30 September 2009

Marketing Your Restaurant to the Youth Culture: 6 Essential Tips

Posted by chefal under: Recession Tips & Tricks .

20-somethings, whether you like it or not, have the ability to put your restaurant on the map. Young professionals and college students can create a lot of buzz within their tight-knit social networks that can help (or hurt) your restaurant. Marketing to young customers can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.

Here are some great techniques that will target the youth community in your neighborhood.

1. Don’t be Afraid: The art of cooking is cool. Never before has so much attention been spent reviewing restaurants, comparing chefs, and learning creative recipes. Food TV shows, podcasts, and blogs are all, in large part, fueled by an increasingly interested youth culture. So when you get ready to approach the young professionals in your town–be bold and tell people about your recipes, cooking style, and kitchen set-up. Proudly showcase your restaurant’s food… After all, young people, like everyone else, like a great meal.

2. Build A Website: When young people get hungry they don’t just drive to the deli. They look up restaurants in their area–online. Make sure you have a web presence that, at minimum, displays your menu, history, and some pictures. You don’t want to be lost in the shuffle. It’s also the first impression a lot of people may get of your place so try to make it look good and look like you. Find web builders on local campuses or high schools.

3. Get Viral…Now: There is a small barrier of entry to most social media sites. However, once you get connected to youtube, flickr, facebook, and twitter you will be able to create an effective viral marketing campaign. Social media is just a platform for businesses and individuals to share information about themselves. The less information you share the less attention you will get.

4. Don’t Act Hip: What’s ironic is the more you try to act cool the more others think you are not cool. So, when you are marketing your restaurant do not try to throw it into a new light. Be authentic and stick to your roots–especially if your kitchen is capable of producing top shelf food.

5. Host Events & Functions: Try getting local sports teams, book clubs, and social clubs to host their next function at your restaurant. If you see a young organization in your community approach them and offer to host their next dinner or party.

6. Talk to the Youth: Don’t worry, “generation Y” won’t bite. Talk to the young professionals and college students in the area and ask them what they want see in their community. Don’t try to change everything for fleeting desires–but try to meet young people half way. Remember, it will be a win-win. You will attract young customers and the communities young population will have a great new hang out.

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