Business relocations are complex – especially when you’re moving a restaurant. Maintaining good communication with loyal customers, choosing the right location, and selecting the right commercial movers are essential.
If you do it right, you’ll be able to keep your old customers and acquire new ones in your new location. On the other hand, if you’re less successful in your restaurant relocation, your business could struggle to be successful. Here’s what you need to know.
Choose the Right Location
Location means everything when you’re moving your business, and that’s especially true for restaurants. When choosing a location for your restaurant, there are many factors to take into consideration:
- Know your target customers and whether they’ll travel to the location you’re considering
- Select a location with adequate parking, if you expect to draw customers who do not live or walk nearby
- Choose a location that customers will see and find easily
- Find a location you can afford
- Select a location with complementary businesses nearby
Choosing a restaurant location is an art, and since your business already exists in another place, you probably understand some of the thought that needs to go into location selection. Use lessons learned from your old site to find a new, better place for your restaurant.
Communicate with Customers
Tell your customers you’re moving. Put signs in your windows weeks or months before your move. Instruct servers to alert regulars about the upcoming change. If you have a newsletter, send a notice to customers in advance.
Your customers need to know that your restaurant has not shut down; it’s simply moved to a new spot. Does your restaurant have a social media account? If so, post information about the relocation on your media accounts and website.
Offer an Incentive to Customers After the Move
Once your restaurant is up and running, you must attract new customers, even as you retain the old ones. So offer an incentive to bring in new customers and entice old customers to visit your new location.
What kind of incentive? It depends on your restaurant, customer base, and budget. For example, you might offer a free dessert to everyone who comes to your restaurant within the first two weeks. Or offer a 10% discount for a select timeframe.
Advertise your incentive on your social media account, in your newsletter, and through all the channels you used to tell everyone about your relocation.
Attract New Customers with An Opening Event
Another way to attract new customers is to hold an opening event. If you choose to hold an opening event, advertise for it well. Consider offering discounts to everyone who attends. If your restaurant has room for live entertainment, find a band or a performer who can keep your restaurant customers happy while they eat and enjoy your new space.
Work With Professional Movers
Working with professional movers is essential, especially for a restaurant relocation. The pros can move your equipment, dishes, and more without damage. To make your relocation as smooth and successful as possible, contact us today for a free quote.