Restaurant Toolkit
7 St. Patrick’s Day Promotion Ideas for Restaurant Profit
It’s almost time to break out your favorite green clothes and cheers to the luck of the Irish! St. Patrick’s Day has become a favorite holiday across the U.S., with the average consumer spending $43.84 on the event. In 2023, 25% of all American consumers spent this holiday at a restaurant or bar, generating over $6.5 billion in revenue.
Looking to capitalize on this profit? We’ve rounded up some special ideas to help your restaurant attract customers, generate more profit, and be part of the festivities. Read on to see 7 St. Patrick’s Day promotion ideas, and don’t forget to start advertising early!
Promotion Idea #1: Highlight non-alcoholic drink options.
We know St.Patrick’s Day is typically celebrated by drinking and bar-hopping, but consumer tastes for non-alcoholic beverages – even on this festive day – are still growing. Simply add a couple featured mocktails to your menu, and you’ll attract customers who may have opted to stay home otherwise. The sober-curious movement is here to stay, so the sooner you capitalize on it the quicker you’ll benefit from it.
Promotion Idea #2: Participate in a pub crawl.
Pub crawling is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition, and an easy way to capitalize on roaming partygoers. A lot of cities and neighborhoods host these, so be sure to search ones in your area to join in. If you want to stand out even more, decorate your restaurant and get eaters excited with themed food and drinks. And don’t forget to post on social media during the weeks leading up to it to encourage people to come!
Promotion Idea #3: Add some specials to your bar.
Average restaurant-goers spend about $44 on drinks during St. Patrick’s Day, so give them a deal with an enticing special (buy one beer, get one free or buy a pitcher, get a free side of fries, etc.!) Since most restaurants participate in running these deals, you’ll want to do so as well to keep up with the competition. Don’t forget to edit your restaurant menu on the fly to keep prices and inventory up to date too.
Promotion Idea #4: Run a St. Patrick’s Day delivery promo.
Give customers the chance to celebrate with your restaurant at home through appealing food offers and alcohol delivery deals. You can run in-app advertisements the week before, too, getting more eyes on your specials. Plus, solutions like Otter Marketing can sync specials with your in-person service, making it even easier to manage all your orders at once!
Promotion Idea #5: Sponsor a parade.
If you’re located in a major city, chances are there’s a St. Patrick’s Day parade that many people look forward to. Seek out parades that are open to sponsorships and use this as a way to generate awareness for your business. Even a small contribution will show customers that you’re proud to serve your community, building up your restaurant’s reputation.
Promotion Idea #6: Host live entertainment.
St. Patrick’s Day is all about coming together for fun, so keep your customers entertained with live music, a themed party, or a holiday contest. Collaborate with local bands to draw a crowd or even host a themed trivia night for a more low-key evening. The goal is to keep customers entertained so they’ll stay longer and spend more – creating special menus are a great way to do this, too.
Promotion Idea #7: Get engaged on social media.
Whatever you end up doing, be sure to post about it across your social channels. Every business benefits from having a social media presence. Plus, it’s an easy way to advertise for free. Let eaters know in advance that you’re celebrating the holiday and what they can expect when they come by. Include your St. Patrick’s Day menu specials, drink promotions, entertainment plans, and show off your decor if you’ve gone all out!
We hope you have a safe and profitable St. Patrick’s Day! Remember: your team is in it together, and planning these restaurant promotions ahead of time will pay off. Check out our Restaurant Holiday Calendar for more holidays your business can boost profit on.
