How to attract customers to your restaurant during low attendance periods?
Empty tables on Monday afternoons? Dead Tuesday? Or perhaps a lull before the weekend? Every restaurant struggles with periods of low attendance, which negatively impact revenue, team morale, and operational optimization. The good news? This can be changed—without having to lower prices or organize expensive events.
Below you will find 9 proven ideas to increase traffic in your establishment, especially when it is most often empty.
1. Promotions available only in the QR menu
If you use digital menu QR, you can create dynamic promotions that are only available during specific hours or days of the week. For example:
- “Lunch until 3:00 p.m. – free soup of the day”
- “On Mondays, the second course is 30% off”
- “Happy Hour: beer 8 PLN, drinks -20% (4:00–6:00 p.m.)”
Thanks to the QR menu, the customer sees the promotion immediately after scanning the code, and you do not have to print anything or inform guests in person.
2. Introduce a “Tuesdays Only” menu
Limited availability attracts customers. Offer special dishes or menus that are only available during busy times:
- “Chef’s Tuesday Plate”
- “Friday Sweet Brunch”
- “Homemade Pasta Wednesday”
Customers like to have a reason to come in “just today.”
3. Loyalty system with double points
Encourage regular guests to visit during less crowded hours by offering double the number of loyalty points, for example, on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can also reward your guests with special bonuses:
- free dessert for three visits a week,
- free coffee after the fourth lunch,
- discount coupon for your next visit only for guests from low hours.
You can implement all of this automatically with ORDI – without cards, stamps or apps.
4. Home office zone in your restaurant
More and more people are working remotely – give them a place to work in your restaurant. During low-traffic hours, provide
- “Working remotely? Do it with coffee and a delicious lunch”
- “Work-Friendly Restaurant – Bring Your Laptop”
The result? The guest will order more than one coffee, and maybe stay for dinner.
5. Shorter service = more guests
At low traffic times, guests don’t want to wait long—they want to eat and get back to work. The QR menu allows you to:
- instant order placement,
- quick payment (BLIK, Apple Pay, card),
- elimination of mistakes (because the customer chooses what he wants to eat).
You don’t need to hire more people—simply speed up the process. The ORDI system reduces average turnaround time by up to 25–35%.
6. Free dessert for ordering from the QR menu
A small gift can go a long way. Offer a free dessert, cookie, or drink, but only when ordering through the QR menu during specific hours.
The result? Increased digital order volume, faster turnaround times, and… greater customer satisfaction.
7. local events = your opportunity
Check out what’s happening nearby: concerts, fairs, workshops? Offer a discount or special menu for attendees:
- “Got a concert ticket? Show it and get a discount.”
- “After event X – dinner at our place with a 10% discount”
It’s a way to attract completely new guests during off hours.
8. Cooperation with local companies
During lunch hours, try encouraging nearby offices to order meals from your restaurant. You could prepare an offer:
- “Office sets with delivery or pickup”
- “Corporate Menu – Discounts from 5 Portions”
If you combine this with a QR menu and simple online ordering, you have a ready-made solution.
9. Notifications to regular customers
If you have a customer database (e.g. from previous orders via ORDI), you can send automatic SMS or email notifications:
- “Today only until 3:00 PM – free soup of the day!”
- “Quiet before the weekend? We have 2-for-1 pizza.”
Reach your guests when they have time and desire, but haven’t chosen a venue yet.
Summary
Attracting guests during low attendance isn’t magic—it takes planning, technology, and a bit of creativity. The most important thing?
✅ Be flexible.
✅ Use the QR menu as the center of your promotional activities.
✅ Take care of your guests’ comfort and… their time.
The ORDI system supports all the solutions described – and its implementation may pay for itself faster than you think.
👉 Check: www.ordiqr.com
📩 Write to us: contact@ordiqr.com – we will advise you without obligation.