DECA Hospitality and Tourism Cluster Practice Exam

Which promotional technique can effectively drive foot traffic to a restaurant?

1. Host a community event

2. Lower staff salaries

3. Reduce menu variety

4. Limit hours of operation

The correct answer is: Host a community event

Hosting a community event is an effective promotional technique for driving foot traffic to a restaurant because it creates an opportunity for the restaurant to engage with the local community, attract new customers, and build brand awareness. Community events can take many forms, such as food festivals, charity fundraisers, or cooking classes, all of which invite people to gather and interact in a social atmosphere centered around the restaurant. This not only emphasizes the restaurant's offerings but also fosters a sense of belonging among attendees, which encourages them to return or recommend the restaurant to others. Additionally, community events can leverage social media and local marketing efforts, encouraging participants to share their experiences online, further amplifying the restaurant's visibility and reach. This interactive approach is known to enhance customer loyalty as well, as patrons feel connected to the business when they participate in community-oriented activities. In contrast, strategies such as lowering staff salaries, reducing menu variety, or limiting hours of operation tend to negatively impact customer perception and employee morale, which could deter business rather than encourage foot traffic.