Did you just open a new restaurant but have no idea how to promote it?
You may feel like you need to run Instagram ads, start a blog, hand out flyers, work with influencers, and figure out how much money you should spend on advertising. There are so many things to think about, especially when this is your first business.
But you do not need a huge advertising budget from the beginning. The important thing is to let people know about your restaurant before you open and give them a reason to actually visit.
Today, let’s look at 10 new store opening ideas that first-time restaurant owners can try by themselves. Most of them can be started with a small budget and are easy to try even if you are new to advertising in restaurants.
01
Idea 1. Start Showing
the Process Before You Open
Do not wait until opening day to start promoting your restaurant.
Share the process on Instagram little by little, such as your store renovation, sign installation, menu testing, or food photography. You do not need to show only the perfect final result. The process of building your restaurant can be interesting content too.
For example:
“POV: you thought creating one menu item would be easy.”
“3 weeks until this empty space becomes our little restaurant.”
“Hi, I’m Jiae. I’ve wanted to open this place for 6 years.”
“Things nobody told us about opening a restaurant.”
“7 days until we open… and this is what the restaurant looks like right now.”
If you are not sure how to set up your Instagram account or what to post first, check out Instagram Marketing for Small Business: A Beginner’s Guide.
02
Idea 2. Show Your Main Menu Little by Little
Instead of showing your full menu all at once, introduce your best items one by one.
You can even hide part of the food and create a little curiosity.
For example:
“Something crispy is coming…”
Give people a small preview and make them wonder what is coming next.
03
Idea 3. Put an “Opening Soon” Poster Outside
Online promotion is important, but do not forget the people who already walk past your store.
A simple poster can be enough. You only need a few key details:
If you are not sure what colors or fonts to use for your poster, check out the Small Business Branding Checklist first.
04
Idea 4. Create a Special Offer for Your First Week
Just saying “We are now open!” may not be enough to make people visit right away.
Give them a small reason to come now.
For example:
The offer does not have to be huge. Even a small offer can work well when it is only available for a limited time.
05
Idea 5. Run an Instagram Follow & Share Event
You can promote your opening event and grow your Instagram account at the same time.
For example:
The goal is not only to increase your follower number.
After the event, keep giving people a reason to stay. Share new menu items, special events, limited offers, or other useful updates.
06
Idea 6. Create an Opening-Only Menu
A limited-time menu or special set can also be a good opening promotion.
For example:
Grand Opening Katsu Set — This Week Only
A menu that is only available during opening week can make the experience feel more special and give people a reason to visit sooner.
Make It Easy for Local Customers to Find You
07
Idea 7. Make Sure People Can Find You on Google
After finding your restaurant on Instagram, many customers may search for it again on Google.
Before opening, make sure you have at least the basic information ready:
Keep the information the same on Instagram, Google, and your website. Different hours or addresses can easily confuse customers.
08
A new restaurant usually does not have many reviews yet, so your first reviews can be very important.
If a customer enjoyed their meal, you can simply say:
“If you enjoyed your meal, we’d really appreciate a Google review.”
You can also place a Google Review QR code near the checkout or print it on the receipt to make it easier for customers.
Reach More People Without a Big Advertising Budget
09
Idea 9. Work With Nearby Businesses or Local Creators
You do not need to pay a big influencer from the beginning.
Try working with nearby cafés, small businesses, or local food creators instead.
For example:
The important thing is not only how many followers someone has. Ask yourself whether they can actually reach people who live near your restaurant.
10
Idea 10. Take Lots of Photos and Videos on Opening Day
Opening day is a great time to create marketing materials that you can use later.
Try to capture:
You can later reuse these photos and videos on Instagram, Google Business Profile, posters, and ads.
They do not need to look like professional advertising photos. Natural photos that show the real feeling of your restaurant can work well too.
Start Small,
but Start
Before Opening Day
You do not need a huge advertising budget to promote a new restaurant.
Start by showing your restaurant before opening, creating a small reason for people to visit, and making sure customers can easily find you on Google and Instagram.
Especially in the beginning, do not try every advertising method at once. Start small, see where your customers are actually finding your restaurant, and slowly add more from there.