Restaurant Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Public Relations Case Study

A grand opening ribbon cutting event is a great way for a new business to generate visibility, boost engagement with their local community and create momentum leading up to the actual launch of their business. When done right, grand opening ribbon cutting events can provide an excellent opportunity to make a good first impression on potential customers by demonstrating your commitment to quality and giving them the chance to get more involved in your new venture.

First, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony enables organizations to show off both the business’ physical location and Grand opening ribbon cuttings provide opportunities to meet local community members who may become future customers. This kind of face-to-face interaction can help build relationships that might not have happened otherwise but are invaluable for success down the line.

Second, throwing a grand opening ribbon cutting allows potential customers to see what services and products are offered firsthand before buying anything. Think of it as an extended version of window shopping! Organizations can also use the event as a word-of-mouth marketing strategy. Typically, grand opening ribbon cutting events spread word-of-mouth awareness faster and further.

Restaurant Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Event Goals

• Announce the restaurant to the community and begin educating them about the concept, menu and culture.

• Connect with the community to create excitement and pre-opening buzz.

• Ensure the grand opening ribbon cutting event is well attended.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Campaign Action Items

Planning & Creation

TrizCom PR coordinated dates, location, theme and created a grand opening ribbon cutting blueprint and timeline.

Chamber of Commerce

TrizCom PR worked with the local Chamber of Commerce and coordinated dates, ribbon cutting invitations (VIP, members, elected officials and community leaders).

Media Alert and Press Release

TrizCom PR wrote and sent a media alert and press release. The media documents were sent to key media contacts.

Calendar Listings

TrizCom PR secured event calendar coverage on community calendars to help with the event’s awareness.

Rib Eating Contest

TrizCom PR helped create a Rib Eating Contest for the grand opening ribbon cutting event. We invited community VIPs and charities to participate. The restaurant made a cash donation to the winner's charity.

Speeches and Agenda

TrizCom PR created a detailed run-of-show agenda and provided talking points for the event’s speeches.

On Site Representation

TrizCom PR was onsite for the entire grand opening ribbon cutting event and help to coordinate attendees and media.

Post Event Follow-Up

TrizCom PR submitted photos from the grand opening ribbon cutting event to various media outlets, including trade publications, with an event recap.

Monitoring and Reporting

TrizCom PR monitored earned media and clipped the media wins. TrizCom also offered ideas for earned media coverage amplification. A post-event report recap was supplied.

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Event Results

• Increased overall earned media impressions by 20% year-over-year

• Increased the restaurant’s subscriber email list by 17%

• Increased website traffic by 21% during the grand opening campaign

• The event exceeded attendance forecasts and was attended by community VIPs, neighbors and elected officials

• The Rib Eating Contest featured the high school’s head football coach, the fire chief and Blazing Saddles actor Burton Gilliam

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