Make the Most of Father’s Day: Restaurant Promotions That Deliver Revenue

Father’s Day, held annually on the third Sunday of June, is more than just a family gathering; it’s a prime opportunity for restaurants and venues to drive revenue, attract new guests, and deepen relationships with loyal patrons. Americans plan to spend more than ever on Father’s Day 2025 with gifts and celebrations, driving a record-setting $24 billion in projected spending. According to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics, experience-based gifts are on the rise, with 30% of people planning an activity-based gathering to celebrate their dads and special father-figures.

This data means that by offering more than a meal and creating memorable, share-worthy Father’s Day restaurant promotions, your business can stand out as the go-to destination for celebrating dads. Whether you’re looking to boost bookings, increase average spend, or grow repeat business, these promotional ideas will help your venue make the most of the occasion.

Father’s Day Restaurant Promotion Inspiration

Father’s Day is more than just a card and a quick meal — it’s a chance for families to create meaningful memories with the dads and father figures who deserve to be celebrated. For venues, it’s also an opportunity to stand out with creative, experience-driven offerings that go beyond the usual brunch. Whether you’re aiming to draw in families, give dads a chance to unwind, or tap into their hobbies and passions, these Father’s Day ideas will help you craft standout experiences that drive bookings and leave a lasting impression.

Special Menus & Dining Experiences for Dads 1. Barbecue Celebration for Father’s Day

Embrace the warmth of summer with a BBQ-themed Father’s Day event. Think “Grill Master’s Delight” or “Backyard BBQ Bash” to evoke a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

• Beyond the basics: Offer more than just steak. Feature slow-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and gourmet burgers with creative toppings.
• Classic sides: Complement the mains with creamy coleslaw, smoky baked beans, grilled corn on the cob, and mac and cheese.
• Entertainment: Enhance the casual vibe with live acoustic music, lawn games like cornhole or horseshoes, and oversized games such as giant Jenga. The goal is to create a festive, effortless backyard cookout experience for your guests.
• Gift Card & Product Pairing: Consider a promotion that offers a Father’s Day gift card paired with a signed recipe book. Do you have a product that would make a perfect gift alongside a gift card?

Meat Mitch BBQ in Leawood, Kan., has promoted a Father’s Day barbecue gift card paired with a signed recipe book. Maybe you have a product that you could pair a gift card with that would make a perfect gift.

2. Prix Fixe Menus: Effortless Elegance for Dad’s Day

Offer a thoughtfully designed fixed-price menu to simplify ordering and provide a premium feel, ensuring a smooth dining experience for everyone.

Crafting Your Prix Fixe Menu

• Know Your Audience: Design hearty, flavorful dishes dads will love.
• Offer Curated Choices: Provide 2-3 options per course (appetizer, main, dessert).
• Highlight Signature Dishes: Include popular favorites to attract new and returning guests.
• Suggest Drink Pairings: Offer wine, beer, or whiskey pairings for an elevated experience.
• Consider Dietary Needs: Include flexible options for common allergies or preferences.
• Enticing Descriptions: Use appealing language to describe each dish.
• Strategic Pricing: Balance profitability with perceived value for your customers.

3. Brunch Buffets: A Feast for Father’s Day

Host an all-you-can-eat Father’s Day brunch buffet with a wide array of dishes to cater to all tastes. To elevate the experience, add unique elements like a DIY Bloody Mary bar or themed drinks.

Crafting Your Father’s Day Brunch Buffet

• Strategic Pricing: Set a price that reflects the variety and quality of your offerings while remaining competitive. Consider adding drinks as an upsell or including them in a premium package.
• Balance Breakfast & Lunch: Offer a mix of classic breakfast items (scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes/waffles) and heartier lunch options (carving station with roast beef or ham, pasta dishes, salads).
• Include “Dad-Friendly” Options: Think about popular choices for dads, such as a prime rib carving station, chicken and waffles, or a chili bar.
• Feature Interactive Stations:
  • DIY Bloody Mary Bar: Provide various hot sauces, garnishes (celery, olives, pickles, bacon, shrimp), and rimming spices.
  • Mimosa Bar: Offer different fruit juices (orange, cranberry, grapefruit, pineapple) and fresh fruit garnishes.
  • Omelet/Waffle Station: A chef-attended station adds a touch of personalized service and freshness.
  • Don’t Forget Desserts: A dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats, from pastries and fruit tarts to cookies and brownies, is a must.
  • Consider Kid-Friendly Options: Offer simpler items for younger guests like mini pancakes, fruit skewers, or chicken tenders.
  • Presentation is Key: Arrange dishes attractively with clear labels. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.

4. A Bountiful Seafood Smorgasbord Fit for Fathers

A smorgasbord theme brings a sense of abundance and indulgence, perfect for honoring dads who love seafood. While seafood is highlighted here, the emphasis is on variety and customization.

• Lobster Feast: Provide each guest a whole lobster, shrimp, veggies, and a special spice mix, paired with their wine and live music.
• Beyond Lobster: Offer fresh oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, Alaskan crab legs, grilled scallops, or a build-your-own seafood boil with local catches, corn, potatoes, and sausage.
• Personalization: Highlight regional seafood specialties or allow guests to select their own mix-ins and spice levels for a personalized feast.
• Full Spread: Round out the buffet with carving stations featuring slow-roasted meats, artisan breads, and seasonal salads. This creates an immersive, celebratory meal that encourages family togetherness.

If your venue sells amazing seafood, consider creating a Father’s Day dinner to attract new and existing customers. Viansa Winery in Sonoma, Calif., has promoted in the past a Father’s Day lobster feast. They provide each guest with one whole Maine lobster, shrimp, a mix of veggies, and a special spice mix. This special meal will be paired with their own Viansa wine and live music. Perhaps you could create a similar Father’s Day package with some music from local musicians to bring in customers. When you create opportunities for dads to feel honored and appreciated—surrounded by their favorite flavors, music, and company—you’re not just filling tables; you’re helping create lasting moments that families will associate with your venue for years to come.

Themed Father’s Day Events 5. Sophisticated Tastings for the Connoisseur Dad

For dads who appreciate refined flavors, a tasting event offers a sophisticated yet approachable experience.

• Diverse Options: Curate a whiskey or bourbon tasting, a craft beer flight featuring local brews, or even a mezcal or tequila sampling. If licensed, cigar pairings can add a luxurious touch.
• Thoughtful Food Pairings: Pair beverages with smoked meats, charcuterie boards, gourmet sliders, bacon-wrapped bites, spiced nuts, and artisanal cheeses.
• Interactive Elements: Elevate the experience with “build your own flight” options or “meet the maker” sessions.
• Provide a Relaxing Night Out: Consider hosting your tasting event on a Saturday to allow for a full day of celebration.

The Canopy Hotel in West Palm Beach, Fla., knows what dad needs: a night off and a tasty beverage. Their Father’s Day package, which they have used in the past, has a tasting of five tantalizing food and drink pairings by expert mixologists. The event they held on Saturday, which makes a lot of sense considering the type of event. You can opt to do all sorts of pairings at your venue, including wine, whiskey, beer, or specialty cocktails. 

6. Dad’s Day Out: The Ultimate Father’s Day Experience

This Father’s Day, think beyond the traditional brunch. Offer a curated “Dad’s Day Out” package that caters to every type of dad — from the playful to the laid-back to the hobby enthusiast.

Family-Friendly Fun
Host a “Dad & Kids Activity Day” complete with family-style brunch, lawn games, and a build-your-own-burger bar. If space allows, set up mini-golf or a father-child competition to spark some friendly rivalry.

Laid-Back Leisure
Create a “Dad’s Retreat” with a comfort-food menu, dedicated sports viewing area, and a partnership with a local barbershop for on-site shaves or beard trims — the perfect mix of indulgence and relaxation.

Hobby-Inspired Events
Leverage your venue’s strengths with themed offerings like “Craft Beer & Board Games” or a “Live Music Jam Session.” Tailor your event to what your audience’s dads love most — food, music, sports, or games.

Expand the Experience
Go beyond just a meal. Partner with local businesses for morning tee times, hands-on grilling workshops led by your chef, or a bourbon tasting. Add perks like early booking discounts or take-home gift bags.

7. Takeout & At-Home Kits: Celebrate Dad, Anywhere

For those celebrating at home, offer special takeout menus, grill-at-home BBQ kits, family-style side dishes, or even cocktail kits to bring the celebration to them.

Crafting Your Takeout & At-Home Kits

• Online Ordering & Pre-Orders: Make it easy for guests to order and pay online, and encourage pre-orders to manage inventory.
• Themed Meal Kits:
  • Grill-at-Home BBQ Kit: Include marinated meats (ribs, chicken, steak), signature rubs/sauces, par-cooked sides (corn on the cob, baked potatoes), and instructions.
  • “Dad’s Favorite Dinner” Kit: A complete meal for 4-6, such as lasagna, pot roast, or a gourmet burger build-your-own kit with all the fixings.
• Family-Style Sides: Offer larger portions of popular sides like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or specialty salads.
• Dessert Bundles: Curate a selection of desserts that travel well, like pies, cookies, or individual cheesecakes.
• Craft Cocktail/Mocktail Kits: Provide pre-batched mixers, spirits (if licensed for alcohol takeout), garnishes, and recipe cards for easy assembly at home.
• Clear Instructions: Include easy-to-follow reheating or assembly instructions to ensure a perfect at-home experience.
• Attractive Packaging: Invest in quality, branded packaging that maintains food temperature and looks appealing.

8. Ticketed Events for Dad’s Day

Host a memorable and fun experience for your guests that not only fosters loyalty but generates upfront revenue.

Crafting Your Ticketed Events

• Clear Communication: Clearly outline what’s included in the ticket price, duration, and any age restrictions.
• Ticketing Software: Invest in an easy to use registration system to facilitate ticket sales.
• Cooking Classes:
  • “Grill & Chill” Masterclass: Focus on grilling techniques for different meats, marinades, and specialty sides. Provide recipe cards and tasting portions.
  • Kids’ Cooking Class: Simple, fun recipes like decorating cupcakes, making mini pizzas, or basic cookie baking.
  • Chef Interaction: Ensure the head chef is genuinely engaged, offering tips, answering questions, and personalizing the experience.
• Trivia Nights:
  • Themed Rounds: Tailor questions to “dad” interests: sports (local teams, famous athletes), classic movies, rock music, or even a dedicated “dad joke” round.
  • Prizes: Offer restaurant gift cards, branded merchandise, or local products as incentives for winning teams.
  • Format: Decide on team sizes, number of rounds, and a clear scoring system.
• Outdoor Fun (if applicable):
  • Grilling Station/Food Trucks: If you have outdoor space, set up dedicated grilling stations or partner with a food truck for a more casual food offering.
  • Beer Garden/Outdoor Bar: Offer a curated selection of local craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic options.
  • Lawn Games: Provide cornhole sets, giant Jenga, ladder toss, or even a mini-golf setup.
  • Outdoor Film Screening: Project a classic “dad movie” onto a large screen at dusk. Provide comfortable seating or encourage guests to bring blankets/chairs.
• Ticketing & Promotion:
  • Online Ticketing: Use a platform that allows easy purchase and sends confirmations.
  • Tiered Pricing: Consider different ticket tiers (e.g., class only, class + meal, VIP with a chef meet-and-greet).
  • Limited Capacity: Create urgency by promoting limited spots available for exclusive events.
  • Bundling: Offer discounts for booking multiple tickets or combining an event ticket with a gift card.

What are Some Father’s Day Discounts & Giveaways?

• Raffles: Offer raffle tickets for a chance to win larger prizes like a free meal for the family, a Father’s Day-themed gift basket, or a partner business’s offering (e.g., golf passes, cinema tickets).
• Dads Eat Free/Discounted: Offer a free entrée, appetizer, or a significant discount for dads dining with their families.
• Complimentary Items: Provide dads with a free dessert, a complimentary drink (beer, cocktail, or non-alcoholic option), or a specific freebie.
• Gift Card Promotions: Offer incentives on gift card purchases, such as “Buy a $50 gift card for Dad, get a $10 card for yourself,” or a bonus percentage added to gift cards.
• Branded Merchandise Giveaways: Give away branded items like mugs, hats, t-shirts, pint glasses, bottle openers, or even a restaurant’s signature steak knives.
• Mystery Gifts: Hand out sealed envelopes with different offers inside, from free appetizers to discounts.
• Contests & Raffles:
• Social Media Contests: Encourage customers to share photos or stories about their dads using a branded hashtag for a chance to win prizes like free meals or gift cards.
• “Best Dad Joke” Contest: Host an in-person or online contest for the best (or worst) dad joke.
• MVP Dad Contest: Ask participants to submit a photo and essay about why their dad is an MVP, with prizes for winners.

Father’s Day Restaurant Marketing & Promotion Strategies

To effectively promote your Father’s Day events and drive bookings, start by creating a well-rounded marketing plan that spans multiple channels. Social media is your best friend when it comes to building excitement—use high-quality images and videos to showcase your themed menus, family-friendly entertainment, and any special gifts or packages you’re offering. Short-form video content, behind-the-scenes chef moments, and countdown-style posts help build urgency and buzz. Paid social ads targeting local families and followers of similar interests—like BBQ lovers or bourbon aficionados—can further expand your reach. Be sure to create a clear, compelling call-to-action that links directly to your booking form, making it easy for guests to reserve their spot.

Don’t overlook the power of email marketing, either. Use your existing guest list to send personalized invitations to past diners, highlighting what makes this year’s celebration unique. Consider segmenting your audience by interest—sending tailored messaging to seafood fans, whiskey lovers, or families looking for kid-friendly options. Local partnerships can also give your promotions a boost. Collaborate with nearby businesses like barbershops, breweries, golf courses, or specialty retailers for cross-promotions or bundled experiences. Finally, reward early planners with limited-time incentives like early bird pricing, exclusive add-ons, or a complimentary drink for Dad. These offers not only motivate guests to book sooner, but they also help you better plan staffing and inventory for the big day.

Marketing & Engagement Strategies:

• Extend Promotions: Consider offering promotions for a “Father’s Day Week” or “Father’s Day Weekend” to accommodate more guests.
• Re-engage Mother’s Day Guests: Offer a special discount or incentive to guests who dined with you on Mother’s Day to encourage them to return for Father’s Day.
• Surprise Upgrades: Allow guests to add surprise elements to their reservations, such as special menus, unique branded gifts, or preferred seating.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with local businesses that cater to men’s interests (e.g., barbers, golf courses, breweries, sporting goods stores) for package deals, giveaways, or pop-up shops.
• Charity Campaigns: Partner with a local charity supporting veterans, fatherhood programs, or men’s health, donating a portion of sales or hosting a fundraising event.
• Loyalty Programs: Offer special discounts or points to loyal guests and VIPs for Father’s Day.
• Personalized Touches: Consider a complimentary welcome drink, a personalized message on menus, or staff ready with dad jokes to enhance the experience.
• Targeted Marketing: Utilize email marketing and social media campaigns to highlight your Father’s Day offers, using engaging visuals and copy. Consider pre-Father’s Day sales.
• Include Grandpas/Father Figures: Extend promotions to include grandfathers or other important father figures.

Make Father’s Day Bookings Effortless with TripleseatDirect

Take the stress out of planning and let guests easily book their Father’s Day celebrations with TripleseatDirect. Utilize TripleseatDirect to seamlessly manage RSVPs, pre-orders for special menus, and even collect payments for your exclusive Father’s Day events—making the booking process effortless for your guests and efficient for your team. Whether you’re organizing a BBQ buffet, a tasting experience, or a take-home package, TripleseatDirect gives you the tools to keep everything organized in one platform.

By implementing these ideas early and leveraging the convenience of TripleseatDirect, you’ll not only stand out to families making plans—you’ll also increase your chances of locking in more early reservations. Not using TripleseatDirect yet? Book a demo today and see how we’re helping venues just like yours turn holiday traffic into lasting business.

Heather Apse

As a content writer for Tripleseat, Heather channels her industry expertise into crafting insightful, actionable resources for hospitality professionals. Her background in hospitality includes hands-on experience as a hostess, busser, and waitress during her college years and she holds a deep appreciation for the nuances of restaurant and venue event operations. When she's not immersed in research or writing, Heather is adventuring outdoors with her three energetic sons and their lively, larger-than-life dog. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn.