If you are looking for a new way to boost guest engagement, build loyalty, test out a new menu, and get attention for your restaurant, February may be a great month to try celebrating food holidays with your guests. Hosting events, creating specialty menus, and offering LTOs offer the opportunity to re-interest regulars, attract new visitors, and stand out from the competition.
From chocolate to pancakes, here are some of the food holidays you can choose from this month:
February 5: National Chocolate Fondue Day
Chocolate fondue may seem like a unique menu item, but chocolate is always a hit! Occasions like Valentine’s Day or date nights can make this one a great option for sharing. This one also lends itself to any dippers from strawberries to pretzels to marshmallows, so a tasting board may be a fun and unique option for your guests. Alternatively, because it’s easy to share, attracting families or groups of guests with a family-sized dessert may help you fill those tables faster. If you’re looking for a twist on this classic, consider adding additional flavouring like peppermint or spice for a little innovation.
February 9: National Pizza Day
You likely already have pizza on your menu, so this holiday means getting creative with your menu and your offers. Discounting deals like BOGO or a free app with pizza purchase are always options, but why not focus on adding value and something that helps your restaurant stand out? What about a pizza-making event, where people can pay to register? Or a create-your-own pizza station where guests choose from their favourite toppings? Maybe you can make pairings that will get people talking? Or add trendy toppings like pickles or hot honey for a menu favourite? Think outside of the (pizza) box with this one to get guests excited to try something new.
February 11: National Peppermint Patty Day
This holiday may seem niche, but chocolate and peppermint are a classic combination! You don’t have to serve traditional peppermint patties, think flavoured shakes, desserts, specialty coffees, cocktails, and more. This type of holiday is an easy one to promote on social media, too, giving you the chance to create a buzz online with a dedicated hashtag, pretty images, and guest engagement. You could encourage your guests to post about their experience, offer your recipes, and post videos of making your unique creations to get extra attention for the day and your restaurant.
February 26: National Chili Day
Nothing warms the heart and nourishes the soul like comfort food in the winter, and chili certainly fits the bill! Offer it in a bread bowl, over nachos, or over hot dogs or French fries for a classic approach. To broaden your guest list, consider offering a vegetarian or vegan version, as well as a separate option for off-premise diners. If you really want to embrace the day, you could host a chili cookoff, blind taste tests, or a competition for a new favourite version. This holiday is an easy one to help guests warm up on a cold winter night!
Beat the February blues by increasing traffic, driving sales, and engaging your guests by celebrating February’s best food holidays.
