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Your Bridge to Local Celebrating Mother’s Day with Memorable Lunch and Dinner Experiences
Mother’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of families and is one of the most celebrated dining-out occasions of the year. It’s a day to honor moms, create memories, and, often, enjoy a delicious meal together. But while brunch continues to dominate the day’s dining scene, it’s not the only way to delight diners. Savvy restaurateurs are now breaking away from the “standard” and crafting creative lunch and dinner options to elevate Mother’s Day celebrations. Standing out in a competitive market means thinking beyond the mimosa and eggs benedict. Offering unique menus can attract a wider audience and position your restaurant as the top choice for Mother’s Day dining. Here’s how you can do it effectively.
Why Move Beyond Brunch?
Brunch may be a classic, but introducing equally inviting lunch and dinner offerings expands appeal and ensures you’re not missing out on potential customers. Data from the Global Breakfast Report shows that while 58% of consumers enjoy eating breakfast out of convenience, 36% do so because of cravings*. With the added pressure of busy schedules around Mother’s Day, introducing lunch and dinner options helps families find flexibility in their dining plans. Food preferences are evolving, with consumers seeking dishes that resonate with their tastes and dining occasions. Why limit popular choices to just one time of day? By expanding your menu offerings, restaurants can attract a wider range of customers and their “perfect time” to celebrate moms—whether it’s a sunny noon feast or an elegant evening dinner.
Recipe Inspiration:
5 Steps to Amp Up Your Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner Menus:
Build Your Menu Around All-Day Favorites
Think about ingredients and dishes that work seamlessly for any mealtime while still feeling indulgent. Incorporating well-loved ingredients like mushrooms (enjoyed by 67% of U.S. consumers*) and adding trending items like French toast, which 85% of diners enjoy, allows you to blend innovation with familiarity*.
Why not offer a twist on a classic dish? Try adding Savory French Toast to lunch and dinner menus is a delectable way to set your restaurant apart. It’s a versatile dish that blends the comfort of traditional French toast with a savory, gourmet flair.
Recipe:
Add Shareable Platters to Promote Togetherness
Mother’s Day is all about family, and what better way to emphasize this than with communal dishes? Shareable celebration platters can include a mix of savory and sweet elements like caramelized bacon (enjoyed by 33% of U.S. consumers and predicted to grow +43% on menus within four years) alongside fresh salads, artisanal breads, and premium mains*.
This approach not only allows everyone to indulge in something they love but also encourages a celebratory, warm ambiance that families seek on this special day.
Celebrate Seasonal, Fresh Ingredients
Mother’s Day falls right in the heart of spring—making it the ideal moment to showcase fresh, seasonal produce. Highlighting ingredients like asparagus, peas, or vibrant herbs adds not just brightness to your dishes but also a seasonal uniqueness. Pair these elements with familiar proteins and grains in dishes like spring risottos or roasted veggie medleys.
Pro Tip: When crafting your menu descriptions, emphasize these seasonal connections. Words like “fresh-picked” and “spring-kissed” can transform a simple dish into a must-try experience.
Create a Relaxed but Memorable Atmosphere
When it comes to marketing lunch and dinner options, remind customers that these meals are quieter and more laid-back compared to the hustle and bustle of brunch. Offer table decor that amplifies the theme of motherhood and spring—a vase with fresh blooms or specially designed menus can make guests feel pampered and appreciated.
Consider adding a complimentary toast for moms. Something as simple as offering a small dessert bite or a complimentary glass of sparkling wine transforms the occasion into a standout experience.
Promote a Mixed & Match Beverage Pairing
Drinks offer a high-margin opportunity to enhance Mother’s Day dining experiences. While mimosas remain a brunch essential, dinner patrons crave something different—like creative cocktails, mocktails, or curated wine pairings.
Why not put a twist on the growing candied bacon trend (up by +8% in the last year*)? Feature a Bloody Mary garnished with caramelized bacon, or introduce dessert-inspired beverages paired with your dinner menu for a sweet finale.
Recipe:
Marketing Your Mother’s Day Menu
Creating the perfect menu is only half the work; ensure your audience knows about it! Start early and target families looking to secure dining plans by leveraging your digital platforms and email lists.
Social Media Highlights: Share enticing visuals of your dishes on Instagram and Facebook, especially the Savory French Toast and spring platters.
Email Previews: Highlight the exclusivity of your Mother’s Day offerings to your subscriber base with subject lines like “Surprise Mom with More Than Brunch This Year!”
Limited-Time Reservations: Create urgency by including booking cutoff dates and “limited spots available” messaging for peak times.
How the Industry Benefits from Diversifying Mother’s Day Offerings
Going beyond brunch is more than just attracting customers on Mother’s Day—it positions your restaurant as an innovative thought leader. Keeping up with trends, like the growing menu presence of mushrooms, caramelized bacon, and French toast, not only helps you stay competitive but drives repeat visits throughout the year. By providing unique dining experiences for Mother’s Day, you’re showing customers that your establishment isn’t just following tradition; it’s redefining it.
Make This Mother’s Day Unforgettable
Mother’s Day is an opportunity to showcase the best of your restaurant, and it doesn’t need to stop at brunch. By diversifying meals offered throughout the day, leaning into seasonal flavors, and leveraging trends like shareable platters or savory spins like the Savory French Toast, you position your business for success. The experts at Affinity Group are always here to give you direct access to the insights, solutions, and inspiration you need to take your business to the next level and continue to Build Your Bridge to Local Sales Success.
*Datassentials Consumer Preferences, Menu Trends