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Three ways restaurants can be smarter with local schools

Online ordering is the perfect way to remind students, parents and school administrators that you care about their needs by offering them a quick and value-oriented way to order their meals.

September 17, 2014 by Ed Zimmerman — President, pizza.com

Many kids hate going back to school after a long, hot summer. However, the return to class and a regular routine is wonderful for many parents. Now, think about how you can make the most out of school by using an online ordering system to build sales and create good feelings in your community.

By promoting online ordering, students who have to spend long days in the classroom will grow to love you for the convenience and support you can provide their school. As fall weather and eating patterns return, parents and children turn away from hot dogs and BBQ toward the convenience of a pizza, sandwiches and subs or any number of menu items they can order online and eat in the comfort of their home.

With the start of school, schedules are more hectic with homework, sports, band, etc.; parents should turn to online ordering for a quick and efficient way to provide dinner for their busy family. Order and pick up also provides a quick meal in the car on the way to those sports practices or music lessons.

At the same time, schools look for ways to raise money for their sports teams and clubs. They need support from their local businesses. Savvy foodservice operators know this and the good ones prepare for the renewed interest in their menus. With school back in session, restaurants can capitalize on school lunch promotions, sports team parties, fundraisers and sponsorships. In particular, pizza and schools go together like … pepperoni and pizza … and together they can be an excellent revenue builder.

Lunch promos

Use an online ordering system and email campaign to promote a lunch program with your local schools. Additionally, approach the school to cater their faculty and evening events.

Provide the school with discount coupons to drive business to your establishment. Staying connected to a local school makes you a valuable part of the community.

Sports teams

The classic way to connect with schools is through sports teams. Sponsor the football, baseball or soccer team and provide team jerseys and after-parties. Go beyond the regular sports and support the chess club and the cheerleaders. Support the program by giving back a percentage to the team or the library. Use Twitter to report the scoreboard for parents stuck at work. “Lions 32 Giants 28 third period, 18 minutes left in the game, pizza party follows at Joey’s Pizza, 123 Main St.” (Only 95 Characters, Twitter allows 140). Put the school team name and logo on your online order page and receipts as a way to show support while simultaneously promoting your own goodwill.

Fundraisers

Schools desperately need money for books, pencils and art supplies; most teachers dig into their own pocket for these extras. Be creative, connect with a teacher (maybe one of your own children or niece, or your assistant manager’s child) and brainstorm a specific need and a program for their class. “Buy a Gift Certificate and buy our class a new World Map”. The teacher can coordinate so that each family purchases a $25 meal certificate for $15 or $20 with the additional $5-$10 donated to the class. This will create 20-30 families coming to your restaurant or ordering for delivery; many will be new customers.

Online ordering is the perfect way to remind students, parents and school administrators that you care about their needs by offering them a quick and value-oriented way to order their meals.

Summertime is hot but you can be the coolest and most successful restaurant on the block by going back to school.

About Ed Zimmerman

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