October 02, 2024
Boost your business by tapping into the power of Small Business Saturday. This annual event encourages customers to shop local, fostering community connections and increasing brand visibility. Whether you're a seasoned participant or just getting started, discover valuable tips and best practices to make the most of this marketing opportunity for your restaurant.
What is Small Business Saturday?
As a response to one of the largest shopping days of the year—Black Friday—Small Business Saturday (SBS) focuses on promoting independent establishments. SBS aims to create community-based shopping and dining events to increase revenue and exposure.
In 2022, SBS participants saw $17.9 billion in generated sales. In 2023, 36 percent of consumers planned to shop during Small Business Saturday. With shoppers flooding their local streets in search of a great deal and one-of-a-kind presents, restaurants have an incredible opportunity to reach clientele.
How Restaurants Can Leverage Small Business Saturday for Marketing
If your establishment is nestled amongst other local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, creating a campaign to capture customers is a great idea. You can reach shoppers looking for a delectable bite and position yourself as a significant player in community events.
Highlight Your Independent Identity
Visitors shopping on Small Business Saturday are seeking unique experiences and neighborhood camaraderie. Show off your small business roots to align your eatery with the ethos of SBS. Highlight your chef and service team, seasonal menus, and history via social media, website, and newsletters.
Don’t forget to include #SmallBusinessSaturday in your posts!
Turn Dining into the Best Holiday Present
Since shopping is the main activity, let your guests know they can purchase gift cards for an unforgettable dine-in or holiday catering experience. This is also a good time to display and promote branded merchandise, recipe books, and packaged house-made goods. This allows you to reap the benefits of a higher ticket price and for your customers to market your brand for you.
Curate Menu Specials
Speaking of menus, Small Business Saturday is a perfect time to plan menu specials offered only on that day. Consider adding extra value for your guests by offering lunch specials, add-ons, or neighborhood discounts.
For shoppers in a hurry, have grab-and-go options ready for purchase.
Partner with Neighboring Businesses
There is strength in numbers, so partnering with and supporting other local businesses can expand your reach and strengthen community ties.
- Collaborate with a retail shop in your area and offer a dining discount or incentive when customers show their retail receipt. This will encourage your neighbors to recommend your restaurant and create business bonds.
- Feature a local food or beverage product on your menus. Do you have a winemaker nearby? Consider using their vino for a rich demi-glace. Is there a chocolate shop around the corner? Use their cocoa in desserts or gift mini-chocolate bars with the check.
- Develop a neighborhood marketing campaign. Cross-promote each other on social media, offer exclusive deals, and highlight the benefits of buying locally.
No matter how you participate in Small Business Saturday, having a presence can help your restaurant stand out and drive business in the long term.
Get Ready For Small Business Saturday with US Foods CHEF’STORE
CHEF’STORE is our community’s one-stop shop for the highest-quality products at competitive prices. We stock everything you need for your Small Business Saturday menu and beyond! Enhance your menus with our wholesale meat and seafood, fresh produce, bakery items, frozen foods, beverages, and more.
Take advantage of our business tools to help you expand your brand. Stop by one of our many locations today.