Spring is in the air, and seasonal celebrations like food holidays can help fill your tables, attract a new crowd, and broaden your menu. Create a fun and unique atmosphere in your restaurant with themed décor, menus, and entertainment that will get your guests coming back for more!
Consider celebrating a few of these holidays at your restaurant in May:
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that most restaurants can embrace! Choose red, white, and green décor to honour the Mexican flag, add piñatas for a festive feel, and include live entertainment to immerse your guests in the holiday. Create a themed menu that includes traditional favourites like carnitas or tamales, tres leche cake and flan, and much-loved beverages like margaritas and Palomas.
Take reservations early for the event to get guests in the spirit and fill up your tables for the night.
May 10: Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a holiday celebrated by most restaurants, so standing out is key to attracting guests to your restaurant. Offer a special menu (a la carte or prix fixe), partner with local businesses for special giveaways or baskets, or offer live classes or events that can get families celebrating together.
Think about offering some unique options too, from a buffet on the patio (if weather permits) to full takeout dinners, to including a ‘mom’s happy hour’ later in the day. Celebrating that special mom looks different for many, so come up with ways to celebrate that help you stand out.
May 16: National Pickle Day
Pickles have been growing in popularity for a few years, but they are stealing the show on some menus, like Popeye’s newest launch featuring everything from a pickle-glazed sandwich to pickle lemonade. While you may not want to go that far, consider trying out pickle fries, dill pickle dip, or create your own take on the pickle craze.
You can even add pickles as an unexpected garnish to pizza, nachos and more, for a fresh take on some favourites!
May 22: Eat More Fruits and Veggies Day
Here’s a great opportunity to use up any ingredients you may have left in your kitchen by loading your dishes up with fruits and vegetables. Make the most of your produce with fresh fruit salad, seasonal chili, and combine both with options like strawberry spinach salad. It’s also a good time to incorporate some vegetarian and vegan dishes onto the menu to try and attract new customers and larger groups.
May 25: National Hamburger Day
While most restaurants have a hamburger (or many) on the menu, here’s your chance to get creative. While you can always offer a new twist on your existing menu, think about new ways to feature this menu staple. Can you switch to sliders for a sampler option? Or offer a burger bar where guests can customize their orders? Is there a hamburger salad, hamburger soup, or nachos option that can add a little variety to your menu?
Providing memorable experiences is what restaurants need to focus on to drive traffic and increase customer loyalty. Celebrating May’s food holidays can offer your guests something unique to help separate yourself from the competition.
