NRA Show Blog

6 Ways a Restaurant Can Start Earning Word of Mouth

by Andy Sernovitz

Great word of mouth marketers are willing to try lots of different topics until something catches on. Not everything you do will be a home run, but here are six quick ways to get you started:

1. Offer a secret menu item.
Offer a menu item that only insiders know about. It not only makes customers feel special, but it also gives them something to share with their friends. For a simple example, check out how Chicago's TAC Quick Thai Kitchen does it.

2. Put it on the wall.
Put things on the wall that will encourage customers to bring their friends in to show them. Try taking pictures of your best customers, having a "wall of fame," or allowing them to use personalized mugs. In another Chicago example, Sushi 28 does it with empty wine bottles in their window.

3. Host meetings.
Find key groups of talkers and invite them to meet in your restaurant. Try hosting a quarterly gathering for wedding planners or hosting meetings for groups that come together frequently, such as the Boy Scouts.

4. Celebrate something.
Maybe you go all out for a traditional holiday or maybe create your own — but however you do it, bring people to your place for a party. White Castle put a great spin on Valentine’s Day by creating “Love Castle,” where folks are encouraged to make reservations and bring their significant others for a candlelit dinner.

How can we serve you?

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Did you know your state restaurant association membership gives you membership in the National Restaurant Association?

The NRA in partnership with your state restaurant association exists to help its members — the cornerstone of their communities — build customer loyalty, rewarding careers and financial success.

Make the Most of Your Membership:

• Advocacy and representation
Building and sustaining positive public opinion and a favorable political environment
• Tools and solutions
Helping grow revenues, increase profitability, and develop employees
• Education and networking
Providing opportunities to connect and learn from each other
• Research and insights
Anticipating and preparing for emerging trends that could impact restaurants
• Responsible stewardship
Providing thought leadership to inspire community involvement and impact

Members of the National Restaurant Association are entitled to a complimentary badge for the 2010 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show (May 22-25, 2010 at Chicago's McCormick Place), depending on your company's membership level. Take advantage of your member benefit and register today for NRA Show 2010 and the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB)*, held May 23-24, 2010, in conjunction with the NRA Show.

For more information, contact the NRA at (800) 424-5156 or online, or click here to find contact information for your state restaurant association.


* National Restaurant Association membership entitles you to a discounted IWSB badge fee of $55, a savings of 60 percent for qualifying members. Members must meet qualificationsto attend IWSB. Registration for the IWSB Event also includes registration for NRA Show 2010.