5 Grand Opening Ideas for Your New Restaurant

You only get one chance to open your new restaurant, so it’s important to do it right. The impression you make during the grand opening event will last, whether it’s good or bad. To help make sure it’s a good first impression, read these grand opening ideas for restaurants before you plan the event.

5 Grand Opening Ideas for Restaurants

1. Advertise the event to everyone in a 30-mile radius. You’ll want to get the word out as often as possible two to three weeks before the grand opening event. Place ads in the local paper, with local radio stations, and online to spread the word. Ongoing restaurant marketing will be important as you continue to grow your business, but never more important than before your grand opening; dedicate a budget appropriately.
2. Train your staff before the event. Your front of house team is the face of your business. Training will ensure they know how to represent your restaurant. They should know the menu like the back of their hand and have tasted every dish.
3. Send invitations to reviewers. Whether it’s the restaurant reviewer for the local paper, Yelp elite members, or Instagram foodies, like @GarytheFoodie or @PefectFoodDays, invite a handful of guests who you know will write a review and give you some publicity.
4. Serve samples of your signature dishes at the event. You want the grand opening event guests to taste your signature dishes and the best way to make sure they do is to pass around samples. This way guests get to try a few different things and will want to come back for more.
5. Talk to your guests! Try to personally greet every guest. You want them to be repeat customers. Ask each attendee if they are enjoying the food and if you get a positive response ask them to spread the word to friends and family.

Opening a restaurant in the Portland area can be tough, but with these five grand opening ideas, you’ll be able to make a great first impression. At McDonald Wholesale, we’re more than just your wholesale supplier, we’re your partner. Read our blog for more restaurant marketing advice.