Ahhh, a night without the kids. Date night is good for three things - Mom’s sanity, marriages everywhere and your pocketbook - if you know how to get on Mom’s restaurant go-to list for date night.
How to Get on Mom’s Go-To Date Night Restaurant List
- Offer incredible service, so Mom doesn’t have to think. This is the best way to get on a busy mom’s go-to list because she thinks, thinks, thinks all day long. Servers who make suggestions and answer questions knowledgeably are going to get brownie points from Mom.
- Recognize Mom and Dad’s need to celebrate even with no big occasion. It’s simple for a host to ask a couple of questions and give Mom and Dad a great table. Adding in a free dessert never hurt the cause either.
- Spell out your menu. This means to make it easy for Mom to decode ingredients if she has a picky eater or dad in her life.
- Offer a great atmosphere and experience geared toward date night. Think about the experience a couple wants when they are away from the kids – no really loud music – they are either here to talk (probably about the kids) or do something fun – watch an upbeat hibachi show, cooking class or wine tasting are all attractions for date night. Make sure the experience meets their date night criteria – and it’s easy to do. Ask for feedback and incorporate accordingly.
- Offer value packages for two. Dinners Mom and Dad can share or package deals with courses that complement one another are another way to get on Mom’s go-to list because she can fit you in her budget.
- Sometimes we just want dessert. Offering a great dessert menu that’s not packed with the usual apple crumble, molten chocolate cake and crème brulee is a way to get on Mom’s go-to list. Be creative and tell her about it.
- Market to Dad about special nights. Sending him an email is a great way for him to suggest a surprise date night or pick the place when it’s his turn to make the reservation. Knowing that there’s incentive (your email or Facebook suggestions timed just right – end of the work day, right before their anniversary or her birthday), it’s a no-brainer that if she likes your food or may like your food, you’re on the list. Mom will remember you if the experience is right.
- Market to Mom about date night. Moms love to give subtle hints when they need a break. It’s as simple as, “I got a postcard from this cool place called INSERT YOUR RESTAURANT NAME. We should check them out some time.” If Dad is listening, he’ll schedule the babysitter right away.
How to Get Off Mom’s Go-To
- Don’t offer a great experience. One of the keys to staying on Mom’s go-to list is to impress her. The fun of date night is trying new places or going to restaurants that deliver consistently. Don’t kill your spot on the list.
- Bother the dining couple with overly attentive service. Moms are asked a million questions a day, and if your wait staff is continually asking if they need anything, she might just take you off her list. It’s all about being overly attentive without her noticing. Watch a mom with her children for lessons in how to do this.
- Don’t time your courses right. One of the appeals of date night is to actually get to eat dinner in one sitting and as it’s meant to be enjoyed – appetizer, main course, dessert, for example. If you time it where they don’t have time to enjoy the appetizer before serving the main course – forget your spot at the top of the go-to list.
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