Stockton, California

Tips and Ideas  for a Successful Restaurant Week

Updated 8/24/11 . Menus should be submitted to wes@visitstockton.org

- Recommended price discounts are 25-50% off normal pricing . The better the value, the better the customer response.

- Share, share share!  Your current customers are your best ambassadors. Be sure they know about Stockton Restaurant Week

- Restaurants may offer more than one choice per course, but no more than three choices per course at each price level.  Restaurants must offer a prix fixe, three course dinner (starter/appetizer, entree, and dessert) at either $15, $20, or $25. Restaurants may offer dinners at one price level, or a combination of the above prices.

- Already think your prices are low? Use the $15 menu and add a drink or a glass of wine, or another course. You can also do a menu for two at $15 or $20!

 - Items on your Restaurant Week menu do not have to be from you regular menu.  Feel free to create course specifically for this week. Have that special recipe you ave been meaning to try? This is the time! Special desserts, soups, salad and entrees can make your menu more enticing.

 - Lunch offerings at $9.95 are optional and may be two or three courses.

 - Be creative and descriptive in your menu.  Remember, many of these customers have not been to your restaurant. Describe your dishes and sides thoroughly. What type of sauce, glaze or stuffing is used? Are items organic, locally grown or free range? What makes your dishes unique? Remember, you are trying to lure a consumer that has a lot of menus to choose from. Their choices are going to be based not only on value, but by how well you sell it!

 - Prix Fixe menu prices do not include tax, beverages and gratuity . You do have the option of including any of those at your discretion.

 - Restaurants may also offer additional discounts during Restaurant Week  - i.e., Two for One Drink Specials, Kids Eat Half Price...and so on.

 - Restaurants may list actual price next to menu items to show value.

 - Be creative and have fun . Consider themed menus, or special “Restaurant Week Only” entrees.

 - Take advantage of the printed cards, posters and other collateral for Restaurant Week . Utilize your email database to spread the word about the event and put the event on your website (link to www.StocktonRestaurantWeek.com). Include the event in all of your planned marketing for September. Encourage your patrons to participate and explore the Stockton dining scene. Promote, Promote Promote!!!! Every patron during Stockton Restaurant Week should get the special menu.

 - Menus for the website will be created by the Stockton CVB . All we need is your logo, address, phone, website, prices and menu. You will have the opportunity to review before we post it online.

 - Ask questions . If you need clarification, assistance, or would like to be more involved in promoting the event, please let us know.

Graphics:

The following graphics may be used on any promotions for Stockton Restaurant Week . You can use them on your website and link to www.StocktonRestaurantWeek.com , in your printed advertising, on your Facebook page, menu inserts, email campaigns or however you see fit! We can also create custom graphics if needed.

To Download....just right click and "Save Image As"

Menu Examples:

Huntington Beach Restaurant Week         San Jose Dine Downtown 

Typically:

Prix Fixe menus will be valid for dine in only.
Prix Fixe menus are per person (unless otherwise noted) and may not be split or shared.
Prix Fixe menus may not be valid with any other promotional offers, coupons, or discounts.
Diners are encouraged to contact restaurants for details about their restrictions.

Restaurant Week Contact Info : Wes Rhea, Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, wes@visitstockton.org , 209-938-1551