,
Running a restaurant is tough. Between managing staff, controlling costs, and dealing with customers, it can feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel just to keep the lights on.
But here’s something that successful restaurateurs know: specials are a proven tactic for increasing revenue and keeping diners hooked.
Whether it’s a weekly promotion or a limited-time offer, specials create urgency and excitement. They give people a reason to choose your establishment over the countless other options out there.
But coming up with fresh specials that actually move the needle can be easier said than done.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re serving up 10 creative ideas for restaurant specials that will have customers lining up out the door. The best part? These can always be adapted based on the restaurant’s specific cuisine, location, seasonality and other factors.
Now, let’s dig into some proven promotions that can help increase your orders by 30% or more.
Restaurant weekly specials ideas are not a foreign concept. But, how about daily specials?
Offering different specials each day keeps the menu fresh and gives regulars a reason to return. Rotating inexpensive ingredients also reduces waste.
Let’s take a look at some fun daily specials you can try:
Start the week with a kick! Serve crispy, spicy fried chicken paired with golden fries. Offer a choice of dipping sauces to add variety.
A twist on classic pizza with pepperoni and cheese stuffed inside a braided dough. Perfect for pizza lovers looking for something new.
Midweek comfort food at its best. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and crunchy Fritos.
A rich and creamy soup filled with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
End the workweek with a fusion dish. These tuna burgers are flavored with Asian spices and topped with a zesty wasabi mayo, offering a unique and delicious option.
A light and refreshing salad that features tender grilled calamari on a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.
A sweet treat to finish the week. Thick slices of French toast are stuffed with fresh strawberries and cream cheese, then topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Targeting certain meals and dayparts with specials is an effective strategy. Create enticing options tailored to each meal and you’ll attract more customers when you need them most.
Wake up your sales with crave-able morning treats. Breakfast specials entice early risers and late-night diners to finish up their evenings.
Some mouth-watering breakfast ideas for restaurant specials include:
Fluffy pancakes studded with fresh, peak-season berries, peaches, or other fruits depending on the time of year.
A handheld breakfast treat packed with eggs, potatoes, cheese, and other fillings, topped with your signature salsa made fresh in-house.
Smashed, creamy avocado and runny poached eggs served atop artisanal toast make for a satisfying and on-trend morning meal.
Lunch specials cater to diners on their midday break who want something delicious but quick. Target items that are easily portable or ready within minutes.
Here are some easy and profitable restaurant specials ideas for lunch:
Levantine salad with crisp greens, veggies, and pita chips.
Layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, roasted peppers and feta.
Smoked turkey, avocado, and chipotle mayo in a whole-wheat wrap.
A restaurant special where patrons buy one entree and get a second for half off.
Personal pizza paired with a fresh side salad for one low price.
Make dinner an event with indulgent mains and sharable appetizers. Draw in customers looking to treat themselves after a long day.
Dive into some mouthwatering dinner special options below:
Shredded barbecue chicken and crunchy slaw in soft tacos for a flavorful fusion twist.
The classic Spanish rice dish loaded with seasoned shrimp and chorizo sausage.
Seared steak smothered in a rich mushroom gravy and served sizzling hot in a cast iron skillet.
Collaborating with other local businesses on limited-time specials is a win-win. Partnering allows each brand to tap into the other’s customer base, while co-marketing exposes both companies to new audiences.
Some savvy ways to team up for restaurant specials include:
Partnership with a local brewery offering beer-battered dishes paired with craft beers.
Collaboration with local farmers to create weekly specials showcasing seasonal produce.
Dessert menu featuring treats from various local bakeries and confectioners.
A signature patty with bacon, egg, and cheese on a brioche bun, created in collaboration with YouTuber Joey Graceffa (or any other influencer relevant to your niche).
You can always leverage tech to create specials that feel cutting-edge.
The key is using technology to make ordering from you more personalized, interactive, and rewarding. People love feeling like they’re getting perks just for them.
Here are some “cutting-edge” ideas for technology-driven restaurant specials:
An innovative approach that incentivizes patrons to share their dining experiences on social media, simultaneously rewarding them with exclusive discounts.
Nailed your restaurant specials with these ideas? Great. But, what about your social media marketing strategy?
QR Code Quest combines the thrill of a scavenger hunt with exclusive culinary rewards. With this, diners can scan QR codes around the restaurant to unlock secret menu items and discounts that enhance their dining experience (and your sales).
Farm-to-table is not just a trend – it’s a movement that’s here to stay.
Customers increasingly care about knowing where their food comes from and supporting sustainable practices.
Promoting locally sourced dishes shows a commitment to quality ingredients. It allows you to highlight relationships with regional farmers and purveyors.
Plus, seasonal produce simply tastes better!
Here are some farm-to-table specials we love:
A colorful medley of hand-picked heirloom tomatoes over mixed greens, topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.
Earthy wild mushrooms like morels and porcini harvested locally and cooked into a creamy Arborio rice dish.
Salmon caught fresh daily by local fishermen, grilled, and topped with a bright lemon and garlic-infused butter.
Plump shrimp sourced from a nearby sustainable farm, sautéed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, served over linguine.
Time-based specials are a great way to attract more customers and boost sales for your restaurant. By offering limited-time deals or discounts, you can incentivize people to dine with you at times they might not have considered before.
This helps maximize your revenue potential and keeps your establishment top of mind for hungry patrons looking for a good deal.
Happy hour specials are a classic way for restaurants to increase sales during slow periods.
Offering deals on drinks, appetizers, and other menu items helps drive traffic and boost orders during the late afternoon lull between lunch and dinner.
The key is creating happy hour specials that provide real value to customers while still allowing profits.
Some examples of effective happy hour specials include:
Enjoy 50% off select starters like nachos, wings, and potato skins during the after-work happy hour.
Sip handcrafted cocktails like mojitos, old fashioneds, and margaritas for just $5 Monday through Friday.
Who can resist a sweet discount? Early Bird Specials appeal to seniors and families seeking to dine early and maximize value. They get discounted meals while you maximize table turnover and kitchen efficiency.
Here are some early bird specials:
Enjoy a 20% discount on all main course selections if you dine before 6 pm.
Order any dinner entrée before 5 pm and receive a free dessert of your choice.
Late Night Specials keep the kitchen humming and cash registers cha-chinging into the wee hours. Moreover, unique late-night menus and lively vibes draw in younger diners and nightlife crowds.
Below are some of the best late-night restaurant specials:
Enjoy a cheesy pepperoni pizza paired with draft beer for just 10 bucks after 9 pm.
Save big on favorites like California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and dragon rolls after 10 pm.
Let diners play chef with customized meal options. Choosing their own ingredients makes customers feel special.
What’s in it for you? These specials minimize waste and skyrocket order values.
Take a look at some incredible BYO specials below:
Customers choose their pasta, sauce, and toppings for a customized dish.
Diners select patty type, bun, toppings, and sauces to create their ideal burger.
Intimate 6-seat chef’s table with a multi-course tasting menu and chef interaction.
Spotlight fresh, peak-season ingredients with timely limited-edition specials. These help create timely and appealing dishes that attract a niche audience.
Juicy melons, sweet berries, heirloom tomatoes – summer produce begs to be featured. Satisfy cravings for lighter appetites with bright, refreshing dishes.
Here’s how:
Juicy watermelon, briny feta, and fresh mint paired for a sweet, salty, refreshing salad.
Sweet grilled peaches and savory prosciutto atop a crispy flatbread.
Fall specials attract customers with seasonal favorites and nostalgic tastes while allowing for creative use of fall produce and spices.
Here are some fall flavors to get your diners drooling:
A fall favorite duo. Creamy pumpkin spice latte paired with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.
A medley of fall vegetables and spices served with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Chase away winter chills with cozy comfort foods. Holiday menus also drive bookings during this festive season.
Here are some of our cold-weather favorites:
A rich and creamy soup perfect for warming up on a cold winter day.
Ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and ricotta served with a sage-infused butter sauce.
Spring restaurant specials appeal to those looking for fresher and greener options. Naturally, the brighter, greener flavors of spring have a huge appeal after a long winter.
Here are some spring-inspired restaurant specials you can try:
Grilled chicken breast served with fresh strawberry and mint salsa.
A flatbread topped with rhubarb, rosemary, goat cheese, and honey.
Learn how to identify and come up with winning menu specials that boost reservations by 3X with Restaurant Growth.
Special events or themes to attract different customer segments. So, get creative with special menus for holidays, events, or just for fun!
Valentine’s prix-fixe menus attract couples looking for a special night out. This gives you a chance to go all out with unique appetizers, exquisite main courses, and decadent desserts, often paired with fine wines or specialty cocktails.
That said, here are restaurant special ideas that say “I love you” in food:
A prime cut of beef with succulent lobster tail – the ultimate indulgence for couples.
A sparkling pink drink that infuses fruity notes into champagne for a sweetheart sip.
Rich chocolate cake conceals a molten raspberry center – the perfect finale for a romantic dinner.
Everyone’s a wee bit Irish on St. Paddy’s Day! Diners, especially, love to celebrate the spirit of Ireland with festive food, lively music, and a splash of green.
Here are some ideas for St. Patrick’s Day specials:
Traditional Irish favorites like corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and soda bread.
Mint chocolate chip milkshake that tastes both fresh and irresistible.
Crispy nachos loaded with melty cheese, chili, and fresh green onions.
Spooky snacks, creepy cocktails, and Insta-worthy treats attract ghoulish appetites. Halloween is a chance to get creative with flavors, presentations, and decor.
Here are some ideas:
A scary green bun stacked with beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce.
A spooky purple punch swimming with gummy worms.
Rich chocolate pudding topped with cookie crumbs and gummy worms for an eerie treat.
Traditional holiday flavors like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin keep the spirit alive. They also bring in diners who want to relish in traditions on this day:
Celebrate Turkey Day with these ideas for restaurant specials:
A hearty Thanksgiving spread with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Mixed greens tossed with roasted squash, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and sweet apple slices.
A festive cocktail blending pumpkin pie spice liqueur with vanilla vodka.
Jolly holiday flavors and festive cheer entice celebratory crowds. For restaurants, this presents a unique opportunity to tap into the joyous spirit by offering seasonal specials that bring in profits.
So, let the festive spirit soar with these merry Christmas specials:
An appetizer platter with bites like stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, and holiday pinwheels.
Festive red wine sangria loaded with cranberries and warm cinnamon flavors.
Cool peppermint cheesecake layered on an Oreo crust for a sweet North Pole treat.
Diners feel good supporting a cause they care about. To create cause-related specials, feature charity partnerships, eco-friendly initiatives, etc.
Always be sensitive to the situation, event, or culture at hand. This is crucial because different causes may resonate differently with various groups of people.
Being sensitive shows that you are mindful of current events and issues impacting society and are making an effort to make a positive impact in a thoughtful way.
Take a look at the best cause-related restaurant specials ideas:
10% of proceeds from a special menu go to a local charity, changing monthly.
Eco-friendly menu with sustainable ingredients where a portion of sales supports environmental causes.
Family-style dinner event where proceeds benefit local food banks.
Restaurant specials are a fantastic way to boost sales and delight customers. But simply slapping a random dish on the menu won’t cut it.
Specials need thoughtful planning and promotion to succeed.
Here are expert-backed tips for creating attention-grabbing specials and promoting them for maximum impact.
Pricing plays a pivotal role in specials’ success. Consider these psychological pricing tactics:
Prices like $11.99 instead of $12 seem more affordable, amplifying impulse orders. Apply odd pricing for menu specials.
Multi-item combos are perceived as an excellent value that motivates larger purchases. For example, offer a 3-course special for $35, discounted from $12 starter + $18 entree + $10 dessert pricing.
Time-sensitive deals create actionable urgency. Promote weekly or monthly specials that are available for a short duration only.
Tempting presentations and consistent promotion ensure your specials receive the spotlight they deserve. Here’s how you can present and promote your restaurant:
Artful plating showcasing colors, textures, and garnishes inspires social shares, amplifying word-of-mouth marketing.
Multiple organic and paid posts on Instagram and Facebook surrounding specials keep your offerings top of mind. Share drool-worthy photos and descriptions.
Read this post for inspiration on restaurant promotion ideas that surprise!
Strategically placed menu inserts, table tents, and chalkboard specials attract attention. A good idea is to also brief servers to highlight offerings.
Our proven marketing strategies have helped over 4,800 restaurants worldwide achieve 7-figure growth with impressive 18% margins.
Interaction opportunities surrounding specials increase guest loyalty. Nail customer engagement with the following tips:
Offer program members early access to new specials or exclusive pricing. This values VIP patrons.
Online polls guide your menu development while making patrons feel heard. Announce winning selections.
Extend loyal regulars and influencers exclusive invitations to preview specials prior to public release. Positive word of mouth and social buzz build hype.
An informed, enthusiastic team promotes specials effectively. Here are ways to involve staff in the success of your specials:
Educate servers on preparation methods, ingredients, and pricing to enable knowledgeable recommendations.
Offer individual bonuses or shift meals for meeting restaurant specials sales goals. Friendly competition motivates maximum effort.
Occasional chef table visits to highlight daily features make diners feel uniquely valued. Moreover, the personal touch converts more specials into orders.
The bottom line is specials should be deliciously different, priced for impulse buys, and promoted across every channel.
Done right, they attract new diners, reward regulars, and boost the bottom line. But executing without a fully mapped-out promotion and marketing plan is a recipe for disaster.
Thus, strategic and unique restaurant promotion ideas and marketing expertise are equally important.
So, if you don’t have the marketing expertise or resources to execute effective promotions that attract new guests and reward regulars, it’s time to call in the experts.
Restaurant Growth offers comprehensive restaurant marketing services, including managed advertising, live webinars, and one-on-one coaching from industry veterans.
We have the strategies, tools, and know-how to make your next promotion a success, boosting your bottom line now while building lasting guest relationships.
So, don’t settle for mediocre results – You bring the food, we’ll bring the customers.
Book a free strategy call today!
When brainstorming weekly ideas for restaurant specials, consider seasonal ingredients, popular menu items that could be enhanced, or creative restaurant promotions like theme nights.
Hosting unique restaurant promotional events like wine tastings, cooking classes, or pop-up dining experiences are great ideas that work to boost visibility.
When pricing restaurant specials, use psychological pricing tricks like pricing at $10.99 instead of $11 and offer bundle deals or multi-course specials to provide value.
Creative restaurant promotions like Instagram-worthy visually appealing dishes, specialty-themed meals, or promotions tied to holidays/events help make restaurant special ideas stand out.
Seasonal ingredients lend themselves perfectly to seasonal specials. In winter, highlight comfort foods and warm cocktails. Summer is ideal for fresh seafood and sangria specials.
Changing your restaurant specials every 2-4 weeks ensures customers always have something new to try and gives you flexibility with promotional events for restaurants.
From strategic marketing planning to seamless execution, we’ve got you covered!
