1851

The business of starting a business is rough. There are a million details to complete even before the doors are flung open to the public. The old saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression is especially pertinent when opening a new franchise business. That&#8217;s where the grand opening gala comes in &#8212; it can get your business off on the right foot and attract positive attention and great word of mouth. The franchise marketing and operations department will be a big part of your success and will assist you, of course, but you have an important role to play as well.&nbsp; The first step is to identify your audience for a grand opening event and select a date that works well in your area. If the hometown NFL team is playing its heated division rival the same day as your event, you may have an empty store or restaurant. If your business caters to families, make your opening something that is kid-friendly and features activities, food, drinks and freebies, such as T-shirts with your business name on them, that will appeal to families. If you are targeting young urban professionals, consider a sleek, chic cocktail party with upscale appetizers and a cool DJ. Hand out your business card and coupons that will appeal to young professionals and get them to come back. Get the word out three to four weeks before the big event with fliers in the neighborhood, social media announcements, press releases to local newspapers, radio and TV, and colorful signs on your business. Invite local officials and people from nearby businesses. Let them know you are eager to be part of the neighborhood. Ensure that you are truly ready to open: Prep your staff, pay attention to the details and examine your business the way a new patron would. Do a dry run of the event and ask yourself: Would I come back here again as a paying customer? Consider partnering with a charitable organization, with part of your proceeds from a day or week of your opening going to the charity. This can bring you even more positive attention and can cement bonds with groups that are doing great work in the community. If you decide to work with an animal shelter, for instance, invite volunteers to bring adoptable dogs and cats, if suitable, to your business. Allow the non-profit to spread the word about what it does at your event, showing your patrons you care about good deeds.<div>Keep the mood of the opening businesslike but also fun. You want people to feel welcome at your business, so alert people to what is special about it, but don&#8217;t beat them over the head with your sales pitch. Keep things festive and make people feel important. Be prepared to answer questions and ensure your staff can do the same.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div> Offer tours of the business so people can see what you are all about and what your business can do for them. Have plenty of staff members on hand so no guests feel neglected. Finally, smile and get ready for success.

1851 Franchise

How to get your new business off the ground and spread the word to future customers. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Tips for Pulling Off a Great Grand Opening Event           

tips-for-pulling-off-a-great-grand-opening-event

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat vehicle with ladders on top

The Rise of Home Improvement Franchises: Why Now Is the Time to Invest

why-invest-home-improvement-franchise-fresh-coat

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam inspector in red polo and khaki pants, walking by branded vehicle

Real Estate Today: Behind the Drywall: The Truth About Home Inspections

purpose-of-home-inspection

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Franchise - DTE - National Service Dog Month - 1851 Franchise

Celebrating Service Dogs: Why Proper Training Changes Lives — And How Dog Training Elite Is Leading the Way

dog-training-elite-national-service-dog-month

Senior Care Authority

How This Senior Care Authority Franchisee Turned Love for His Grandparents Into a Lifelong Calling

how-this-senior-care-authority-franchisee-turned-love-for-his-grandparents-into-a-lifelong-calling

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

graphic image of an 1851 franchisee spotlight brayden and johnny steven of teriyaki madness

Father-and-Daughter Team Bring Teriyaki Madness to Wichita, Kansas, With Big Expansion Plans

johnny-brayden-steven-teriyaki-madness-wichita

photo-of-laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

23-Year-Old Entrepreneur Brings Soon to Be Famous Chicken™ to Southern Oregon With 3-Unit Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchise Signing

laynes-chicken-fingers-dalton-dennis-southern-oregon

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

Tips for Pulling Off a Great Grand Opening Event

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS