Let’s Dine Out!

More than ever, people have a seize-the-day mentality. Maybe it’s due to a post-pandemic desire to live in the moment, or perhaps it stems from a choice to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Whatever the reason, food plays a major role in this mindset shift. When they are carpe diem-ing, 43% of people treat themselves with food, and 26% indulge in their favorite wine, according to a OnePoll survey.

This is great news for the restaurant industry, which could top $997 billion this year, according to National Restaurant Association forecasts. While consumers can choose to cook at home, most (84%) say they find going to a restaurant with family and friends a better use of their leisure time. They’re putting their money where their mouths are. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Americans spend more money dining out than on groceries, with people spending about 20% more at restaurants than grocery stores.

Restaurant operators are also spending more. Although 92% say they’re concerned about the cost of food, they continue to find new ways to expand their revenue. Some popular revenue boosters include meal bundles, loyalty programs, subscription plans and prix fixe offerings.

Whether consumers are ordering a family bundle to go or grabbing a table at their favorite place, they’re ready to partake in whatever restaurants have to offer. Research from the National Restaurant Association reveals that 64% of consumers consider restaurants essential to their lifestyle. About 1 in 3 Americans dines out for lunch on any given day, with about 50 cents of every food dollar spent outside the home. By the end of the year, the average American household has spent more than $3,000 dining out.

When cravings hit, people have plenty of choices for dining out. Restaurants of all kinds can capture their attention with promo. From logoed bags to custom magnets, promos keep a restaurant’s name visible in households, offices and around town. There’s also the brand pride factor. Promos like mugs and T-shirts let people show off their favorite coffee house or bakery. And if a restaurant happens to double as a tourist destination, promos make must-have souvenirs.

Let these stats whet your appetite for all the promo possibilities for restaurants:

Bring On The Promo Bags

According to the National Restaurant Association, 55% of consumers consider takeout and delivery essential. More than half of Americans (60%) order food delivery at least once a week and spend an average of $67 each week on takeout.

Instead of using generic “thank you” bags, restaurants can use branded bags to get their fare to patrons. Not only will this help consumers feel more connected to the establishment, but giving logoed bags helps increase brand awareness – especially when restaurants opt for reusable bags that consumers can use again and again.

Now Hiring

Restaurants need workers, and lots of them. In the next six to 12 months, 87% of restaurant operators anticipate adding employees. They first just need to find qualified applicants. According to Nation’s Restaurant News, the food service industry is projected to add about 150,000 jobs a year between 2023 and 2030. By then, there could be 16.5 million people working in the restaurant business.

Restaurants can use promo to recruit staff and keep them engaged once they’re part of the team. Beyond wearables, promos like drinkware and technology gifts help businesses show appreciation and reward longevity. Restaurants can also use promo to incentivize staff to reach new goals, like selling a new wine or selling desserts to more tables.

Promo For Extra Profit

Most restaurants are familiar with pivoting amid ever-changing circumstances. To weather a potential economic downturn, 29% of restaurants say they will raise menu prices. Consumers largely understand. On average, they say they’re willing to pay 17% more before reconsidering visiting their favorite restaurant. To bring in some extra money, 35% of restaurants are looking to add or bring in retail items. More than half of consumers (57%) have bought retail items at a local restaurant in the past year. Items like T-shirts, caps and tumblers let people show their love for their favorite eatery, bakery or bistro while allowing restaurant owners to generate extra revenue.

Be Smart With Signage

When consumers pull up to a restaurant, they should know immediately where to park to pick up their to-go orders. And once they walk inside, they should know where to find their food. That’s why promo signage like banners and patio easels are so important. They can cut out confusion and boost customers’ overall experience. Research from Intouch Insight, a customer experience solutions company, finds that satisfaction with the pickup experience is 12% higher when restaurants post clear signage about where to park and pick up orders. Don’t leave customers guessing – point them in the right direction with logoed signage.

States With The Most (And Fewest) Fast-Food Restaurants

You’ll find the most fast-food places in:

1. Alabama
2. Nebraska
3. West Virginia
4. Oklahoma
5. Tennessee

And the fewest in:

1. Vermont
2. New Jersey
3. New York
4. Mississippi
5. Connecticut

Many fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell and Whataburger, run full online stores that sell branded merchandise like T-shirts and tote bags.

Promos For Budget-Minded Consumers

Restaurant prices have now outpaced grocery prices, which hasn’t happened since mid-2021. According to the Department of Labor, the price of food at home is up 8.4% in the last 12 months, while the price of food away from home is up 8.8%. Consumers may still balk at the cost of eggs, bread and other staples, but they could be more inclined to cook at home rather than go out. One way to reach this crowd? Promotional campaigns that highlight restaurants’ BOGO deals, happy hour specials or loyalty offerings.

Get Creative With National Food-Focused Observances

From customized barbecue tools for National Grilling Month (July) to logoed mugs for National Coffee Day (September 29), restaurants can tap into a year’s worth of fun, food-focused events. Here are just a few ideas:

• January 4: National Spaghetti Day
• February: Great American Pies Month
• March 23: National Chip and Dip Day
• April: National Brunch Month
• May: National Salad Month
• June: National Soul Food Month
• July: National Ice Cream Month
• August 18: National Fajita Day
• September: National Honey Month
• October: National Chili Month
• November: National Fun With Fondue Month
• December 15: National Cupcake Day

Feast On These Fun Restaurant Facts

• Benihana was founded by a professional wrestler who raised funds for the restaurant by running an ice cream truck.
• Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Mraz sells avocados from his backyard to Chipotle.
• The nation’s oldest fast-food chain is White Castle, founded in 1921.
• Delmonico’s is the country’s first fine-dining restaurant, established in 1837.
• Founded in 1826, Union Oyster House in Boston is the oldest American restaurant still in service.
• New York City is home to the world’s most Michelin-starred restaurants.
• At nearly 70,000, California has more eating and drinking locations than anywhere else in the United States.

Hand out Custom Magnets to keep a restaurant’s name visible on fridges and filing cabinets. Printed using UV-protected inks, these magnets are fade-resistant for up to three years.

Magnet America | PPAI 462792, S5

Ideal for wait staff and chefs, the Dye-Sublimated Waist Apron showcases a logo in vibrant full color. It’s waterproof, so wearers don’t have to worry about sloshes and spills in the kitchen.

Aprons Etc. | PPAI 110868, S5

Make pizza promos even more enticing with the Studio Cuisine Pizza Cutter. This stainless-steel wheel is designed with a finger guard and features a handle with a faux-wood finish.

Starline USA | PPAI 112719, S10

Celebrate a grand opening or commemorate a restaurant’s anniversary with individually wrapped Bamboo Chopsticks. Customize the wrapper or the chopsticks themselves for a memorable touch to any event.

NC Custom | PPAI 111662, S7

From outdoor events to community festivals, the DisplaySplash Fitted Table Cover gets an eatery’s name seen in a crowd. It covers all four sides of a table and includes a zippered carrying bag. It’s machine-washable, ironable and wrinkle-resistant.

Logomark | PPAI 110898, S11

A must-have for restaurant wait staff, this Wine Bottle Opener features a foil cutter, a black nonstick coated corkscrew and double-hinge lever. Choose from white or black.

The Proinnovative Line | PPAI 111156, S5

Add custom drinkware like the Zen Series mug to the merch lineup at places like coffee shops or breakfast eateries. This mug features a soft ripple effect at the bottom and a push-on, slide-open lid.

Moderne Glass Co. | PPAI 112536, S10