Restaurant Gigs

To anyone who has had a restaurant gig... which chains are more open to this? I'm ready to send out a letter with my card to restaurants in this new area but I don't want to waste postage sending to restaurant chains that have already nixed the idea and aren't open to it

I have only done it as a fill-in for someone, but I know several clowns in the US have done a place called Chick-Fil-A? We don't have them here so I don't know much about it.... I've heard some Pizza Huts do it too

I sent out 23 letters with my large rack card on Feb. 22, and I already have a gig from that batch! It's not a chain... it's a stand-alone family restaurant that is putting in a play area and wants me for their grand opening, and if that goes well, I'll be there weekly.

I'm sending out 50 more this week, so I'll let you know what happens

I had lunch at Chili's last week and asked to talk to manager while I was there and asked if he wanted a face painter during the kids eat free days. He gladly accepted and I was there later that same day painting faces. While I was there the manager of Buffalo Wild Wings was having a few cocktails and saw what I was doing. He invited me to come paint at his restaurant every wed for his kids night. I got two regular gigs in one day. The BWW gives me free food coupons along with my regular pay and they feed me while I'm there.... which I LOVE! My daughter (19) is joining me this week at BWW and will be the balloon twister every week, too.
I just watch the paper and see who is doing anything for kids and I show up for lunch. If they say no, I get to write off the luch and I still happy.

I have been successful at my Chick fil A. Haven't seemed to pick up much of anything else, tho.

Lori, I'm interested in approaching restaurants for gigs too. Just wanted to ask, do you tell them your rate or do they just offer you a flat fee? I've been painting for over a year on and off mostly doing birthday parties for friends of friends who do pay me but the parties are not enough so wanted to try something else. Appreciate your input.
Congrats on scoring 2 gigs same day!!!

The first one I got I offered him several options. 1. let me charge the customer (2. the restaurant pay me my full rate and it would be free to customers (3. the restaurant pay me a discounted rate and let me put out a tip jar.
All have taken the discounted rate and they let me put out a tip jar. I'm averaging about 25-45 an hour for restaurant gigs and its regular work every week so I'm not complaining right now because I don't have but a few birthday parties. I've only been doing paid gigs for one month (as of today).

Lori, thanks for the quick reply I truly appreciate it.

I plot out a few target restaurants and then go have lunch there and while your there ask to speak to the manager. I engage them in fun cheerful conversation and then ask them if they have a kids night or event. Of corse I already know that they do and that's why I'm there. I then tell them who I am and what I offer. It's worked so far...for me at least. Your meal is a write off and is worth it if you get it and if not... well, you still got a lunch!

You guys have inspired me, I'm on a mission to land some regular weekly gigs at restaurants. Last week I contacted 2 of the three Chick-Fil-A Restaurants planned for my area (we only have one open right now and it's on the college campus in the Student Union Building...so no "family night") and I got a response saying they would love to talk to me about it closer to their openings this fall.

BUT...I want something NOW!

So I made these-


I probably should have asked for opinions before ordering them...whoops. Oh well. If you see something I should do differently next time let me know .

I like your flyer. Clear and to the point. The one I was planning to make is too wordy. I think I need to scale mine back a bit after seeing this one. Nice job!

Just add some of your face painting on there. Your little tiger is fabulous.

D.

This is a great inspiration! I'm needing the kick in the pants myself... I might have to try this avenue next week. Just need to get my business cards first.

I've been painting at Moe's Southwest Grill on Tuesday nights for several years. The pay is a fraction of my rates, but I make as much in tips as I do in pay. Plus, I get to take home free dinner for my son and myself every week.

I've gotten a lot of referral work from there over the years and it's a way to keep practicing on live faces during the lean months if you don't have young ones at home.

These are all great ideas and suggestions. I think I will try as well, I live in a city of 1.2 million and I know some places offer balloons for kids...thanks for the inspiration - I love this forum

So you're in Calgary then... ? That is the only city over a million in the entire Province.

lol..yes Shannon, It's a nice city for the most, lots to do if you are up for it. I am considering going back to BC in the not too distant future as my whole family lives there and my Son is thinking of going out there for school too. I have been in Alberta since 87 and love it, but the weather is getting to me a bit, not enjoying driving in snow so much anymore..the winter season isn't brutal here but it can go on and on..

I'm from Vancouver (well, Delta and Surrey but that takes too much explaining! LOL) and moved to Grande Prairie in Jan 2000. I actually don't mind the winters... it is nice to have cold and weather systems that fly across the sky rather than bumping up against the mountains and sitting there for a week! And I love the big open sky, auroras, moose, wolves, etc.

GP is up close to 60,000 pop. as of the last census. I found Calgary daunting - driving through it is scary.

Shannon, the first house I ever bought was in Blaine, WA. You may be the only one on this site who has heard of it

I know it's different everywhere, but how much do you charge normally and then for the discounted price??

I know it's different everywhere, but how much do you charge normally and then for the discounted price??

I do chick-fil-a twice a month. I got the gig by offering them to try me out for just dinner for a night. It gave my partner and I some much needed painting ime together and yummy food. I charge them my hourly rate but half cash half food vouchers. It keeps is busy on Tuesday's, it's 10 minutes from my house and I love the constant practice and ability to get new pics all the time. Plus getting to know their regulars lead to more jobs. I am getting ready to send out a new round of postcards offering a first time discount and then a couple I really want a free trial. Essentially that one free trial has netted me several hundred in cash and several hundred in food in just a couple months.

I love the 2 restraunts gigs I have...I am currently working on 3 more...

I am not yet insured as i am just starting; what kind of legal requirement are requested by the restaurants in order for you to work there? i mean should you be registered with your state and have insurance etc.?
I know each state is different i was just wondering what to expect.

Last night I went to Joe's Crab Shack and there was a face painter there (who also looked like an employee as she was running the POS system too). What sort of letters/fliers did you all send out to get your foot in the door? Does the general manager of the restaurant usually make this sort of decision, or is it a higher up, like franchise owner, etc.? I would like to start increasing my reach and a restaurant seems to be a great way. Thanks.

Leanne
www.stellarfaceandbodyart.com
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