Every season has that one thing everyone can't stop watching. Spring had “Survivor 50” and the pro basketball playoffs. Summer had “Love Island” and the big soccer tournament. And fall? It’s football season. But while sports bars will always be packed on gameday, there’s a whole audience of reality TV fans, pop culture enthusiasts, and movie buffs searching for something different.
I’m a Villa Survivor
Start with a limited-time appetizer, entrée, cocktail, or dessert inspired by a popular movie or TV show, timed to a season premiere, finale, or blockbuster release. To start: think a Superhero Smash Burger loaded with avocado, jalapeños, lettuce, and green chile aioli, “House of the Dragon”-inspired Roma® Calabrian Chili Wings worthy of a "Dracarys!," or “Ted Lasso”-style tea and buttery shortbread biscuits.
I wouldn't consider myself a reality TV fan, but somehow, thanks to my coworkers, I got completely hooked on “Love Island” this year. Looking for something more interactive? Lean into that obsession with a “Love Island”-inspired singles night featuring speed dating, cheeky cocktail names, plenty of "I've got a text!" moments, and shareable appetizers like an Allegiance® Pork Belly Charcuterie Board or Saganaki and Shishito Peppers.
Pair it with tropical villa-inspired cocktails like the Rejuv® Pineapple Kiss Mocktail or take inspiration from another dating show, like “Love Is Blind,” with a cocktail experience where guests blindly choose a drink from only two descriptive words, like smoky, floral, spicy, or citrusy, and the bartender creates a surprise drink just for them.
You don't need to transform your entire restaurant, either. Offer a special menu, reserve a few themed tables, dedicate a section of the bar, or host the event in a private room. The best part? You'll attract a crowd that probably wasn't planning to spend Sunday watching football.
Themed Menus
The same idea works with secret or limited time-menus, mystery cocktails, chef's tasting nights, passport dinners, or elegant escape evenings inspired by a special theme or flavor.
The local restaurants near me have been leaning into this concept, and every time they sell out. I’ve seen one-night-only Asian street food-inspired tasting menus, bold Indian pizza-inspired dinners, and even a fast-food nostalgia pop-up featuring elevated drive-thru favorites. Keep it exclusive with reservations and a single-night run to draw a crowd and give guests a reason to book early.
I recently tried Contigo® Tequeños, and now I'm convinced they deserve a spot on every menu near me. Crispy, cheesy, and ready to rival mozzarella sticks, they come in a variety of cute sizes, plus a guava-filled option for a sweet surprise! They're an easy upsell with a trio of dipping sauces, and a themed menu or pop-up is the perfect excuse to test a new offering.
The beauty of themed events is they don't require a complete restaurant makeover. A little effort goes a long way. When guests know it's only happening once, scarcity does the marketing for you.
Think Bigger Than the Menu
Personally, I go absolutely crazy for a good pop-up, and the holiday season is my weakness. If there's a Christmas bar covered floor-to-ceiling in lights, chances are I've already made a reservation. But who says pop-ups should be reserved for December?
Some of the best ones I've visited have celebrated completely different occasions. A neighborhood cocktail bar transformed into an authentic Irish pub for St. Patrick's Day, complete with green décor, Irish flags, themed cocktails, and traditional comfort food.
Seasonality offers just as much inspiration. One of the most memorable pop-ups I've attended was state fair-themed, complete with over-the-top décor and drinks. I’m talking pumpkin cocktails served in mini pumpkins, pickle martinis with housemade pickle brine, caramel apple old fashioneds, funnel cake fries, corn dog bites with gourmet dipping sauces, and maple bacon churros I’m still thinking about. Turn anything into a must try!
Ho Ho Holiday Pop Ups
Interested in going all in on the holidays? Start planning early with a memorable theme, a festive cocktail menu, and seasonal comfort foods guests can't get year-round. Think peppermint espresso martinis, spiked hot chocolate flights, gingerbread old fashioneds, turkey sliders with cranberry aioli, holiday charcuterie boards, or a dessert menu built around cookies and traditional flavors.
Add themed glassware, interactive photo moments, ugly sweater nights, or a holiday passport that rewards repeat visits throughout the season. The goal isn't just to decorate for Christmas. It's to give guests a reason to make your restaurant part of their holiday traditions. Holiday pop-ups start booking up almost as soon as Halloween is over, so get planning now and have your reservation calendar ready for the holiday rush.
The best part? These events give guests something to talk about long after they leave and something to look forward to year after year if you make them an annual tradition. They'll tag friends, post photos, share videos, and ask, "When are you doing the next one?" So go ahead, pop off, queen, and take a chance on an experience that brings people together, no sports required!