Welcome

I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Restaurant R150 business seminar this week, as one of the guests of Restaurant Magazine. The seminar included fascinating insights into some very successful restaurant businesses, but it was the final presentation of the morning that really made everyone in the room stop and think the most.

Simon Kossoff, MD of Carluccio’s talked to us about his company’s involvement with Action Against Hunger, which has so far seen them raise £350 000 to help severely malnourished children in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. Read more about the situation in Liberia, and what’s being done to help.

So how did Carluccio’s raise this much money? The idea is simple; every time a diner chooses their best selling dish (Penne Giardinera), Carluccio’s make a donation to Action Against Hunger. They hope to have contributed half a million pounds on total by the end of 2010. It’s not just big groups like Carluccio’s that can make a difference though – the more restaurants that get involved the better. Why not get in touch today, and find out how your restaurant could help?

Olivia Fitzgerald
General Manager UK & Ireland

Marketing Tip

Only 48 Days to go ‘til Christmas

The marketing tip this month is simple, there are two essential actions your restaurant should be taking in the run up to Christmas:

1. Open up your availability
Make sure you catch those last minute Christmas bookers. Don’t close out your availability too soon as you’ll be sending negative messages to your customers that you are fully booked when you may still have some space available. Now that Livebookings has partnered with 118 118 you may start receiving more last minute bookings.

2. Close out the days your restaurant is closed!
Make sure you don’t forget to update your opening times over the Christmas period. We want to make sure we provide your potential customers with the correct information and not send you bookings when you are closed. The quickest way to do this is in your Livebookings Reservations Diary.

Alternatively, contact our account management team who will be able to help.

Livebookings Academy

How to Harness the Power of Google, Twitter and Facebook to Pull More Diners to your Restaurant

These days simply having a web presence is only half the story. It is now possible to further increase your presence using tools from Google, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, and third party websites such as Bookatable.com to reach more diners and grow your business.

This session will arm you with some of the key tools you need to improve your brand awareness and bring new customers to your restaurant.

Date: Wednesday 11 November 2009
Time: 09:00 – 12:00 Registration from: 09:00 – 09:20
Location: Smollensky’s on The Strand. Click here to view a map

The Livebookings Academy is free, however spaces are limited so book now to confirm your place.

As an attendee at the Academy your restaurant will receive a complimentary £50 Google AdWords voucher*. On Thursday 12th November, Google will be running a webinar, providing you with information on how best to use these vouchers. Register here or join the teleconference by ringing 0800 028 8023 or 020 7365 1860.

* If you are part of a restaurant group please contact us about claiming your Google AdWords voucher

Promotional Ideas

lastminute.com

lastminute.com are running a Michelin star promotion from the 16th November. If your restaurant has a Michelin star and are offering set menus or added extras, then please send your menus to lastminute.com

118 118... They've got your Number!

You've seen the adverts, you've read the emails, you've seen it in the press, but have you sent 118 118 your menu? Livebookings has partnered with 118 118 to send more diners to your restaurant. By taking bookings over the phone for you! Please send your standard menu to 118 118.

Offers, Offers, Offers

Don’t forget to let us know about any offers you are running and we will ensure they are promoted within the Livebookings Network. Some of the most successful categories are: