Promotion and Discount Checklist

Steps a restaurant GM or marketing lead runs to plan, launch, and evaluate a promotion or discount — from setting goals through POS configuration, staff training, legal review, and post-promo analysis.

Use this workflow
1

Promotion Planning

  1. Define the promotion objective
  2. Identify the target guest segment
  3. Set the success KPIs
  4. Choose the discount mechanic
2

Margin and Pricing Review

  1. Model the discounted food cost
  2. Set per-guest redemption limits
  3. Confirm beverage program impact
  4. Get owner sign-off on the offer
3

Legal and Compliance

  1. Confirm the offer is legal in your state
  2. Determine whether alcohol is included
  3. Confirm ABC compliance for the offer
  4. Draft the terms and conditions
4

POS and Systems Setup

  1. Build the discount in the POS
  2. Test the discount on a dummy ticket
  3. Update online ordering and delivery menus
  4. Configure manager-approval thresholds
5

Marketing and Channels

  1. Produce in-house signage and table tents
  2. Schedule social posts on Instagram and Facebook
  3. Update Google Business Profile and Yelp
  4. Send the email and SMS blast
  5. Brief any local influencer partners
6

Staff Training and Pre-Shift

  1. Walk FOH through the offer at pre-shift
  2. Brief BOH on the prep impact
  3. Post the cheat sheet at the server station
7

Post-Promotion Review

  1. Pull the promo sales mix from the POS
  2. Reconcile actual vs. theoretical food cost
  3. Review guest feedback and online reviews
  4. Document the post-promo decision