1. Make sure classic roast beef and lamb dishes are on the menu, plus lighter choices like chicken and salmon.
2. Make sure wine can be bought by the glass and not just the bottle. A glass sale is better than no sale at all.
3. About a week before, sit down with staff to make them aware of any specials and promotions and get them excited about the day. It will rub off on your customers.
4. Try creating a three-course menu that people can pre-order, plus a special half-price menu for children under 10.
5. Head to a local florist for bunches of flowers to give to the mums, it will be a nice touch.
6. Keep the music low to allow for conversation and think carefully about the type of music you play. Playing something quite easy-listening will appeal to a wide age-range of mums.
7. Try giving away a free glass of bubbly alongside your usual Sunday menu.
8. Steal an idea from the supermarkets and offer a ‘dine for less’ themed package by sourcing a keenly priced but good quality house wines. Or for something more special, a fashionable sparkling Prosecco.
9. Link a drink to a menu choice then pitch a reasonable offer, promoting it on chalkboards, in eye-catching displays or via email to your customer database so you can win early bookings.
10. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to book in too many people. The experience can soon turn sour if customers have to wait hours for their table or feel rushed.
For the full feature read How to Make the Most of Mothers' Day