There is so much to celebrate in February to re-engage guests, try out new menus, and set yourself apart from the competition! While the month is best known for Valentine’s Day, there are a few other fun occasions to celebrate this month. Create celebrations that offer something unique and include them in your marketing strategy to get as many people through the doors as you can.

February 4: National Homemade Soup Day

A hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day can be just the comfort food your guests are looking for! Create new recipes by raiding your pantry and save on food waste by using up ingredients you already have. This might be the perfect opportunity to appeal to vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian guests, with classic options like tomato or squash, and heartier flavours like potato or French onion.

Soup is a simple addition to your takeout menu, too. Create sandwich combos to celebrate this day with easy grab-and-go options that will raise your guest cheques.

February 13: National Tortellini Day

Pasta is another comforting choice on a cold winter day, so spruce up your menu with a nod to this occasion. There are tons of options for tasty sauces, from simple butter and cheese to tomato, and alfredo, or you could give the traditional options an upgrade with pesto, or even walnut sauce. Get creative with your tortellini fillings, too, with options like squash, sausage, mushroom, and more.

If you want a lighter lunch option to celebrate with, try a tortellini salad or soup to offer your guests something new.

February 18: National Drink Wine Day

While your menu might not typically focus on wine, here’s your chance to create pairings that will get guests excited! You could add flights so guests can try a few different varietals, create a pairing menu to complement your meals or host a tasting for the full experience. Here’s an opportunity to feature local producers and partnering can allow you to offer something unique to your patrons while capturing the attention of a larger audience.

January 23: National Cook a Sweet Potato Day

This holiday might seem a little strange at first, but here’s your chance to let the humble sweet potato shine. From nachos to soup to waffles and more, the sweet potato can be featured as part of a savoury or sweet celebration. If you want to get trendier and incorporate a global inspiration, consider dishes like Harissa fritters, spicy tacos, churros, or come up with your own creations for guests to enjoy.

February 27: National Chili Day

Continuing in the comfort food theme, chili is always a winner when temps get low. Add a vegetarian version, serve in a bread bowl, or add it to nachos, as a simple way to make chili the star of your menu for the day – and this one serves as an easy addition to your takeout or grab-and-go selections, too.

No matter which holiday you choose to celebrate, February’s food holidays can help your restaurant stand out and attract attention.