It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants across North America. According to the National Restaurant Association (NRA), Valentine’s Day is the second-most-popular holiday for dining out in the U.S., with Mother’s Day taking the top spot. When asked in an NRA poll which factors they considered most when choosing a Valentine’s Day dining destination, 42 percent of patrons stated they chose to dine at a favorite restaurant—either their own or their partner’s. Twenty-one percent based their choice on whether or not the restaurant had a romantic atmosphere, while 13 percent picked a location that offered a special menu or promotion. With so many restaurants competing for business on the big night, what can you do to stand out on Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day is the second-most-popular holiday for dining out in the U.S.
National Restaurant Association (NRA)
While traditional Valentine’s Day dinner specials certainly can bring the crowds, the holiday presents restaurateurs with the opportunity to curate a distinctive experience for their patrons and think of little ways to make customers feel special.
It’s all in the details, such as greeting guests with a champagne toast or giving them a small plate or takeaway box of stunning chocolate truffles at the end of the meal.
The truffles shown above are surprisingly quick and easy to make. Use Baker’s Source Fudge Brownie Mix, which is baked, rolled and dipped in melted Sysco Imperial Chocolate Chips, then topped with your decoration of choice. This sweet treat is the perfect end to a romantic dinner.
Looking for another way to sweeten the holiday? Try planning a hands-on activity, like teaching guests how to make romantic-themed cocktails for an extra fee. Do it early, before the house gets busy. You’ll engage customers and, more importantly, create vivid memories of your venue for when the next special occasion arises.
