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7 Ways Signs Boost Holiday Restaurant Group Reservations

A scrolling LED sign can encourage customers to book ahead for large holiday gatherings.

photo taken inside an empty restaurant about to open with a scrolling LED sign installed by a glass wall

Running a restaurant during the holiday season can be a whirlwind of activity. Between handling the everyday crowd and special events, it’s easy to overlook one powerful tool that can help fill your tables: the scrolling LED sign. These programmable signs are actually a practical way to boost group reservations during the busy holiday season. 

Strategically using these signs can help restaurant owners boost reservations. Here are seven ways to do this:

#1 Announce Special Holiday Menus for Large Parties

Holiday group bookings are often driven by special menus—think Thanksgiving feasts or Christmas banquets. Use your LED-powered unit to promote them in advance. A bright, scrolling message can grab the attention of pedestrians and motorists passing by and entices them to book a table for their next family gathering or office party. 

For example, something like "Holiday Feast Menu Available for Group Bookings! Reserve Now!" can drive home the urgency while showcasing your seasonal menu's exclusivity.

#2 Offer Discounts for Early Group Reservations

Nothing motivates people to act faster than a good discount. Use your unit to advertise limited-time discounts for early group bookings. Something like "20% Off Holiday Group Reservations Before December 1st!" instantly creates a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to lock in their plans early.

People love deals, especially during the holidays when budgets can get really tight. Offering early-bird discounts through your unit can push customers to act sooner rather than later, securing more reservations ahead of time.

#3 Promote Private Dining Options for Large Groups

Holiday groups often look for private dining experiences. If your restaurant has a private room or space that can be reserved, promote it on your LED sign. Messages like "Private Dining for Holiday Parties – Book Now!" can let people know that your restaurant is the perfect place for a secluded, festive gathering.

Private dining areas are highly sought after, especially during this time of year when people are hosting parties. Showcasing this feature on your sign makes it easy for customers to envision their event in your restaurant.

#4 Highlight Customizable Group Packages

Large groups love flexibility. Use your programmable LED sign to promote customizable group packages. Whether offering a buffet, prix fixe menu, or the ability to customize a meal plan for a group, highlight the fact that you’re willing to accommodate.

The option to customize gives customers the control they desire when planning a group event. By making this a central feature of your LED sign promotions, you cater to a wide range of potential diners—from families to corporate groups.

#5 Encourage Reservations with Countdown Messages

Create a sense of urgency with a countdown timer or message on your unit. Something like "Only 1 Week Left to Book Your Holiday Party!" can push potential customers to finalize their plans. Countdown messages tap into a psychological trigger known as scarcity, where people feel compelled to act before time runs out.

Set your unit to change the countdown message daily so regular passersby and motorists see the time slipping away. It creates a mental nudge that becomes harder to ignore as the deadline approaches.

#6 Showcase Customer Testimonials from Previous Holiday Events

LED signs aren’t just for promoting future events—they can also showcase past successes. Display snippets of customer testimonials from previous holiday group bookings to give potential clients an idea of the memorable experiences you offer. 

Something like, "‘Best Christmas Party Ever!’ – Maya L." followed by "Book Your Holiday Event Now!" can create trust and show that your restaurant is experienced in handling large, festive gatherings.

#7 Advertise Holiday-Themed Events

Holiday-themed events like live music nights, karaoke, or special charcuterie dinners can be big draws for group reservations. Use your programmable LED sign to promote these events well in advance to give people time to organize their groups. For example, "Live Christmas Jazz Every Friday Night – Book Your Group Table Now!" can catch the attention of music lovers or people looking for a unique holiday experience.

Special events create buzz and excitement. People love being part of exclusive experiences, and seeing these events on your sign gives them a reason to choose your restaurant over others.

The Key Takeaways

Programmable LED signs are a dynamic, attention-grabbing tool for restaurants looking to fill their reservation books for the holiday season. From announcing exclusive menus and offering early booking discounts to promoting private dining and customizable packages, LED signs can help restaurant owners spread the word effectively. 

Incorporating countdowns, testimonials, and event promotions can create a sense of urgency and excitement around your holiday group offerings. As the holiday season approaches, don’t just rely on traditional marketing. Maximize the use of your scrolling LED sign for more holiday reservations.

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Ready to invest in a unit? Check out AffordableLED.com and pick one that fits your restaurant's needs!



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