Today, I want to talk about something that could transform your restaurant’s impact on your community—and your sales—without ever asking for a dime.
Sounds crazy, right? But trust me, it works. It’s all about building real, authentic connections. Let’s dive into how you can make your restaurant a community cornerstone without focusing on transactions.
Why I’m Talking About This
Right now, I’m sitting in a random lobby in Florida. Not my usual studio setup. I’m here for the Pizza Tomorrow Summit, not to sell, but to connect, learn, and understand where the industry is heading. This mindset—of showing up not to pitch but to participate—is exactly what I want to share with you.
1. Show Up Without Selling
Imagine this: your restaurant sets up a booth at the local high school football game. Are you there to sell pizza? Nope. You’re there to support the team, to give back, and to be seen as a community partner.
One of our clients did just that. They provided free food to the press box and tossed out mini footballs. A small gesture? Sure. But it made a huge impact because they weren’t focused on what they could get out of it right then and there.
Too often, I see restaurants approach community events thinking, How do I monetize this today? That’s the wrong question. Community events aren’t about making sales on the spot—they’re about building trust and relationships that lead to sales down the road.
2. Be Consistently Present
Being a familiar face takes time. You can’t just show up once, sponsor an event, and expect a massive return. Relationships aren’t built in a day, and neither is trust.
Years ago, when I joined BNI (Business Network International), it wasn’t the first meeting that grew my business. It was showing up every week, consistently, for five years. The same principle applies to your restaurant.
Find events and causes in your community that align with your values, and commit to them long-term. Show up regularly. Support them for the right reasons. After a while, people won’t just recognize you—they’ll expect to see you. That’s when real connections happen.
3. Focus on Relationships, Not Transactions
Here’s the key: stop thinking about what you can sell today and start focusing on the relationships you can build for tomorrow.
There’s a term for people who join organizations like the Chamber of Commerce or a booster club but don’t actually get involved: M.I.N.O.—Member In Name Only. Don’t be that person. Your goal isn’t to have your name on the sponsor list; it’s to show up, participate, and genuinely connect with people.
Bonus Tip: Be Branded
This one’s personal to me. If you know me, you know I’m always rocking orange—it’s my brand. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about being recognizable.
At this summit alone, three people have come up to me simply because they recognized the orange shirt and knew it was me. That’s the kind of recognition you want for your restaurant. Don’t be the random guy in a generic t-shirt. Represent your brand consistently and proudly.
Community Marketing Done Right
Community marketing is about more than sponsoring an event or slapping your logo on a flyer. It’s about being present, being consistent, and being genuine.
When you show up for your community, not to sell but to support, you’ll build relationships that eventually turn into loyal customers. So, start today. Find a cause, commit to it, and watch the magic happen.
For more tips like this, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe—and check out RestaurantMarketingthatworks.com.
Until next time, keep crushing it in your community! 🧡
