Tips for Cultivating a Buzzy Restaurant Opening in 2024
Author: Laurel Tiedeman
Opening a restaurant is thrilling, but in today's competitive landscape, an integrated public relations plan for opening day is key to securing a spot on everyone’s “must visit” list.
When building a buzz around a new restaurant opening, proactivity is essential. Make sure these three tasks are on your to do list at least two months in advance to reduce stress and increase public excitement when opening day rolls around.
1. Coordinate a Professional Menu + Restaurant Photoshoot
In today's digital world, high quality imagery is essential to securing top tier media features and highly coveted round up placements. To ensure you have plenty of images on hand to share with reporters and editors prior to your restaurant opening, hire a professional photographer to shoot the full menu and highlights throughout the space. BONUS: use this imagery to begin building your social media channels and developing a following.
2: Secure an Exclusive Feature
Connect with the editor of your top priority publication and offer the exclusive opportunity to announce the restaurant before any other media outlets. Share the professional imagery, schedule an interview with key members of the leadership team, invite the journalist in for a tasting and, of course, share the opening date! This exclusive outreach can result in an in-depth feature piece ahead of the grand opening, fully showcasing what your restaurant will bring to the table.
Step 3: Host a Media and Influencer Preview Event
Invite local journalists and influencers to an exclusive, pre-opening experience, providing them with the opportunity to sample the menu, enjoy the space, meet the chef and gather content to share on social media or include in their upcoming coverage. Make your event memorable with small details, such as a personalized welcome treat, take-home goodie bags or surprise entertainment.
Next time you are tasked with planning a restaurant opening, make sure these items are on your list to set the stage for a buzzy opening day!