SmartPulse — our weekly reader poll in SmartBrief on Restaurants — tracks feedback from restaurant owners and managers about current trends and issues.
Last week’s poll question: Is your restaurant offering any football-related promotions?
Yes — 48.19%
No — 48.19%
I’m not sure — 3.61%
Game day can mean a big business for some restaurants, and with more hometown sports teams wins, the busier it gets. Traffic comes from Fantasy Football draft parties as well as loyal fans without tickets. Some restaurants such as Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar and Grill are offering prizes to patrons who predict the winning team.
“The great thing about the fantasy business is they don’t just come in once,” Mike McNeil, marketing vice president for Hooters, told USA TODAY. “Once you get them, they come back week after week.”
Other restaurants are tapping into the football frenzy:
- Buffalo Wild Wings lets customers “tablegate,” instead of tailgate, as well as make picks each week.
- Dave & Busters touts itself as “your Sunday football headquarters,” with beer and appetizer specials.
- Papa John’s “Fantasy to Reality” contest is offering a trip to the 2011 NFL Draft next year.
Tell us what upcoming promotions your restaurant is offering. Leave a comment.