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© Bill Main & Associates

OK, Krushchev was talking about communism, but you get the idea. Ever thought of kids as some of your most loyal and influential customers? According to a Restaurants & Institutions survey, kids influence where their parents dine out at least 50% of the time in the casual dining segment. If kids like to eat in your restaurant, you can bet their parents will hear about it the next time they're deciding where to eat. What types of things do you do to create a place kids will remember?

 

  Look like Mom and Dad's menu
  "Mini-menus" for mini hands
  Smaller number of special selections

 Specifically welcome them at the door
 Speak to directly at the table
 Invite them to bring Mom & Dad back soon

 Booster chairs
 Special trays
 Kid-sized silverware
 Smaller, kolorful plates

 Krayons
 Place mats to kolor
 A souvenir to take home
 Unique krackers or kookies

 Ask 'em what they want
 Hold a special Kids' Night
 Prepare new kids' dishes
 Kreate a kid-friendly survey

 Designate kid-loving employees
 Pay special attention to young guests
  Wear fun shirts or krazy hats

 Hold a menu kover contest
 Invite elementary school classes
 Provide pre-printed menu shells, paints and krayons
 Special prize for the winner

Don't cringe when you see kids walk in your door. Instead, see them as important guests who should be included in your internal and external marketing plans. Creating a fun and tasty dining experience will help turn them into some of your biggest fans and loyal customers.