Fall is the perfect time to start celebrating those food holidays that can help your restaurant stand out, attract a crowd, and give you some engaging content to post on social media. Make a list of the holidays in October that interest you most and start planning your menu, décor, entertainment, and more.
This month offers something for everyone, as you create events that are sure to please your diners. Get guests excited for the celebrations, asking about your menu, and returning for the next food holiday…
October 1: World Vegetarian Day
This holiday makes it easy for you to attract some new visitors with some new dishes. If you don’t have a large vegetarian menu already, you might just want to adapt a few of your best sellers, like burgers, chili, and stir-fries. If you want to be more adventurous, consider creating a whole new menu for vegetable lovers in the crowd, with new additions that include anything from tofu lettuce wraps to veggie crumble tacos.
Here’s a great way to really show off that seasonal produce and local producers, too, as we head into the winter months.
October 9: National Beer and Pizza Day
Pair these two crowd-pleasers for a holiday to remember! You may have both items on your menu already, but here’s your chance to mix it up. Develop a special menu with intentional pairings to get your guests trying something new – you could even create complementary sampler platters for sharing!
Getting local is an option, too. Consider partnering with a local brewery for beer tastings and talks, and take advantage of cross-promotion to create a bigger buzz.
October 16: Word Food Day
Celebrating the many cultures in our country is a no-brainer on a day like this. Go global, choosing from any number of cultures, flavours, and themes on this holiday. Along with a special menu, you could offer a cooking class series from around the world, start a food drive to help those in need, you could even solicit feedback from your guests about which countries they’d like to celebrate to get some inspiration for your dishes and décor.
October 25: National Pasta Day
Even if you are not an Italian restaurant, it’s likely that you have pasta on your menu. Level up your dishes with choices like mac and cheese with lobster, spaghetti carbonara, or butternut squash ravioli. Here’s a great way to get families interested, too, with large share plates like baked penne or lasagna. Add trays of garlic bread and bowls of salad for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Not open for dinner? Pasta salad is always an option for a hearty and delicious lunch and could cater to vegetarian or vegan customers. It also makes a nice grab-and-go item for diners looking for quick takeout options.
October 28: National Chocolate Day
While this sweet holiday offers an almost endless amount of choices, try getting creative. Chocolate-only menu? Special chocolate cocktails and mocktails? Fondue for the table? You could also try a sampler platter or flight approach, featuring mini desserts like cheesecake slices, brownies, cookies, and more.
Feeling really adventurous? Go the savoury route! Go original with dishes like cocoa rubbed steak, chocolate and brie grilled cheese, or apps like chocolate-covered chips or apples.
As the weather starts to change and patios start closing, create a fun atmosphere inside with food holiday celebrations! Get your guests talking about the new items on your menu and use social media to help spread the word and generate excitement around your events.
