Running a restaurant means constantly finding ways to keep your tables full, especially during slower times. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through email marketing. When paired with the right strategies, email campaigns can drive immediate reservations, encourage repeat business, and bring in new customers.

In this post, we’ll show you exactly how email marketing can help fill your restaurant’s tables and provide real results. We’ll also introduce a case study of a local restaurant that successfully increased their reservations by implementing email marketing strategies.

Case Study: Anadolu Kitchen NYC

Business Owner: Selim Yilmaz

Location: New York, NY

Anadolu Kitchen NYC, a popular Turkish restaurant in the heart of New York City, was struggling to fill tables during the week, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. While weekends were always busy, the early part of the week was often quiet, leaving Selim looking for ways to fill seats and drive revenue during these slower periods.

By implementing an email marketing strategy using Constant Contact, Anadolu Kitchen NYC began sending targeted reservation reminders, exclusive offers, and seasonal promotions to their customer list. Here's how the strategy unfolded:

1) Targeted Campaigns:

Selim segmented his email list into different groups—frequent customers, VIP patrons, and new visitors. This allowed him to send tailored offers to each group. For instance, loyal customers received a “We Miss You” email offering a 15% discount on their next reservation during a slow week.

2) Time-Sensitive Offers:

Selim used Constant Contact’s automation tools to send out last-minute reservation offers for quieter days. Emails like “Reserve Your Table Tonight and Enjoy 10% Off” helped create urgency and encouraged immediate bookings.

3) Promoting Special Events:

Anadolu Kitchen NYC also used email marketing to promote special events such as "Turkish Feast Nights," where they offered exclusive tasting menus and live Turkish music. These events were marketed through targeted email campaigns, urging customers to book early.

Results:

• 45% increase in weekday reservations over two months.
• 20% growth in repeat customers through personalized email offers and exclusive promotions.
• Higher engagement rates, with open rates increasing from 28% to 42%.

With Constant Contact, Anadolu Kitchen NYC successfully filled more tables, increased reservations, and ensured steady revenue throughout the week.

Conclusion:

Email marketing is a powerful tool for driving reservations. By sending personalized, targeted offers and creating urgency, you can fill your tables and keep your restaurant busy. With years of experience in digital marketing, VelvetList Media recommends Constant Contact as the best platform for restaurants to streamline their email campaigns and achieve measurable success. Start using Constant Contact today and see how it can transform your restaurant’s reservations and revenue.