Father's Day Restaurant Ideas

Father's Day tends to sneak up on us in the restaurant business. Not to mention, it's commonly overshadowed by Mother's Day. We don't think this is very fair, and it's also a missed opportunity! Many families treat dad to a night out for this holiday, so why not get involved by running some Father's Day promotions? In 2024, Father's Day falls on June 16th. Our advice is to start spreading the word about your promotions in May so your customers have plenty of time to plan for this June holiday. If you need some inspiration, we've made a list of 11 Father's Day ideas to help you get started!

1. Dads Eat Free

This might be an obvious one, but it's a winner for a reason. The possibility of a free meal is a great way to get more customers in the door. While it may seem counterintuitive to offer free food, the reality is that running a "dads eat free" promotion can actually be a smart business move.

While dads may be eating for free, the rest of the family will order meals and drinks. This can help offset the cost of the free meal and even boost your sales for the day, especially if your servers are trained to upsell. Promotions like these can create excitement and buzz around your restaurant. Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful, and happy families enjoying a meal out on Father's Day can lead to positive reviews and recommendations.

2. Craft Beer Pairing Menu

beer tasting glass filled with amber colored beer

Create a special Father's Day menu that features craft beer pairings for each dish. This can appeal to beer-loving dads and provide a unique dining experience. To create a successful craft beer pairing menu, start by selecting a variety of craft beers that offer different flavor profiles. Consider including a mix of styles such as IPAs, stouts, lagers, and sour beers to cater to different preferences. Next, carefully curate a menu that includes dishes that can be enhanced by the flavors of the selected craft beers. Think about how the flavors of the food and beer will interact and complement each other.

You can go a step further by designing special menu cards or flyers that highlight the beer pairing options for Father's Day. This promotional material can be displayed in your restaurant or shared on social media to generate excitement and attract customers looking for a memorable dining experience to celebrate with their dads.

3. Best Dad Joke

Everyone knows a "dad joke" when they hear one. You can add a fun and interactive twist to your Father's Day promotions by inviting customers to share their best dad jokes with their server in exchange for a special discount. Make sure to set guidelines for family-friendly jokes only! You can take it a step further by entering the dad jokes into an ongoing weekly bracket contest to determine a winner. Use your social media page to give updates on the bracket winners, and at the end of the contest, the final winner gets a free gift card.

4. Generational Discounts

Offer a special discount for families dining together with three generations present – father, son, and grandfather. Families are always looking for ways to treat their dads to a special meal, and a discount that includes multiple generations can be a compelling offer that drives more customers through your restaurant doors. A promotion like this encourages families to come out and celebrate Father's Day in a meaningful way, creating lasting memories and helping to build customer loyalty.

Keep in mind that to attract dads with young children, it's smart to make your restaurant as kid-friendly as possible. Keeping the kids entertained means that dad can enjoy his meal and relax.

5. Extend the Dates

Why run your promotions for just one day when you can make it a weekend event? Not everyone can celebrate on the actual day of the holiday. Sometimes it's because of busy schedules, and other times it's because discerning customers want to avoid the crowds. More families are choosing to celebrate the holiday on the day before or the day after because it's more convenient. Offer your Father's Day specials on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and even Monday so that everyone can find a time to visit your restaurant.

6. Create a Dad-Centric Menu

golden fluffy burger bun with burger and toppings inside

We don't want to feed into stereotypes, but there are some foods that just go hand-in-hand with Father's Day. To attract more families on this holiday, create a special menu that's just for dads. Here are some of our recommendations for a Dad's Day menu:

  • Hearty Steaks: Treat the dads to a mouthwatering steak dinner. Whether it's a juicy ribeye, a tender filet mignon, or a flavorful New York strip, the best cuts of steak are a classic choice that many dads will love.
  • BBQ Ribs: Nothing says Father's Day like a plate of finger-licking BBQ ribs. Slow-cooked to perfection and slathered in tangy barbecue sauce, ribs are a sure crowd-pleaser for dads who enjoy a hearty, meaty meal.
  • Burgers: A well-crafted burger is always a hit, especially on Dad's Day. Get creative with toppings like bacon, cheese, avocado, or even a fried egg to take your burger game to the next level.
  • Whiskey-Infused Desserts: End the meal on a sweet note with whiskey-infused desserts like bourbon pecan pie, whiskey chocolate cake, or whiskey caramel ice cream. These indulgent treats are a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your Dad's Day menu.

7. Father-Child Cooking Class

Maybe outdoor BBQs and craft beer don't go with the brand of your restaurant. You can offer a more hands-on promotion with a special cooking class. Offer a culinary class where dads and their children can learn how to cook a special Father's Day meal together. This can be a bonding experience for families and a unique way to celebrate the occasion. Start by choosing a theme that appeals to both adults and children. Whether it's a pizza-making workshop, a cupcake decorating session, or a DIY burger bar, make sure the menu is simple enough for kids to participate in and engaging for dads to enjoy.

Next, set a date and time that works best for families. Consider hosting the cooking class on the weekend or in the early evening to accommodate busy schedules. Promote the event through social media, email newsletters, and in-house signage to generate interest and encourage sign-ups. When it comes to logistics, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients, equipment, and utensils ready for the class. Assign tasks that are age-appropriate for children and provide guidance and supervision to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

8. Classic Dads Movie Night

To plan a successful classic dad’s movie night at your restaurant, start by selecting a lineup of films that resonate with the father figures in your community. Consider featuring classic action movies, comedies, or sports films that are sure to appeal to a wide audience. You can even take a poll on social media to get input from your customers on their favorite dad-friendly movies.

Next, create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your restaurant by setting up a designated movie-watching area. Arrange comfortable seating with tables for snacks and drinks, and consider decorating the space with movie-themed decor or nostalgic memorabilia that dads will appreciate.

9. Outdoor BBQ or Grill Night

two cornhold boards with red and blue sacks

It's time to turn your outdoor patio into a dad's paradise. Host an outdoor BBQ night and set up grills, tables, and seating for guests to enjoy their meal al fresco. Create a cozy ambience by adding string lights or lanterns to your outdoor dining space. Set up outdoor games and activities, such as cornhole or giant Jenga, for families to enjoy while dining. This enhances the festive atmosphere and keeps families entertained.

Make sure you have enough staff on hand to handle the increased volume of guests. Assign roles for grilling, serving, and cleaning up to ensure a smooth and efficient event. Don't forget to keep sanitation in mind and prepare for the arrival of summer's outdoor pests.

10. Gift with Purchase

When planning a gift with purchase promotion for Father's Day, it's important to consider what your customers would appreciate and find valuable. Think about items that are practical, fun, and align with the theme of the occasion. For example, you could offer a complimentary dessert or appetizer with the purchase of a Father's Day special menu item. This not only adds value to the customer's experience but also encourages them to try new dishes on your menu.

Another idea for a gift with purchase promo is to offer a branded item like a cool reusable coffee mug or a T-shirt with a Father's Day slogan. This serves as a memorable keepsake for customers and helps to promote your brand long after Father's Day has passed. To make your gift with purchase promotion even more enticing, consider promoting it through your restaurant's social media channels and email marketing campaigns.

11. Dads Trivia Night

Are dads always right? Put them to the ultimate test with a trivia night dedicated to their favorite topics. Develop a list of trivia questions centered around famous dads from pop culture, history, and entertainment. Include a mix of easy and challenging questions to cater to all levels of knowledge. On the day of the trivia night, make sure to have a skilled host or MC to keep the event running smoothly. Engage with the participants, announce the questions clearly, and maintain a high-energy vibe throughout the night.

Father's Day is just around the corner, and for restaurants, this presents a golden opportunity to attract families looking to celebrate this special day. Don't let the month of May slip by without promoting your Dad's day specials. Get a head start with advertising your Father's Day menu and events on your website, your social media accounts, and with in-store signage.

Posted in: Advertising & Marketing|By Michale LeRoy
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