"Closed for vacation": one of the most frustrating phrases when craving your favorite dish at the neighborhood restaurant. With their mouths watering, guests may leave disappointed or head to another establishment. While a closure is logical and understandable, the reason behind customer dissatisfaction is that they weren't informed.
Let’s explore different closure scenarios and the best communication strategies to adopt.
1. Blocking your reservation module
With your management app, you can prevent bookings for the closure dates
If you are a zenchef customer, here's how to get there :
- Settings > Reservations > Closure Period > Add a Closure Period
The benefit of using an online reservation system is that customers won’t be able to book through platforms like Google My Business, avoiding any disappointment!
2. Announcing closure dates on your website's homepage
Use your restaurant’s website to inform customers about your holiday dates:
If you are a zenchef customer, here's how to get there :
- Settings > General Information > About My Restaurant > Edit
Example:
"Dear customers, our restaurant will be exceptionally closed from August 1 to August 15 for our annual vacation. We look forward to welcoming you back on August 16. Book your table now for our reopening!"
3. Creating a closure event
From your restaurant management account, you can also create an event with the closure dates, keeping things clear and organized for your customers.
Efficient communication channels
Website
Your website should be your customers' primary source of information. For an exceptional closure, use a banner or pop-up on the homepage to immediately alert visitors about the changes. Be sure to include details like the reason for the closure, the reopening date, and how to stay in contact.
-> Create your website simply and easily with Zenchef
Example:
"Dear customers, due to renovation work, our restaurant will be closed from September 1 to September 15. We look forward to welcoming you again from September 16 to discover our new look!"
Social media
Social media platforms are powerful tools for staying connected with your audience in real time. Regularly post updates to inform your customers about the closure status. Instagram and Facebook stories are especially effective for sharing behind-the-scenes content, like renovation progress, keeping your guests engaged. Schedule posts in advance before your holiday break to maintain engagement during the closure.
Email and newsletters
Sending an email is an excellent way to communicate directly with your loyal customers. A well-written email can explain the reasons for the closure, reassure them about the reopening, and even offer exclusive deals to encourage customers to return. Don’t forget to include a call-to-action, like a pre-booking option for the reopening.
Example:
“Dear customers, our restaurant will be closed from August 1 to August 15 for annual holidays. We look forward to welcoming you again from August 16. Book your table now for our reopening via our website.”
SMS
Sending a text message campaign to announce the reopening after renovations or holidays can be a fruitful way to achieve optimal occupancy from the start.
Examples:
- "New look, same great taste! Our renovations are complete. Join us from [DATE] to discover the new décor and menu at [RESTAURANT]."
- "We’re back from vacation and can’t wait to serve you again. Come enjoy our new menu starting [DATE]!"
7 Example posts for your restaurant during holidays:
- Post renovation progress updates
"We are temporarily closing for a small makeover! Follow us to see behind-the-scenes and be the first to check out our new décor!"
- Introduce your team
Post videos or photos highlighting each staff member and their role at the restaurant, or offer creative interviews sharing fun anecdotes about your team.
- Tease your new menu by discussing ingredients' origins
Sustainability and local sourcing are trending topics. Share stories about your local suppliers, such as the farmer who provides fresh vegetables just a few miles from your restaurant, taking customers on a journey through your ingredients.
- Share DIY recipes or cooking tips
Who hasn’t dreamt of knowing the chef’s secrets? Many people love recreating restaurant dishes at home, so why not share a few tips or recipes? You may be surprised at how many new fans you attract!
- Tell the story of your restaurant
Every restaurant has a story. Share yours with your regulars! Why did you choose the name? What inspired you to pursue this profession? This kind of storytelling gives depth to your cuisine and can be shared in photos, videos, or text.
- Organize polls or contests
Get creative with your audience! You can run a contest offering a free meal for guessing the ingredients in your signature dish, or how to cook certain items—an engaging and original way to keep in touch with your community.(More example here)
- Offer gift couchers
Encourage customers to buy gift vouchers they can redeem when your restaurant reopens. This is a great way to stay connected with your clientele and support your business during the closure.
If you are already a Zenchef customer, you can directly request activation from your restaurant owner space.
And if you want to discover our solution and set up gift vouchers while waiting for business to resume, contact us here!
An exceptional closure in the restaurant industry, whether for holidays, renovations, strikes, or force majeure, should not mean losing your customers.
You now have all the tools to effectively communicate about your restaurant’s closure! The more confident your customers feel, the more they will trust you and look forward to just one thing: the reopening of your restaurant!
