Some things to consider:

• Make your deal something desirable; folks respond most to great offers!

• Get creative with your menus! Some go as far as opening for lunch during this week, when they’re usually closed, or devising entirely different menus to showcase their chef’s culinary talents, or offering dessert if they normally do not.

• Many find success in serving alcoholic beverages with a meal, whether it comes with a pint of beer for one or a bottle of wine with dinner for two.

• Nothing is off limits—if your eatery serves food in any manner you can participate: bakeries, breakfast houses, sandwich stops, fine dining eateries, etc.