Making Money from the Business of Love

Here's great Valentine's advice from marketing expert Michael Attias.

February is here and that means Valentine's Day. This holiday ranks as one of the largest dining out days of the year. Who doesn't want to treat their sweetheart to flowers, chocolate and of course a romantic dinner? Forget one or all of the previous, and you and Fido will be spending the night chasing rabbits in the backyard.

Restaurants count on Valentine's Day to deliver a flood of sales and profits. Why not get more bang for your restaurant marketing buck? No need to limit Cupid to just a single day of waiting tables. Dub the entire month of February, "Romance Month".

This gives you four weekends to get your register bells ringing, not to mention the days in between. Here are some out-of-the-box profitable ideas to make the most of this restaurant marketing love-fest.

The French call it a Prix Fixe menu, I call it bundling. Create a romantic dinner for two that includes an appetizer, salads, two entrees, dessert and a bottle of wine or champagne. By limiting choices, you can control your inventory and profits. Your chef and kitchen staff will appreciate less stress by simplifying the menu.

Bonus gifts, or the little extras, will help you make the sale, or should I say reservation. Offer bottles of wine, movie tickets or roses with qualifying purchase. Any ad specialty rep can find you low cost; high perceived gifts like freshwater pearls to give away with an advanced reservation.

Help your customers look like heroes with the love of their life and they'll reward you all month long.