17 September 2009

Getting Noticed: Tips for Restaurants and Kitchens Looking for Good Press

Posted by chefal under: Recession Tips & Tricks .

Last week we talked about how to handle bad PR. Hopefully you won’t have to use our advice anytime soon.

However, restaurant and kitchen leaders need to be proactive in order to generate good PR, news, and stories. They shouldn’t just focus on how to juggle embarrassing mistakes and avoid bad press.

Good managers and F&B professionals rely on positive press to drive business and create growth. However, it takes a few good ideas, a proactive mindset, and the ability to try something out.

And remember: journalists and reporters are just as eager for a story as you are to tell it. Don’t be shy about approaching media outlets with story ideas that involve your restaurant or kitchen–they need to keep their jobs t00.

5 Steps That Will Help You Generate Good PR in Newspapers, Radios, Magazines, and Blogs:…

1. Harness the Power of the Pen: Write articles about your restaurant or kitchen and send them too local journalists, blogers, and organizations. You’re probably thinking you don’t have anything interesting to write about, but that’s not the case. If you own an Italian restaurant you can write about the traditions of Italian cooking and the efforts your family made to preserve them. If you don’t feel up to it hire a local student to write an article for you that focuses on the unique niche you can consistently offer your community.

2. Make a Change: Define or redefine your restaurant by giving it an edge and a story that people will think is exciting. You could “go green” and promise your customers that your operations are more eco-friendly. The resulting buzz will be noticed by local journalists. Or your community may not have any Tapas restaurants. Diversify your menu and offer a “Autumn Tapas Tasting Menu” that promises to reflect the true flavors of Spain. The ensuing stir will help your restaurant stand out. Remember, think outside of the box. You will only generate a lot of attention if you can bring something new and different to your customers.

3. Marketing: Market your restaurant in creative ways that will catch the attention of locals and journalists. If you own a Sushi place you might consider throwing a Japanese cultural party in your community where you hand out flyers and coupons. The event will market your brand and it will also get you noticed by the press.

4. Give Back: Taking a fraction of your restaurant’s income and donating it to charity will greatly improve your neighborhood and it will also inspire local reporters to cover the story. You may also want to tell your customers that a portion of your proceeds go to a charitable causes. You might also want to donate food or prepared food to a local shelter over holidays or large events that are held for a cause you believe in. The kindness will help your restaurant and your community.

5. Host Events: Large groups always need a place to meet, eat, and drink. Don’t be afraid to host large groups or business functions because they are often reported on and the chances of your restaurant getting mentioned is high. The better host you are–the more publicity you will get. Also, if your service is good people will return annually to your venue.

Good luck.

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