How Restaurateurs Can Re-Think Valentine’s Day

With restrictions and curfews in place, Valentine’s Day may look a bit different this year. However, people still want to express their love, which means restaurateurs need to get creative and offer unique ways for customers to celebrate the day.

1. Valentine’s Day: Delivered

Valentine’s Day is about creating a romantic atmosphere. If customers can't visit your restaurant, deliver that experience to them. Offer a beautifully packaged three-course take-away menu with special Valentine’s touches like a handwritten note, a hashtag, or a red rose. These thoughtful details will not only delight your guests but also encourage them to share their experience with others.

2. DIY Dinner Kits

Give customers the chance to cook a special meal with a DIY dinner kit. Include pre-measured ingredients and a detailed recipe so they can create a restaurant-quality dinner at home. This allows them to enjoy the fun of preparing a romantic meal for their partner, without the hassle.

3. Take-Away Date Box

Offer a “take-away date” experience by providing a box with all the essentials for a romantic evening. Include a delicious meal, flowers, a scented candle, and a blank card for a personal message. This makes it easy for customers to surprise their loved one with a special evening, stress-free.

4. Create a Loving Network

Valentine’s Day is about bringing people together, and that includes businesses. Partner with other local businesses like florists, gift shops, and boutiques to create Valentine’s Day packages. These collaborations will expand your reach, attract attention, and increase profits by appealing to each other’s customer bases.

5. Make it a Family Affair

This year, Valentine’s Day might involve more families spending time together. Cater to this by offering family-sized meals, kid-friendly options like heart-shaped pizzas, and love-themed crafts or activities. Include red velvet cupcakes or other special treats to make it a fun and memorable day for everyone.

6. Spread the Word

Once your Valentine’s Day plans are set, make sure people know about them. Social media is a powerful tool to get pre-orders rolling quickly. Post enticing photos of sample dishes, make your content shareable, and include all the necessary order details. You could also run a contest to win a free dinner for two, encouraging customers to share romantic stories or tag a friend to increase engagement.

The Bottom Line

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to help people share the love, and with creative ideas, thoughtful packaging, and strategic marketing, you can ensure your restaurant thrives this Valentine’s Day.

‍