Alongside regular restaurant operations, private events are a great way to make money. Private events increase overall revenue and are especially helpful in reaching off-peak season profit goals.
Hosting private events is also an effective way to increase brand reach and find new loyal, long-term customers.
To introduce a private events program to your restaurant, follow these simple but effective private event management tips.
Outline All Event Spaces
The first step to any private events program is defining restaurant space and event space. Your restaurant is already set up to host events. It’s got an open floor, a kitchen, bathrooms, etc. However, not all restaurant spaces are fit for all types of events.
Examine your restaurant’s floor plan and determine which spaces can be utilized for events business. Any open space, whether inside or outside, can be part of the event outline.
Knowing what options are available to clients also makes the event planning process much simpler.
Once you know what event space you have available, create a floor plan and add it to your event details page for customers to see.
Create Event Packages
The next step in introducing private events to your restaurant is defining your private event packages. Creating pre-set packages will help you manage the first few events, especially as a newbie.
Common event packages include:
- Business dinner events
- Birthday parties
- Private dining for big and small groups
- Corporate gatherings like corporate retreats
- Beer, wine, or food tastings
- Wedding or family gatherings
As you gain more confidence, you can leave a field blank where people can ask for custom private events.
Next, list the available event spaces. For example, you may manage outdoor venues or indoor dining sections.
The event capacity should also be clearly stated. If you can accommodate groups, especially large ones, it could be a great advantage.
Lastly, clearly list menu options. Prospective attendees should be able to choose from a variety of menu options. There should also be a field for dietary restrictions. Use this guide to price your event menu.
Partner With Local Businesses
Partner with local businesses for exclusive prices. Local businesses, especially hospitality in a slightly different niche, can be a great advantage.
Case in point: breweries. You can partner with breweries for events and get discounted prices for showcasing their beer brand at your bar.
Building mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses is also an effective way of establishing yourself long-term.
Utilize Your Restaurant Website
Every restaurant business should have a website. The website should showcase your regular restaurant menu, business hours, and all other business details.
Add the event details to your website too. The website should make it clear that people can book an event date at your restaurant. The booking process should also be simple.
Furthermore, the event booking page should contain any additional information – like the event packages and event spaces – alongside contact information.
Utilize Event Management Software
Keeping track of all the events you’re hosting without dedicated software is time-consuming and stressful.
Event management software allows event managers to streamline existing workflow and get organized. This gives you time to take on more work and increase revenue. So, utilize event management software to manage your events calendar and event bookings.
Conclusion
Private events are an awesome way to keep your restaurant busy during slow months and to introduce new people to your brand. However, introducing a private events program can be difficult if you’ve never undertaken any sort of event planning or management before.
Use this guide to start the event management process. Outline available event spaces, create event packages, utilize website space, partner with local businesses, and take advantage of event management software. These steps are perfect for soft launching your private events program and jumpstarting event sales.
Increase event sales further by partnering with Perfect Venue today. Perfect Venue event management software will help you save time, manage your event calendar, and increase revenue. Try it free today!