While scheduling LTOs around holidays is not a new concept, some QSRs are creating their own reasons to celebrate, designed to attract guests with new and unique offers. By creating something different and offering something unexpected, operators are working to stand out and get attention early in the year.
We started to see this recently when Starbucks launched Starbucks Monday, a campaign offering free iced or hot coffee to loyalty members on the Monday following the Superbowl. The promotion was the most redeemed in Starbucks history, with visits up 11.3 per cent on that day, higher than the average daily visit at the chain since January 1, 2024. As well, traffic increased by 26 per cent compared to the average Monday over that same period. Starbucks Monday was also widely promoted ahead of time, including an ad highlighting the offer during the postgame Superbowl show.
Recently, Burger King announced new breakfast promos around daylight savings to help customers ease into the earlier mornings. Beginning March 9, Royal Perks members can enjoy the following daily offers throughout the week:
- March 9: Free Croissan’wich with $1 purchase
- March 10: Free 4 pc. Churro Fries with $1 purchase
- March 11: Free medium Iced Coffee with $1 purchase
- March 12: Free 5 pc. French Toast Sticks with $1 purchase
- March 13: Free large Hash Browns with $1 purchase
- March 14 (National Pi Day): Free Hershey Pie with $3.14 purchase
- March 15: Free Sausage Biscuit with $1 purchase
Some operators have decided to honour National Pi Day with themed LTOs. The day typically celebrates the mathematical symbol, which really doesn’t have much to do with menus, but some restaurants are capitalizing on the holiday by getting creative. Pizza ‘pies’ are getting special attention, with Taco Bell’s $3.14 Mexican Pizza, Pizza Hut offering a BOGO deal, Papa John’s featuring a $13.99 stuffed crust pizza, Little Caesar’s discounting their pizzas by $3.14, and 7-Eleven offering a $3.14 large pizza.
These examples show that consumers love a good celebration! Whether you’re creating a brand new reason to celebrate, participating in monthly food festivities, or putting your own spin on an existing holiday, unique LTOs can attract attention and set your restaurant apart from the competition.
