Idea #1: 10:00 = Free Meal Challenge

Have you ever seen these fun challenges on TikTok or at an amusement park? These seemingly easy challenges are actually extremely statistically difficult; in fact, the likelihood that someone will stop the timer at exactly 10:00 is a mere 0.36%. That means that out of 1000 patrons, only about 3 to 4 of them will actually be able to stop the timer right on the mark.

The reward for these 3 to 4 patrons? It can be something as simple as as free drink, a 10% off coupon, or even a free item! Ultimately, it doesn't matter; your patrons will have fun completing this challenge regardless if they win or not.

This marketing strategy is easy to implement, doesn't cost much, and scales as you grow. This is truly a one-of-a-kind trendy experience that your patrons post on social media and talk about for the days that come!

Idea #2: Scan The QR Code, Get a Free Pizza

If you're active on social media, you've probably seen the viral video of a guy running around in a QR code costume, promising potential restaurant customers free pizza if they're able to scan the QR code.

The only problem? The guy taunts potential customers and makes them chase him around aimlessly, garnering significant public attention. He usually does so in a public area like a park, music venue, etc with a large concentration of people.

The results of this marketing campaign are incredible. It's such a unique and unprecedented strategy that I've never seen any restaurants try it out. It's pretty easy to get started also: just paint a cardboard box and some cheap Walmart clothes and run around your local park on a nice warm day. Watch as people start taking videos of you and posting you on social media.

Idea #3: Neighborhood Nomination Nights

If you're running a restaurant that's pretty popular in your neighborhood, this one is for you. Pick one night a week—say, Wednesday—and let your followers “nominate” someone in their neighborhood who deserves a free meal (a hardworking teacher, single parent, delivery driver, etc). Pick 1-2 winners and celebrate them publicly on your social media and in the restaurant.

📸 Bonus: Take a pic of them with their meal and share it with a thank-you caption. Instant social proof.

Not only is this great local PR, but it also taps into feel-good community vibes. And guess what? When someone wins, they usually bring friends. That’s more foot traffic for you, and you’re seen as the generous spot in town.

Idea #4: Restaurant Polaroid Wall

If you're looking to target younger audiences, especially Gen Z, then this one is for you. Dedicate a wall in your restaurant (make sure it's towards the front when patrons walk in) to be a "Polaroid Wall". If you don't know what this is, a Polaroid is essentially a trendy instant print camera that is frequented by younger audiences.

Walk around your restaurant and ask patrons if they'd like to be on the wall. Snap a picture of them with your Polaroid, apply a bit of tape, and ask the patron to write their name on the photo. Just like that, that patron is forever memorialized on the Polaroid wall.

We've seen this strategy work very well with fast casual restaurants that are looking to target younger audiences. Once they're on the wall, they tend to integrate themselves into the restaurant community by following social medias and writing positive reviews. Memorialized patrons also tend to frequent the restaurant more, discuss it with friends, and post it on social media.

Idea #5: Table Tennis Dining Table

If you're running a sports bar or some type of fast-paced restaurant, this one is for you. A table tennis dining table is one of the most unique ways to separate yourselves from the endless array of generic sports bar and beach restaurants that patrons experience today. People don't eat at a sports bar merely for the food: they visit to have fun with friends and have an experience, something that the table tennis dining table makes possible.

There's absolutely no maintenance or continued work needed with this. Merely purchase a tennis table, a few paddles, and a few hundred ping-pong balls (trust me, your guests will lose them).

We've seen this strategy work in tourist-heavy restaurants, such as beach clubs and sports bars. Tourists often are out exploring and experiencing a new place; they want to grab a quick bite, but they can continue their positive experiences with a table tennis dining table. We've seen restaurants like Bubba's and Dock's Beach Club explode online because patrons host informal table tennis tournaments and post them online.

Conclusion:

I've probably worked with hundreds of restaurants through Derby Digital and know that growing a restaurant is hard. It's no longer all about delivering amazing food, unparalleled customer service, and creating a sense of community. The restaurant landscape has changed, and people are constantly looking for more than food: they want experiences. That's why these 5 creative marketing strategies were targeted towards just that: creating an unprecedented dining experience for patrons and keeping them loyal and talking about your restaurant. I hope you enjoyed.