by Heather King
Patio season is here—and so is your chance to stand out. For restaurant owners, summer offers a unique opportunity to attract restaurant customers looking for fresh experiences. The good news? With the right summer restaurant marketing strategy, you don’t need a huge budget to see results.
Here are 10 smart, budget-friendly ways to do just that:
Host Low-Cost Restaurant Events that Celebrate Summer
People love a reason to go out—especially when it feels like a celebration. Host easy themed events like Taco Tuesdays, Sangria Sundays, or live patio music nights. Partner with local musicians or DJs (many will perform for free or tips) and make the vibe fun and shareable. These types of events are a cornerstone of smart summer restaurant marketing.
Create Seasonal Menu Specials
You don’t need a complete menu overhaul—just a few summer-inspired items that work with your restaurant’s menu. Think watermelon salad, street corn, lobster rolls, or frozen cocktails. Each can generate its own buzz and excitement. Promote these “limited-time summer bites and sips” to create urgency and entice restaurant customers to try them.
Leverage Your Outdoor Spaces
If you have a patio, sidewalk, or even a few tables you can move outside, make them shine. Even simple upgrades can draw attention. String up inexpensive bistro lights, set out fresh flowers, and create an easy breezy atmosphere. Guests love al fresco dining in the summer!
Collaborate with Local Businesses for Cross-Promotions
Partner with nearby shops, breweries, or boutiques to create mutual promotions. For instance, offer a "shop and dine" deal where customers receive a discount at your restaurant by presenting a receipt from a partner store, and vice versa. Such collaborations are effective low-budget restaurant marketing strategies that expand your customer base.
Run a Summer Giveaway on Social Media
Give away a free meal, a $25 gift card, or a “summer date night” package. To enter, customers simply need to like your page, tag a friend, and share the post. It’s an inexpensive way to get tons of organic visibility and expand your audience fast. You can also partner with social influencers to tap into their followers as well.
Offer Happy Hour Deals
Summer days practically beg for happy hour. Create a few can’t-miss specials like $5 margaritas or half-price apps from 3-5 p.m. to bring in the after-work crowd. Or draw attention to your breakfast or brunch menus with a buy-one-get-one deal on a low-cost item. Promote those deals heavily on your window signage and social channels.
Highlight Your Cool Factor
Literally, in the heat of the summer, if your restaurant has good A/C, frozen drinks, iced coffees, or a shady patio, shout it out! Restaurant customers are looking for cool, relaxing escapes during hot days. Something as simple as “Cool off with us!” on a chalkboard sign can draw people inside.
Get Featured in Local Summer Guides
Reach out to local blogs, radio stations, or magazines that are putting together “Summer Fun” guides. Offer a quick press release or a free sample of a menu item. A little local media attention can go a long way, and it’s usually free if your timing is right.
Make It Easy for Tourists
If you’re in a tourist-heavy area, make sure your online profiles (Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor) are up-to-date and packed with great photos. Post your summer specials online. Tourists often rely on these platforms to make dining decisions, so a strong online presence is crucial.
Reward Your Regulars
Loyal customers are your best ambassadors. Offer them a summer punch card (“Buy five lunches, get one free”) or a VIP evening invite. Small gestures turn occasional visitors into raving fans who bring their friends.
Line Up Your New Restaurant Customers Now
You don’t need a huge marketing budget to have a booming summer season. A little creativity, some community spirit, and smart use of social media can make a huge impact. Focus on creating memorable experiences and giving restaurant customers fresh reasons to choose your establishment—and watch your tables fill up all summer long.
Ready to make this your restaurant’s best summer yet? Join Restaurant Owners Marketing Academy and get access to tools, guides, and strategies to master summer restaurant marketing—and beyond.
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