As families look to treat dad to a special meal out, restaurants need to be well-prepared to make the most of this celebratory day. And with some thoughtful planning, plus a few creative offerings, you can make sure that your restaurant becomes the go-to destination for Father’s Day.
Here’s our guide to help you get your restaurant ready for dads far and wide:
Plan your menu strategically
Consider creating a special Father’s Day menu that caters to typical dad favourites. Think hearty steaks, gourmet burgers, craft beers, and classic comfort foods. Just don’t forget to include some lighter options, as well as vegetarian and vegan choices to accommodate all tastes and dietary requirements.
You might want to feature premium cuts of meat, like a dry-aged ribeye or a tomahawk steak, as the star of your menu. For burger enthusiasts, try offering a build-your-own burger option with gourmet toppings. Seafood lovers might appreciate a mixed grill featuring local catches.
Don’t neglect the drinks menu either. Highlight local craft beers, create a special Father’s Day cocktail, or offer whisky flights for dads who appreciate a good dram. For non-alcoholic options, go for creative mocktails or specialty coffee drinks.
Remember to appeal to all age groups. While you’re focusing on dad-friendly dishes, include options that will appeal to children and other family members as well. A well-rounded menu guarantees that everyone in the family finds something to enjoy.
Create an Experience
Father’s Day is an opportunity to create lasting memories. Look at offering something like a unique “Dad’s Day Out” Experience on OpenTable that might include a multi-course meal, drink pairings, and perhaps even a small gift or takeaway item. This could be a branded bottle opener, a mini bottle of craft hot sauce, or a voucher for a future visit.
If your restaurant has the capacity, how about hosting a father-child cooking class before or after the main service? An interactive experience like this can be a fun bonding activity and a great way to create special memories. You could focus on simple, fun recipes like pizza making or dessert decorating.
For restaurants with a bar area, organizing a beer or whisky-tasting session can be a hit. Partner with local breweries or distilleries to offer a guided tasting experience. Not only does this add value to the Father’s Day offering but it also supports local businesses.
Live entertainment can also enhance the dining experience. Consider booking a local band to provide background music or even a comedian for some family-friendly laughs. The goal is to create an atmosphere that’s special and memorable, setting your restaurant apart from the competition.
Adjust your reservation book
Review last year’s Father’s Day service to understand what worked well and what could be improved. Adjust your floor plan to accommodate larger groups, as families often dine together on this day. You might need to rearrange tables or bring in extra seating to comfortably accommodate family groups.
Explore extending your hours or adding an extra service to meet the increased demand. If you normally don’t open for breakfast or brunch, Father’s Day might be the perfect occasion to offer an early service. Many families appreciate the option of a celebratory breakfast or brunch.
Use your restaurant reservation system to its full potential. Set reminders for special requests, note dietary requirements, and use guest profiles to personalize the experience. If a family mentioned last year that they were celebrating a special milestone along with Father’s Day, make a note to acknowledge it if they return this year.
Implement a waitlist system for walk-ins or last-minute requests. Even if you’re fully booked, you might be able to accommodate additional guests if there are cancellations or no-shows.
Promote early and often
Start your marketing efforts well in advance. Use social media, email campaigns, and your website to showcase your Father’s Day offerings. Create a series of posts or emails that highlight different aspects of your offering—one day, you might feature your special menu items; another day, you could focus on your drink pairings; and another could showcase any special activities or entertainment you’re planning.
Encourage user-generated content by running a social media contest. Ask followers to share why their dad deserves a special treat, with the chance to win a Father’s Day meal at your restaurant. This not only generates buzz but also provides you with heartwarming content to share.
Offer gift card promotions
Many people struggle with what to buy for Father’s Day. Promote your gift cards as the perfect present, perhaps offering a bonus (like a free dessert on Dad’s next visit) for gift card purchases over a certain amount. Design special Father’s Day-themed gift card holders to make the present feel more special.
One way to do this is by creating gift packages that combine a meal with other experiences. For example, you could offer a package that includes a Father’s Day meal plus a voucher for a future wine-tasting event at your restaurant. And don’t forget about digital options. Ensure you offer e-gift cards for those last-minute shoppers who need a quick gift option.
Think beyond lunch
While lunch is traditionally popular on Father’s Day, don’t neglect other opportunities. A hearty breakfast or brunch can be appealing, as can an evening barbecue or grill night. Offering multiple options throughout the day can help make the most of your bookings.
If you have the capacity, you might even consider extending your Father’s Day offerings to the entire weekend. This allows families more flexibility in their celebrations and can help spread out the demand over multiple days.
Prepare for takeaway
Some families may prefer to celebrate at home. Offer special Father’s Day takeaway packages, such as “BBQ with Dad” kits or family-style meals that can be easily served at home. Don’t forget about beverages in your takeaway offerings. Create special drink packages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, to complete the at-home dining experience.
Get creative with activities
Try adding some fun, dad-centric activities to make the day more special. This could be anything from a “Dad Jokes” contest to a mini whisky or beer-tasting session. If you have outdoor space, lawn games like cornhole or bocce can be a hit.
A photo booth with fun props can encourage families to capture memories of their celebration. You could even create a branded photo frame or backdrop for these pictures, subtly promoting your restaurant in guests’ social media posts.
For sports-loving dads, setting up a screen to show important matches if any are scheduled for Father’s Day can be a hit. Just be sure to balance this with the needs of other diners who might prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Train your staff
Make sure your team is well-prepared for the busy day. Brief them on any special menu items or promotions and remind them to be extra attentive to the fathers in each group. Encourage your team to engage with guests and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They might ask fathers about their favourite hobbies or interests or share interesting facts about the special menu items or drinks.
Follow up after the day
After Father’s Day, reach out to your guests with a thank-you message. This is a great opportunity to gather feedback and start building excitement for next year’s celebration while also turning one-off diners into regulars. Share photos from the day on your social media channels and encourage guests to post their own memories.
You might even offer an “early bird” promotion for next year’s Father’s Day to those who celebrated with you this year. This can help secure repeat business and build anticipation for the next celebration.
Summary: A Father’s Day to remember
Father’s Day is all about creating a memorable experience for families. Planning ahead and offering something special means you can ensure that your restaurant becomes a part of their Father’s Day tradition for years to come. With these strategies in place, you’ll be well-prepared to make this Father’s Day a resounding success for both your guests and your business.
