Creative Ways to Drive Engagement Year-Round

Store Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate your restaurant’s birthday with branded balloons, giveaways, music, and special promotions. A festive outdoor setup (with balloons or banners) grabs attention from passersby and builds buzz. Offer anniversary-only menu items or discounts to mark the occasion.

New Year’s Resolution Challenge
Launch a “Resolution Wall” or digital sign-up in January where guests can submit their resolutions with contact details. Reach out in 3–6 months to follow up—and reward success stories with a free coffee or dessert. Highlight their journey on your social media (with permission).

“How We Met” Valentine’s Contest
Ask guests to submit short stories about how they met their partners. Select a few winners for a complimentary Valentine’s dinner. Capture the experience with photos and share it in your email newsletter or tag them (with consent) on social platforms for a personal touch.

April Fool’s Day Shenanigans
Keep it light-hearted! Have staff play simple pranks (like a fake menu item or an exaggerated price) on regulars. Be sure the humor is friendly, tasteful, and clearly a joke—then share the fun online to drive interaction.

Easter Bunny Pop-Up Photos
Hire someone in an Easter Bunny costume and set up a mini photo booth. Offer free photos to families or guests with kids. Share the pictures online and tag customers (if they’re open to it) to increase your digital reach.

“Moms-To-Be” Night
Host a relaxing evening for expectant mothers with reserved seating, non-alcoholic mocktails, and a calm atmosphere. Partner with local baby boutiques or wellness brands for added value or small giveaways.

Father-Child Night
Design a special family-friendly meal deal for dads and kids to bond over. Add conversation starter cards at the table or a mini activity sheet for kids to make it memorable.

Halloween Treat Coupons
Instead of candy, sell Halloween-themed coupon books that parents can give out. Coupons could be redeemable for a free kids’ drink or dessert. It’s a great way to drive return visits—and kids usually bring parents with them.

Pre-Wrapped Holiday Gift Cards
Sell holiday gift vouchers in festive packaging to make last-minute gifting easy. Encourage corporate clients and nearby shops to buy in bulk as client or employee gifts.

New Year’s Eve Early Bird Special
Offer a discounted or exclusive “pre-party” meal for early diners on New Year’s Eve. Make it an annual tradition so guests can enjoy your food before heading to other festivities.