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Note: the following article was approved by ACityDiscount’s Mother’s Day Special Committee.
We love our moms – so much so that they have their own holiday: Mother’s Day. And unlike Father’s Day, dining out is the favorite celebration of millions of Americans (sorry, dads).
More than 90 million adults – more than one-third of consumers – dine out on Mother’s Day, according to the National Restaurant Association. Another 20 million order takeout or delivery.
By far, Mother’s Day is one of the most popular – and profitable – days of the year in the restaurant industry. No annual celebration packs U.S. restaurants the same for brunch. And Mother’s Day Special celebrations continue through lunch and dinner.
Is your restaurant ready for the crowds? Or is it trying to attract customers?
Check out ACityDiscount’s tips for Mother’s Day Specials, full of marketing tips to ensure your foodservice operation is plenty busy and prepared.
Tip No. 1
Offer a free meal for mothers in groups of four or more. Mom eats free and adults in the dining party pay $39.99 a plate. Not bad…
Tip No. 2
Surprise moms with a coupon for a free entrée during their next visit to the restaurant, and set the expiration date to three to four weeks, encouraging a return in the near future. Also consider offering a coupon for a free appetizer on slow days (Mondays and Tuesdays).
Tip No. 3
Reward customers that book online – days in advance – with special incentives, such as a free appetizer for mom.
Tip No. 4
Give moms a reason to get there early. Host Happy Hour, mom style: a tea party, complete with tea (and coffee), finger sandwiches and pastries.
Tip No. 5
Give moms a red rose, a chocolate mini-dessert or a special cocktail (or non-alcoholic version). Their party will order drinks for a proper toast. You’re welcome.
Tip No. 6
Create giveaways for moms. Partner with a local massage company to offer free (or discounted) sessions at a later date, or distribute items from a local candle maker. Or, hold a raffle.
Tip No. 7
Hire entertainment. How about a comedian? For moms looking for a laugh in a casual setting, grab a cordless microphone and get ready to experience the ultimate karaoke/trivia/comedy experience.
Or, if it’s a more relaxed setting, hire a cellist or violinist… or live band.
Tip No. 8
Encourage families to dine out for Mother’s Day one day before/after the official holiday. Sweeten the deal with a free gift.
Tip No. 9
Encourage mom to enjoy the moment with half-off select bottles of wine.
Tip No. 10
Host cooking classes for moms that consider cooking a passion – not a job. Showcase your back-of-house talent.
Ideas for restaurants preparing for Mother’s Day:
- Simplify the ordering process with a prix fixe menu
- Open a few hours earlier than usual
- Add additional tables to the dining area
More questions about Mother's Day preparations? Give ACityDiscount a call at 404-752-6715 or stop by our showroom in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross at 6286 Dawson Blvd, NE.
Gary Estwick writes about the foodservice industry and the equipment that keeps it running smooth – from deep fryers to pizza ovens. He’s a fan of chargrilled oysters, Nashville-style hot chicken, cool jazz, paintball and the TV show Quantum Leap (1989-93) – in that order... He’s written for the Miami Herald, New Orleans Advocate, Austin American-Stateman, Men’s Fitness and other publications. Gary is a native of New Orleans, and lives in Atlanta. Check out his ACityDiscount articles and videos. E-mail story ideas to gestwick@acitydiscount.com. And click here to join ACityDiscount's mailing list for more food stories, tips, tricks and foodservice equipment specials!
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