Seafood and social gatherings? They’re a match made in briny, buttery heaven.
Whether it’s a big birthday bash, a corporate dinner, or a family reunion that’s finally happening after five years of “maybe next summer,” people are always looking for the perfect spot to gather. And if your seafood restaurant has a private dining space, like Decoys Seafood Restaurant? You’re already halfway there.
But here’s the thing—if people don’t know you host large group dinners, they’re going to scroll right past you and head to the nearest generic steakhouse or hotel banquet room instead of private dining restaurants near me. You don’t want that. You want them calling you to ask, “Hey, can you handle 25 hungry humans this Saturday?”
So, how do you get the word out and make your place the go-to for large group private dining? Let’s break it down.
Start With the Obvious: Make It Easy to Find
First things first—if your website or social media doesn’t mention private dining for large groups, you’re losing bookings. Period.
People are searching for stuff like:
- “restaurants that host large groups near me”
- “seafood restaurants for big parties in [city]”
- “private dining for 20+ guests near [location]”
If you don’t have a clear page that spells it all out—photos, sample menus, capacity info, and how to book—you’re basically invisible.
Create a page (or at least a dedicated section) titled something like “Private Dining & Events”. Use language real people use. Show the space. Make it sound inviting but practical. And for the love of oysters, include a phone number or booking link that actually works.
Show It, Don’t Just Say It
A picture of your private dining setup—set tables, twinkly lights, a big seafood tower in the middle—sells 10x better than a line of text that says “We host private parties.”
Start showing off:
- Snap photos of real events (with permission)
- Post reels or stories on Instagram when you’re setting up for a big night
- Share behind-the-scenes content: table prep, team walkthroughs, seafood platters being assembled
- Use your Google Business profile! Upload group event photos and mention group-friendly features in your listing
People want to visualize their event in your space. So let them.
Make the Menu Group-Friendly
Seafood can get a little… complicated. Not everyone knows what to order, and the idea of picking through an à la carte menu in a group of 20 can feel overwhelming.
The fix? Offer sample menus or group packages. Things like:
- Family-style seafood boils
- Tiered prix fixe menus (good, better, baller)
- Add-ons like wine pairings or raw bar stations
- Dessert platters instead of individual choices
Keep it flexible, but not too wide open. Groups want ease—they want someone to say, “Here’s what works best for a crowd like yours.” And hey, it doesn’t hurt if it’s delicious and easy to split the bill.
Promote Around the Right Seasons and Occasions
People book large group dinners for specific moments: holidays, graduations, company parties, reunions, rehearsal dinners. Don’t wait for them to Google you—remind them you’re here.
In the lead-up to busy seasons, post things like:
- “Now booking December holiday parties!”
- “Need a spot for your graduation dinner? We’ve got room.”
- “Host your rehearsal dinner with us—waterfront views included.”
Bonus tip: use real language from your customers. If someone wrote a review that said, “Perfect spot for our team celebration,” steal that line and turn it into a promo. Real words = real impact.
Tap Into Local Planners and Businesses
Corporate event planners, realtors, HR reps, even sports coaches—they all need spaces for groups, and they probably don’t know your seafood joint is ready to host them.
Reach out directly. Send a short, friendly email. Drop off a printed menu package. Host a tasting night just for local planners or small business owners. Let them experience what you offer—and they’ll keep you top of mind when it’s time to book something big.
Word-of-Mouth Is Still King (or Queen)
One amazing group dinner can turn into three more private dining experience—if you make it memorable.
Train your staff to treat large group hosts like VIPs. Nail the service. Follow up with a thank-you email or a card. Ask for feedback, and encourage reviews that mention large group experiences. (These are golden for your online presence.)
It’s simple: people talk. And if you deliver a killer experience, they’ll tell everyone from their cousin to their coworkers.
Final Take
Private dining for large groups isn’t just another revenue stream—it’s a chance to create memories. People don’t just want dinner; they want a night to remember.
And if you can give them that—great seafood, a warm space, zero stress, and that “we’re all in this together” feeling—your restaurant won’t just be a backup option.