Father’s Day is just a month away, and while it may fall just behind Mother’s Day in terms of sales, 75 percent of consumers are planning to celebrate this year. Give dad a day to remember and increase sales with these tips.
Godfather of Grub
Many dads prefer kicking back at home with a restaurant-quality meal or their favorite comfort foods. Help them celebrate with a BBQ meal kit they can throw on the grill at home or have it prepared and ready for takeout and delivery, so they can just eat and relax. Include smoked meats such as spicy smoked sausages, complete with hoagies, grilled peppers, onions, condiments, and a few sides.
This Braveheart® Coda Coffee Crusted Brisket recipe is sure to put a smile on dad’s face and is perfect for the show-stopping main for your BBQ kit. Round it out with potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, and your house hot sauces and BBQ sauces for a complete meal. Add-ons such as fried apps, fresh-baked cookies, or ice cream sandwiches can bump up sales by enticing customers to spend a little more.
Dads Who Brunch
Celebrate dad with a hearty, elevated brunch menu with items like maple bacon donuts, chorizo hash skillets, breakfast burgers, or chicken and waffles to impress dad—and grandpa, too. Or consider this Ridgecrest® Smokehouse Red Eye Biscuits and Eggs recipe — a filling, classic comfort dish that dads will want to indulge in for their special day. Don’t forget to have a few light vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu for dads with specific dietary restrictions or preferences.
Dad’s Night Out
For the fathers who want to dress up for a night on the town, appeal to this crowd with a unique dining experience. Opt for a themed, three-course prix fixe menu with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Hire a jazz trio, live acoustic band, or a tribute band that appeals to your usual demographic. Consider partnering with a local distillery for a whiskey tasting or pairing. If you’re aiming for a more casual affair, throw a seafood boil and consider adding some fun games dads can enjoy with their families, such as darts, cornhole, or pool tournaments.
Share a Pint
Create a special cocktail menu just for Father’s Day. Keep it simple with specials on your best-selling brews or liven it up with new cocktail names such as Dadhattans, Old-Fashioned Dads, or Bourbon Boss. Brunch options could include Beermosas or a house-made punch with bourbon.
Deals for Dads
Gift cards offer incentives to loyal customers and new ones. Offer gift card deals now to secure regulars. Families will be more inclined to spend the day with you if you offer discounts for dads on drinks and LTOs, so make that a priority when planning your menu. Encouraging them to join your loyalty program can improve chances these new families will return to your establishment.
Show the Love
Highlight all the great dads on your site and social media, including any employees or your own if it’s a family-run business. Promote specials, discounts, and any events to build momentum leading up to the day. Host a social media contest asking followers to share their favorite photo of their dad with a special message. Select a few winners for a discount or comp on their Father’s Day meal. Need an easy but fun marketing strategy? Everyone loves a good dad joke. Have customers submit their best dad joke either at your restaurant or through social media. Pick a weekly winner for the entire month to treat them and their dad to free drinks or an appetizer. It builds community, encourages repeat business, and is a simple, cost-effective marketing tool for you.
