Kia ora, hospitality whānau!
I hope this message finds you well! 😉
Mother’s Day isn’t just another date on the hospitality calendar, it’s one of the most emotionally charged and opportunity-rich times of the year. The challenge? Standing out and delivering an experience that sparks loyalty, not just a one-time visit.
This month, we’re diving into how to turn occasions into operations and celebrations into revenue boosters, using the Flywheel Model to ensure each effort spins into long-term growth.
With warmest regards,
Mark Collins Team
SUSTAINING SUCCESS
High-Value Moments Start with Thoughtful Planning
Mums don’t want just a meal—they want a moment. Whether it’s an intimate brunch, a decadent dinner, or a beautifully boxed treat, the experience is what they’ll remember (and rave about).
✅ Actionable Tips to Elevate Your Mother’s Day Offering
1. Bundle with Meaning:
Create curated packages (e.g. 3-course lunch + take-home gift, wine pairing + Polaroid keepsake). Use high-margin items strategically.
2. Premium Touches = Premium Pricing:
From floral centrepieces to live acoustic music, small enhancements increase perceived value and allow for premium pricing using value-based strategies from the Flywheel’s “Sell More Products” pillar.
3. Make Booking Easy & Urgent:
Use limited-time offers, clear call-to-action buttons, and countdown timers on your website or email to prompt early reservations. Leverage dynamic pricing to incentivize off-peak dining slots.
4. Engage Through Storytelling:
Promote your Mother’s Day packages through heartfelt messaging and behind-the-scenes content. Share stories of team members’ own mums or family traditions. Authenticity connects.
5. Train Your Team for the Upsell:
Encourage staff to suggest a champagne upgrade or dessert platter, in line with the Flywheel’s goal to increase spend per visit without added costs.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Why Emotional Occasions Drive Repeat Business
Mother’s Day may be about one day, but it’s also a key moment to create stories customers carry forward.
By delivering above expectations on high-emotion days, you build a brand that resonates. A well-executed Mother’s Day becomes a benchmark that customers compare future experiences to—and return for. Plus, with compelling visuals and hashtags like #MothersDayAt[YourVenue], the social proof keeps working long after the dishes are cleared…Read more
INSPIRATION
Mother’s Day Garden Brunch at The Grounds of Alexandria
Theme: A Magical Garden Escape
Experience Type: Immersive dining with curated atmosphere and premium inclusions
Target Audience: Families, adult children treating their mums, and social media-savvy diners
💡 What Made It a Standout Experience:
1. Beautifully Themed Setting
The Grounds transformed its courtyard into a floral wonderland, complete with flower walls, fairy lights, and live acoustic music. It became a true Instagram dream, with photo spots built in.
2. Set Menus + Thoughtful Add-Ons
Guests were welcomed with a sparkling cocktail or mocktail, followed by a set three-course brunch. Menu items included:
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Smoked salmon and avocado toast
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Ricotta pancakes with rosewater mascarpone
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Handcrafted desserts with edible flowers
Optional upgrades included:
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Flower bouquets waiting at the table
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A custom card station where kids could write a note to Mum
3. Timed Seating = Operational Smoothness
They ran timed bookings with staggered arrivals, allowing staff to reset with ease and reducing bottlenecks—enhancing the experience for guests and staff alike.
4. Prepaid Packages = Predictable Profit
All bookings were prepaid online with upsell options at checkout (e.g. champagne, bouquet, photography). This reduced no-shows and increased per-head spend.
5. Flywheel in Action:
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Get More Clients: Gorgeous visuals + strategic social media targeting brought in a new audience.
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Sell More Products: Packages and upsells boosted average spend.
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Make More Profit: Pre-booked, timed seatings ensured efficiency and profitability.
✨ Key Takeaway for You:
Don’t just sell a meal, sell a moment!
Blend visual impact, emotional touches, and seamless operations to create a high-value event that guests can’t wait to repeat (and share online).
🎯 Need Help Designing Your Experience Strategy?
Mark Collins Consultancy can help you:
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Craft high-conversion Mother’s Day campaigns
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Improve your online bookings and upsell systems
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Train your team to drive more value per guest
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