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Honestly, I never look at any of that stuff (ads, websites, yellow pages, etc.) except when I'm working in a city that I've never been to before. You have a nice website, and if/when I have a client to visit in Rhode Island, I'll stop by for lunch. I gather, however, that your focus is not out-of-town visitors.

At home, if I walk or drive by a new restaurant that looks clean and inviting, I'll try it. So anything that would catch my attention and create a positive impression when I passed by would pay off. (Of course, for every person like me, there is probably someone who eats at the same chain restaurant at the same time on the same day every week of his life.)

For places that are off my normal beaten path, it's generally word of mouth that gets me in the door - someone I know saying, "You just have to try this place!" You could think in terms of what might "trigger" people to talk and spread the word. For example, some associates of mine were in a car talking about the meeting we'd just attended when a city bus passed by with an ad on the side for a Chinese buffet. Someone asked if we had eaten there, and we were suddenly in a discussion about the best Chinese food in town. Maybe other contributors to this forum can suggest some good ways for you to get people talking.

Best wishes!

I just developed a new coupon that I distribute to people I meet instead of a business card. I have received a great positive response. I am also including this in my print ads. It is a replica of a $2 bill with my restaurant info in the middle and I call it "Dilba Dollars" after the name of the restaurant. I also distribute a $1 replica to current customers for there return visit... Works great...

Visit http://www.dilbasmargatecafe.com or http://www.margatecafe.com I have posted the coupon on the openning page.

I do display wi-fi access on my menu, etc. I also registered with the various web sites promoting wifi, a couple of customers mentioned that is how they found my restaurant.

For me personally I know a great coupon will always bring me into a restaurant. I’ve noticed that some restaurants will offer coupons like x% off a bill of $60 or more - I never spend that much in restaurants. I would do a buy one entree get an app free, 20% off total bill of any amount, etc.

I would also ask a few friends to write reviews for you on local review websites (yelp.com or your local weekly will often have online reviews).

When I am browsing for a place to dine, a photo of a romantic, quiet booth usually pulls me in. I like a fine place that is clean and organized. A lot of screaming kids and folks running around will definitely have me running the other way.

DomainDiva....you are so right about "cars in the parking lot"! We tend to go by that rule, especially on vacation & out of town. You may know your own city neighborhood or suburb pretty well...but when you venture out, it can be a little scary. It may be wrong to judge a book by its cover...(sorry restaurant owners)...but if you constantly even walk by a place after work every day and it is vacant over and over again....something must be wrong. I always still sometimes the benefit of the doubt, even so and tried a take-out from this one place and the soup ended up being greasy and food not good. At least I found out what everyone already knew. Ha!

The circular ad are a good deal, but "word of mouth" is more more efficient and effective. I think you should concentrate on the customers you have now. A combination of good food, good/personal service, and location will bring in more customers than any ad placed in any paper. Somebody always wants to be the person that recommended a good restaurant, goes to credibility. There are restaurants that I patronize that I will more than likely always patronize, that is what a good experience gets you...loyalty.