Back in September 2024, Abundance’s new outlet opening at Century Square didn’t just create buzz — it had everyone talking. But the real success? Turning that hype into loyal, returning customers. Here’s a look at how they did it — and how you can use the same approach to make your next launch the talk of town.

Step 1: Perfecting the Basics with a Soft Launch

Start Low-Key to Refine Operations

Abundance began with a quiet soft launch to perfect kitchen flow, service, and the customer experience before going big. This way, by the time they fully launched, everything was polished, and they were ready to impress. A soft launch helps ensure that your grand opening or event will be seamless from day one.

Why Infrastructure Matters Before Launch Day

Before any major PR or influencer push, having the right infrastructure is essential. For Abundance, setting up processes to capture data at every part of the customer journey — from bookings to orders and feedback — ensured they could handle launch-day demand and sustain engagement long afterward.

Step 2: Build Credibility with Media Coverage

Abundance featured on The Straits Times

Use Media to Get the Word Out

Once the operations were running smoothly, Abundance invited local media like The Straits Times and Eatbook to cover the new opening. Trusted media coverage built instant credibility and generated buzz that made people want to visit. Getting featured in reputable outlets gives your restaurant a stamp of approval, helping you stand out and attract curious diners.

Step 3: Create FOMO and Word-of-Mouth with Influencers

Let Influencers Drive the Excitement

Once the media buzz was out, Abundance reached out to influencers – both big and niche ones – to help spread the word. These influencers shared their authentic, “you-have-to-try-this” moments with followers. Seeing popular foodies rave about Abundance made people feel like they were missing out if they hadn’t been there.

The influencer community doesn’t just promote; they drive word-of-mouth that spreads like wildfire across social circles.

Step 4: Engaging and Retaining Customers with All-in-One Tech Solutions

With Oddle’s all-in-one restaurant system in place, Abundance could easily manage reservations, track loyalty, and personalize customer engagement. Here’s how they kept the hype going and turned new customers into regulars:

24/7 Reservations

Abundance’s reservation system made it easy for customers to book anytime, capturing useful data on their preferences and habits from the start.

Building a Loyalty Base

New diners were welcomed with a complimentary drink for joining the loyalty program, enrolling 30% of first-time customers on the spot.

Offering Return Incentives

Abundance didn’t just rely on great food to bring customers back. They rolled out special offers to make each return visit even more rewarding:

• Free Mala Popcorn Chicken with a minimum spend of $50 on the next visit.

• 1-for-1 cocktails to enjoy on return visits.

• 3 beers for the price of 2— perfect for group outings, which often bring new customers.

Automated Reminders

Automated reminders kept Abundance top-of-mind, encouraging loyalty members to come back. These consistent nudges helped build a community of repeat diners.

Step 5: Expanding Reach Through Delivery & Takeaway

Abundance’s e-shop offers islandwide delivery and takeaway, featuring a menu specially curated for online orders.

Bringing the Abundance Experience to Diners at Home

For customers who couldn’t make it to Century Square, Abundance launched an e-shop for delivery and takeaways, allowing them to serve customers beyond their physical location. This move ensured that even after the opening-day excitement, Abundance was a part of people’s dining routine.

Lasting Success with Data

Creating buzz with PR and influencers is powerful, but sustaining it requires the right system. Abundance’s Century Square opening showed that capturing data at every customer touchpoint — from reservations to loyalty rewards — made all the difference. This setup allowed them to handle high demand smoothly and keep customers coming back.

This approach works for any launch, new menu, or event. With data, you can personalize each customer’s experience to build loyalty. If you’re considering influencer marketing, you can manage it in-house with a dedicated team, or work with a PR agency for expert support. A smart mix of PR, influencers, and customer engagement tools can help put your restaurant on the map!