer promotions all year round

It's a good idea to offer promotions spread throughout the year. You can offer a promotion on your menu to give it a boost during periods of low demand.

Take part in TheFork Festivals

TheFork festivals provide a real advantage to participating restaurants. TheFork festivals help you increase visibility and offer an exclusive media strategy with PR campaigns, emails, and social media targeted to your customers. To avoid missing out on this great opportunity, keep a close eye on the emails we send you and contact your Account Manager for more information.

With special offers at strategic times, aligned with your customers’ expectations, you're sure to be fully booked! Remember, it's better to have a table occupied at half price than an empty table. If you're not registered with TheFork Manager, click here. And if you're already a customer, contact your account manager to find out more!

*Internal research conducted in 2017 on 600 restaurants in France, Spain, and Italy