With Valentine’s Day almost here, many QSRs are choosing themed promos to celebrate love and maximize February margins. From off-premise dining to romantic date nights, Valentine’s Day offers operators the opportunity to stand out, offer something new for regular guests, and attract new visitors to the restaurant.
Recent research from OpenTable highlights some trends that operators may want to keep in mind when creating holiday-themed LTOs for Valentine’s Day:
- In 2025, Valentine’s Day dining was up 46 per cent year-over-year, and restaurants saw a 54 per cent increase through Valentine’s Day weekend.
- Group dining is on the rise for this holiday, showing a 65 per cent year-over-year increase in 2025 for parties of four, and an 88 per cent increase in parties of six.
- Galentine’s Day celebrations are also gaining popularity, with parties of four up 41 per cent year-over-year and parties of six up 40 per cent.
- Value remains important, but 33 per cent of Canadians expect to spend more at restaurants for Valentine’s Day this year than they did last year.
- 53 per cent of single Canadians surveyed said they would go to a restaurant for a first date on the occasion, and that number increases to 65 per cent among Gen Z.
Some QSRs have created innovative LTOs to celebrate the occasion with their guests this year. Here are some examples of current LTOs:
Chick-fil-A has launched the return of the Heart-Shaped Trays at participating restaurants, in-store and on the app, and they can also be ordered ahead of time for pickup or delivery. The trays offer a way to “share the love” in the U.S. locations, with 30 nuggets, 10 Chick-n-Minis (available during breakfast hours only), 10 Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips, 12 Chocolate Fudge Brownie halves, and 6 Chocolate Chunk Cookies. The trays are also available in Canada, with a slightly adjusted offering, including 30 Chick-fil-A® Nuggets, 10 Chick-fil-A Spicy Chick-n-Strips®, and six Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Trays are available through February 14, while supplies last.
Dunkin’ has released a Valentine’s Day lineup that features themed drinks and sweet treats. The beverage menu includes the Heart Eyes Daydream Refresher, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Daydream Refresher, Blush Spritz Refresher, Toxic Ex-Presso Cloud Latte, the Sweet On You Cloud Latte, the Perfect Matcha, and the Buff Chai. Also returning to the menu are the heart-shaped donuts, including the Brownie Batter Classic, Cupid’s Choice Classic Donut, and throughout the season, Sprinkle MUNCHKINS will be festively decorated in pink, red and white sprinkles.
Dairy Queen has brought back the Re Velvet Cake Blizzard for the season, along with adding the Brownie and Oreo Cookie Valentine Perfection, featuring soft serve topped with a triple chocolate brownie, OREO® cookie pieces, rich chocolatey and marshmallow toppings and garnished with mini heart quins.
Offering value and creating a memorable experience will help attract Valentine’s Day guests and boost the bottom line this year.
