10 Father's Day Restaurant Promotion Ideas to Increase Sales

According to FSR Magazine, Father’s Day is the third-busiest day of the year for restaurants, so it’s a great opportunity to promote your business. If you’re not sure how to take advantage of the holiday, this list of 10 Father’s Day restaurant promotion ideas will help you attract new and returning customers so you can improve your bottom line.

Discounted Menu Items

Lowering prices is a good way to pull people into your restaurant on any holiday, including Father’s Day. While discounts on in-demand items such as beer and burgers will please everyone, think about sending special offers to those on your email list, too: if they take advantage of the offer, they’re likely to order something else as well, offsetting the discount.

Summer Gift Cards

In addition to discounts, consider raffling off gift cards or coupons to people who dine in on Father’s Day. Be sure to stipulate that the offer must be redeemed in the near future, maybe by the end of the summer. If customers feel a sense of urgency, they’re more likely to come back soon and make going to your restaurant a habit.

Buffet or Prix Fixe

Another way to please customers and increase profits simultaneously is by simplifying your menu with buffet and prix fixe options. By offering an all-you-can-eat slider station buffet or fixed-price barbecue menu with 3 appetizer, entree and dessert options, customers think they’re getting more for their money while you streamline kitchen operations and minimize labor needs.

Branded Merchandise Giveaway

Selling merchandise can help restaurants increase profits, and giving it away to promote your brand on Father’s Day is a great way to build long-term relationships. Customers will remember your establishment whenever they use your cup, mug or other item, keeping your restaurant top of mind and increasing the likelihood they’ll want to return.

Local Business Raffle

Your restaurant isn’t the only business where your customers spend money, so raffling off coupons for barber shops, sporting goods stores and other dad-themed local businesses is sure to draw people to your establishment. Additionally, it’s also a good opportunity to network with other business owners in the area: you never know when you’ll be able to work together.

All Fathers Included

If you’re looking for unique Father’s Day restaurant promotion ideas, consider giving discounts to all types of “fathers,” such as grandfathers, godfathers or even dog dads. Spread the word about your restaurant promotion on social media: your creativity is sure to go viral and bring many customers to your business.

Mother’s Day Revisited

Think about piggybacking off your Mother’s Day restaurant promotions by giving people who visit your restaurant on Mother’s Day a coupon for Father’s Day. Like other strategies in this article, the goal is to re-engage customers frequently, especially on holidays, so visiting your restaurant becomes a normal part of their everyday lives.

Outdoor Dining Showcase

Summer is in full swing by mid-June, so Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase your restaurant’s outdoor dining options. All you have to do is take photos and videos of the patio seating and upload the content to social media, as well as your restaurant’s website. If potential customers know that al fresco dining is an option, they’ll be much more likely to come.

Expanded Beer Menu

According to a 2022 survey regarding Father’s Day plans, 75% of those who planned to buy alcohol wanted to buy beer. So, it’s a good idea to get ahead of the demand and make sure you have a variety of ales, stouts and lagers on tap. Be sure to promote your expanded Father’s Day beer menu on your website and social media posts leading up to the holiday weekend.

Live Special Event

Besides food and giveaways, try hosting a special event. Set up lawn games like cornhole or table games like Jenga, or maybe host a classic car show. These games and events will bring people into your restaurant and entertain them once they get there. If your restaurant is busy, these events can help customers pass the time while they wait for a table or their food, too.