Valentine’s Day is almost here 🌹 Let your guests celebrate their romance at your restaurant by preparing for the occasion with our checklist.
Create Experiences to highlight your Valentine’s Specials
Offer something unique on Valentine’s Day, such as a set Valentine’s menu with bubbles, a 4-course dinner, live music, or even a cozy escape for solo diners. Showcase your Valentine's experiences online with themed photos and special menus. Learn more here about how to create your experiences.
Adjust shifts, hours, and seating for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day might call for extended hours or additional shifts. Plan to accommodate these changes and rearrange your tables to cater to solo diners, couples, and groups. A well-organized setup will help you smoothly manage the Valentine’s Day rush.
Secure reservations with prepayments
On special occasions like Valentine’s, securing your reservations is crucial. Reduce no-shows by requiring prepayments or credit card guarantees for reservations. Guests are more likely to show up when they’ve made a financial commitment, and if they don’t, you’re protected! Learn more about how to set this up here.
Sell gift cards for additional revenue
Gift cards make the perfect surprise for loved ones, allowing them to enjoy a dining experience at a later date. Set up a shop where guests can purchase vouchers for specific amounts or experiences, like a chef’s tasting menu. These vouchers not only generate extra revenue but also encourage repeat visits after Valentine’s Day. Your gift voucher shop is fully integrated into your website widget. Set up your gift voucher shop here.
Anticipate early bookings
Data shows that guests plan ahead for Valentine's Day. On average, reservations are made 5 days in advance, but this varies by country:
- Belgium: 7 days in advance
- Germany: 6.4 days in advance
- Netherlands: 5.2 days in advance
- France: 3.6 days in advance
Make sure your availability and special offers are live early to capture this demand.
Promote your Valentine’s Specials with email & SMS campaigns
Spread the word about your Valentine’s specials through email and SMS campaigns to secure those important reservations. Share your special menus, events, and gift voucher options to create excitement, drive revenue, and fill your tables. Set up your campaigns here.
Best practices for your Valentine's campaigns:
- Timing: Start your communication 2 weeks before the big day.
- Frequency: Plan at least one follow-up reminder to capture late deciders.
- Optimal Days: We recommend sending your emails on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Optimal Hours: Aim for 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (commute time when guests are attentive) or 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (lunch break when guests plan their personal life).
Pro Tip: Always include a clear call-to-action in your campaigns. It’s better to send multiple short emails rather than one long email. This will help engage your guests and achieve better results!
Update your digital menu to show your Valentine’s Specials
Valentine’s specific menu items are a great way to get guests excited, so ensure these are displayed online! Highlight your Valentine’s menu on your website so guests know what to expect before they arrive. Update your menu here.
Use a Waitlist to fill every table
Even with prepayments, last-minute cancellations can happen. By setting up and using the waiting list, you can automatically notify interested guests when a table becomes free. This ensures your restaurant stays fully booked throughout the evening and prevents lost revenue.
Maximize Group bookings with the suggested restaurant
For owners of multiple establishments, the suggested restaurant feature is a powerful tool to keep bookings within your group. If one of your restaurants is fully booked for Valentine's Day, the widget automatically suggests your other locations where tables are still available. This provides a seamless experience for the guest and ensures you never miss a lead. Check how to activate it here.
Download the ZenchefOS Mobile App
If you haven’t already, download the ZenchefOS app for iOS or Android to stay organized and manage reservations on the go. With this app, you can easily manage bookings and track guest details from your phone or tablet.
Need Help with Your Valentine’s Day Setup?