In the competitive world of restaurant marketing, it’s essential to stand out and grab the attention of potential customers. One way to do this is through PR stunts that are not only entertaining but also generate buzz, media coverage and social media content. If you’re looking for creative and outrageous ideas to promote your restaurant, we’ve got you covered. Here are five restaurant PR stunts that are sure to get your restaurant noticed:
Stunt #1: The Community Scavenger Hunt
Are you ready to embark on an adventure that will have your whole town buzzing with excitement? The Community Scavenger Hunt is a fantastic way to engage your local community and draw attention to your restaurant. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Hidden Treasure Chest – Start by hiding a special treasure chest somewhere in town. Make sure it’s a spot that’s accessible to the public. The “prize” inside should be something they bring to your restaurant to receive the real prize.
Step 2: Daily Clues – Create a series of daily clues, riddles, or puzzles that lead participants closer to the hidden treasure. These clues should be posted on your restaurant’s social media accounts to keep the excitement alive.
Step 3: Engage the Community – Encourage residents to participate by offering enticing prizes for those who successfully find the treasure. Make sure the final prize includes a memorable experience at your restaurant.
Step 4: Media Coverage – Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and news outlets to cover the exciting scavenger hunt. Promote it as a fun, family-friendly activity that showcases your commitment to the community.
Stunt #2: The “Screaming Gordon” Competition
Do you want to add a dash of humor and excitement to your restaurant? The “Screaming Gordon” competition pays tribute to the famous Chef Gordon Ramsay and invites participants to imitate his renowned fiery temper. Here’s how to make it a hit:
Step 1: Set a Date – Choose a date for the competition and promote it well in advance to build anticipation.
Step 2: Create Rules – Establish clear rules for the competition, such as time limits and decibel level requirements.
Step 3: Judges and Prizes – Invite local celebrities or food critics to serve as judges and offer exciting prizes for the winners, including free meals or exclusive dining experiences.
Step 4: Record the Fun – Make sure to capture the hilarious moments on video or in photos and share them on your social media platforms. Encourage participants to share their experiences too.
The local television station that carries Gordon Ramsey shows like “Hell’s Kitchen” might want to help promote the event, and are certainly likely to send a camera crew out to report on it.
This event may need to be for adults only, as if you’re familiar with what Gordon screams in the kitchen, many of his outbursts are not safe for children’s ears!
Stunt #3: Elvis Eats Free Day
Is your restaurant a fun and quirky spot that welcomes everyone? The “Elvis Eats Free Day” is a playful stunt that pays tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and invites Elvis impersonators and enthusiasts – and Elvis himself – for a memorable meal. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose a Date – Pick a day to celebrate Elvis, perhaps on the anniversary of one of his iconic moments.
Step 2: Promote the Event – Advertise “Elvis Eats Free Day” through your website, social media, and local event listings.
Step 3: Dress the Part – Encourage patrons to dress up like Elvis, and anyone who does receives a free meal. This will create a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Step 4: Capture the Moments – Make sure to document the day with photos and videos and share the joyous moments on your social media platforms. It’s a great opportunity for user-generated content.
Stunt #4: Celebrate the Day of [Local TV News Anchor]
Harness the power of local media personalities with the “Celebrate a Day of [Local TV News Anchor]” stunt. Not only will it bring a popular news anchor to your restaurant, but it will also create a buzz throughout the community. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Choose a Local News Anchor – Don’t reach out to them, but offer a reward to try to get them to come in. The fun is in creating buzz around guessing whether they will or will not appear at your restaurant that day!
Step 2: Promote the Day – For a week leading up to the event, promote the “Celebrate a Day of [Local TV News Anchor]” across all your marketing channels.
Step 3: Reward and Charity – Offer the news anchor a free meal at your restaurant and a $250 donation to the charity of their choice. Advertise this generous gesture.
Step 4: Attract Customers – Offer a gift card to anyone who is connected to this local celebrity and can bring the news anchor to your restaurant on the designated day. This will encourage your patrons to get involved and spread the word.
Stunt #5: The Drone Light Show
If you’re looking for a breathtaking and technologically advanced way to captivate your audience, a Drone Light Show is an exciting option. Here’s how to make it a reality:
Step 1: Partner with Professionals – Collaborate with a professional drone light show team to plan and execute the event.
Step 2: Choose a Date – Pick a suitable date for the show, and make sure to get any necessary permits.
Step 3: Promote the Event – Advertise the drone light show across all your platforms, and create anticipation in your community. Encourage guests to fill your parking lot and appropriate neighboring areas to watch the show. Notify the local television news media, as this is a very visual event their cameras love.
Step 4: Capture the Spectacle – Ensure you capture the incredible light formations and share them on your social media and website.
In conclusion, these five outrageous restaurant PR stunts can help your establishment grab the spotlight and create a lasting impression. The key to success is careful planning, community engagement, and creative promotion. So, let your imagination run wild and get ready for some extraordinary restaurant experiences that will have people talking about your restaurant for years to come.
