Are Food Holidays real? Do people really care that is it national hot dog day? More importantly, does your restaurant stand to benefit by recognizing and promoting the Foodie Holiday?

There indeed is an opportunities to be found in promoting Food Holidays. To promote Food Holidays effectively you need to plan. Your promotions should “go beyond just” creating a social media post. Restaurant goers want access to the deal of the day! If it’s national Hot Wings Day and your restaurant sells Hot Wings you need to have a deal/offer for the day.

What kind of Food Holiday deals or promotions should your restaurant consider?

1. Free Food Sampling
2. Free Delivery for orders that include the holiday Food item
3. Discounts toward purchasing the holiday food item
4. Share recipes utilizing the food item
5. Contest (photo or video-based contest)
6. All you can eat meal deals
7. Offer other items for free when ordering a holiday food item
8. Offer the item for free to loyalty reward holder (redeem points for the item)

A list of Food Holiday resources

Here is a great list of resources that keep track of significant food holidays

https://foodimentary.com/
https://nationaltoday.com/food-beverage-holidays/
http://www.thenibble.com/fun/more/facts/food-holidays.asp
http://www.holidays-and-observances.com/food-holidays.html
https://soyummy.com/2019-national-food-days-guide/

Conclusion

Your restaurant must be creative and plan in advance. Start promotions no less than 1-week advance. Don’t make the mistake of trying to roll out promotions on the day off the Food Holiday. The message will not circulate fast enough online. You will need a campaign strategy to get the message out. Learn more about campaigning.