Unfortunately, restaurants of today cannot rely on foot traffic alone to sustain the clientele needed for a successful business.  Twitter and Facebook have changed the face of restaurant marketing, and has made it obvious that restaurant operators need to become actively participatory in generating their own business.  However, there are many operators out there who may not be quiet ready to delve into the world of social media marketing.  If this is the case for you, don’t worry, there are other options for marketing your restaurant.   Now may be the ideal time to look into creating a Member Rewards Program to gain a strong repeat client base while also rewarding those customers who may soon become your ‘regulars.’

Much like the airline industry has learned, giving rewards to your loyal clientele base can become big payoff for you business.  Open Table, the online restaurant reservation system, has also started their own Dining Rewards program to generate repeat customers to using their booking services.  Registered members earn points for every reservation made and honored through their system.  Once enough points are earned, members are rewarded with an Open Table Dining Cheque that is good at any of their client’s restaurants.

Single unit Restaurants can also take advantage of this type of program.  Accademia di Vino, a wine bar in New York City, offers a Member Rewards Program where a point is given for every dollar spent.  Points can then be used for rewards on their next visit, or if a total of 250 points are accrued, members are given a credit of $25 on their account. 

If you have not yet visited the idea of a Member Rewards Program, now may be the perfect time to do so.  People are looking for the great deals that will help them save money while still enjoying the eateries that they love.

Vine Solutions, Inc. was incorporated in 1996 and has offices in Corte Madera and Santa Monica, California.  Vine Solutions, Inc., provides accounting and financial advisory services to a variety of high volume independent restaurants and regional chains.  For more information, e-mail Vine  Solutions at info@vinesolutions.com, follow us on twitter at twitter.com/VineSolutions or read our blog at restaurantaccountingblog.com.