Managing Your ‘Giving Back’ Regimen

Every restaurant owner knows that being involved within their community is key to their success. However, constant requests for gift cards, free meals, and other donations can get overwhelming and costly with time. Frankly, with margins being so slim already, it is hard to give back as much as you’d like. Here are some tips and advice on how to manage your “giving back regimen.”

Define a Monthly Donation BudgetFigure out how much you can afford to give in terms of donations each month. Once you have donated/spent the whole amount, inform any new requestor that the budget has been spent at this time and they can try again next month. Being organized will help people plan without feeling resentful, it definitely sounds better than a short no, and it will keep you from overspending.

Donate Small Amount Gift CardsThis is actually a smart marketing strategy in disguise. Statistically, few are generally redeemed. Even if they are, it gets your name out there, it gives you brownie…