How to Prepare Your Restaurant for Valentine’s Day

Whether you are personally a fan of Valentine’s Day or not, it is one of the year’s busiest holidays for dining out, so it’s time to prepare your restaurant! Valentine’s Day ranks just behind Mother’s Day as one of the most profitable holidays for restaurants. Customers are eager to spend on indulgent dining experiences to make their partners and loved ones feel cherished. This means your restaurant needs to go above and beyond to prepare for February 14.

But how can you set your restaurant up for a successful Valentine’s Day—one that boosts profits, delivers a memorable guest experience, and encourages diners to return? As a restaurant manager, you’ll want to consider what goes into successful marketing efforts to attract diners celebrating this season of love. This article will explore how to prep for Valentine’s Day, from menu planning tips to creating the perfect ambiance to ways to market your offerings.

Why is Valentine’s Day an Important Holiday For Your Restaurant?

Valentine’s Day is a golden opportunity for restaurants to boost revenue and showcase their event and other revenue-generating offerings to a love-struck audience. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers spent over $26 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2023, with a significant portion dedicated to dining out. In fact, dining remains one of the most popular ways to celebrate, with nearly 63% of consumers opting for a romantic meal at a restaurant. For establishments willing to tailor their experience for the holiday, Valentine’s Day offers a chance to capitalize on increased demand and showcase their menu and ambiance to both new and returning guests.

What makes this holiday so lucrative is the willingness of guests to splurge on premium experiences. Couples often seek prix-fixe menus, wine pairings, ticketed events, live music, or themed decor to elevate their evening. Many are willing to spend far more than they typically would for an average night out, creating opportunities for upselling and maximizing check averages. For restaurants that plan ahead—strategizing around menus, staffing, and marketing—Valentine’s Day can not only fill tables but also build lasting connections with diners looking to make the evening truly unforgettable.

Preparing Your Restaurant for Valentine’s Day: 7 Easy Things to Do

1. Valentine’s Menu Planning

One of the first things restaurants should consider to get ready for Valentine’s Day menu planning. While you may think that your restaurant’s ambiance is paramount to your success in booking customers, your menu is actually a top deciding factor. Look at ingredients, pricing, and presentation to make your offerings alluring to customers. It is a unique opportunity to create special experiences and creative menu additions. Your menu should include romantic-themed dishes – whether heart-shaped entrees, delectable chocolate desserts, or something else creative. When developing your menu, think about presentation and how you can be creative by taking a top-selling entree and jazzing it up for the holiday. The names of your menu items also matter, so be creative and punny!

2. Pairings and Valentine’s Specialty Cocktails

When developing a menu, think about your beverage offerings. Wines, carefully crafted cocktails, and some mocktail options are essential to a Valentine’s Day menu. Restaurants may offer a special pairing menu for the evening, featuring wines, beers, and even bubblies that complement the dishes. Some restaurants offer a bottle service price on champagne. Special cocktails will add an extra touch of sophistication and romance to the dining experience.

To create the perfect wine pairings, restaurants may consult with a sommelier or wine expert. If your customers are looking for beer, do some pairings there as well. Consider the flavors and textures of the dishes on the menu and select beverages that will enhance and balance those flavors. This attention to detail can elevate the dining experience for couples celebrating. Additionally, wine pairings and other cocktail offerings can increase check size.

3. Love To-Go

Want to entice some Valentine’s business to-go? TripleseatDirect is an effective tool for creating a Valentine’s Day-to-go package, simplifying the process for both your restaurant and your guests. First, design a special Valentine’s Day menu or package, including gourmet meals, desserts, and beverages tailored for the occasion. This menu can then be uploaded to the TripleseatDirect platform and you can customize the package, enabling the addition of options such as pairings or special gift items. Once the package is configured, TripleseatDirect provides a direct link that can be shared with customers through various channels like email, social media, or the business’s website. Customers can easily click on this link to view the package, select their preferences, and make a payment. This system streamlines the ordering process, making it convenient and efficient. Moreover, TripleseatDirect’s management tools allow you to track orders, manage inventory, and coordinate pick-up or delivery schedules, ensuring a smooth operation for the Valentine’s Day rush.

4. Customers LOVE Valentine’s Gifts

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about the meal—it’s about creating a complete experience, and thoughtful gifts can make all the difference. Offering Valentine’s-themed gifts at your restaurant, such as personalized menus, complimentary chocolates, or small keepsakes, adds a special touch that guests will remember. Even simple gestures like a rose for each guest or a take-home dessert box can enhance the celebration and show that your restaurant is invested in creating a memorable experience. These thoughtful additions not only delight guests but can also serve as a subtle way to stand out from competitors.

For restaurants looking to boost revenue, gifts can also be an upselling opportunity. Consider offering curated add-ons like wine or champagne pairings, gift cards, or pre-packaged treats available for purchase. Branded merchandise, such as engraved wine glasses or custom desserts, can be marketed as take-home mementos of the evening. Guests are often willing to spend more for these thoughtful extras, making gifts an excellent way to enhance both guest satisfaction and your bottom line.

5. Extend Some Love With Staffing and Training

Valentine’s Day is a busy night for restaurants, and you must be adequately staffed to handle the influx of customers. You may consider bringing in extra staff or extending the shifts of your current employees to ensure that you have enough event staff and hands on deck.

In addition to staffing, restaurants must also train their staff to handle the busy night. This may include training on managing reservations, the special menu, drink pairings, upsell opportunities, and customer service. Staff must be ready to handle a high volume of customers and orders and provide a memorable dining experience for couples.

In order for restaurants to prepare for Valentine’s Day, think about your customer service to make the evening memorable. This includes being attentive to customers’ needs, providing recommendations, and going above and beyond to create a romantic atmosphere. Small gestures can make a big impact and leave a lasting impression on customers.

6. Attract with Ambiance and Decor

Creating ambiance is important for a successful Valentine’s Day dinner but keep in mind, it is not the only factor. If possible, restaurants should consider the details that make up their look and feel, from lighting to music, to create a romantic atmosphere for couples. This may include dimming the lights, playing soft music, and adding candles to each table.

Restaurants may also decorate their dining areas with Valentine’s Day-themed decor, such as heart-shaped balloons or rose petals. Consider a creative place for your guests to snap a photo. These small touches can add to the overall ambiance and make couples feel like they are in a romantic setting.

Table settings are important for restaurants preparing for Valentine’s Day! To elevate the dining experience, use special linens, dishes, and glassware to create the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner. You may add small touches, such as heart-shaped napkins or personalized menus, to make couples feel special.

Restaurants must also ensure that their space and tables are set up to allow for privacy and intimacy for couples. This may mean spacing out tables or creating a separate dining area for couples.

7. Show Off With Marketing and Promos

To effectively promote Valentine’s Day, it is advisable to start the campaign at least a few weeks before the occasion, ideally around three weeks before. Marketing for Valentine’s Day includes promoting your special menu and creating a sense of urgency for customers to make reservations.

Digital Marketing Options

1. Social Media Campaigns
   • Create engaging posts featuring your Valentine’s Day specials, menu sneak peeks, or romantic table setups.
   • Host a giveaway for a free dinner for two to boost engagement and increase followers.
   • Use holiday-specific hashtags like #ValentinesDayDinner or #RomanticDining.
2. . Email Marketing
   • Send a Valentine’s Day-themed email to your subscriber list, highlighting menu offerings, reservation links, and any special deals.
   • Include a countdown to encourage early bookings and emphasize limited availability.
3. Special Landing Page
   • Design a Valentine’s Day-specific landing page on your website featuring menus, event details, pricing, and a reservation link.
   • Create a pop up or banner on your restaurant’s website to announce your Valentine’s Day offerings.
   • Optimize the page for SEO with keywords like “Valentine’s Day dinner near me” or “romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day.”
4. Online Ads
   • Run targeted ads on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram to reach local diners searching for Valentine’s Day plans.
   • Focus on promoting your unique offerings, like a prix fixe menu or live entertainment.
5. Promote Gift Cards
   • Advertise gift cards as a perfect last-minute Valentine’s Day gift option on your website and social media.
   • Offer bonus incentives, such as $10 off for every $50 gift card purchased.
6. Collaborations with Influencers
   • Partner with local food bloggers or influencers to showcase your Valentine’s Day experience through social media posts, reels, or blogs.
   • Invite them for a complimentary dinner to create buzz and generate authentic content.
7. Use Photo and Video Content
   • Share behind-the-scenes snaps and clips of your staff preparing Valentine’s Day dishes or setting up romantic decor.
   • Post customer testimonials or create a video tour of your restaurant’s ambiance to entice viewers.
   • Share amazing photos of your F&B and space
8. Leverage Reservation Platforms
   • Update your profiles on platforms like OpenTable or Resy with Valentine’s Day promotions and menu details. Utilize event management software like Tripleseat to promote groups and manage self-booking for Valentine’s catering and takeout.
   • Use their marketing tools to reach more diners searching for restaurants.
9. Host a Virtual Event
   • Offer a virtual Valentine’s Day cooking class or wine-pairing experience for customers who prefer to celebrate at home.
10. Push Last-Minute Bookings
    • Use social media stories, paid ads, or email blasts to remind customers to secure their reservations in the final days leading up to Valentine’s Day.

Offline Traditional Marketing Ideas

Capitalize on your restaurant’s physical presence to get current customers to come back for Valentine’s Day.

1. Table Tent Promotions
   • Place eye-catching table tents on each table featuring your Valentine’s Day specials, prix fixe menu, or exclusive promotions.
   • Include a QR code linking directly to your reservation page for easy booking.
2. In-House Flyers and Posters
   • Display posters in high-traffic areas, such as near the entrance, restrooms, or host stand, to promote Valentine’s Day offerings.
   • Include enticing visuals and clear call-to-action phrases like “Reserve Your Table Today!”
3. Customized Receipts
   • Print messages on receipts reminding diners to book for Valentine’s Day, such as, “Celebrate love with us! Book your Valentine’s dinner now.”
4. Loyalty Program Perks
   • Offer exclusive Valentine’s Day discounts or early booking access to your loyalty program members.
   • Promote these perks during in-person interactions to encourage sign-ups.
5. Word of Mouth from Staff
   • Train your staff to mention Valentine’s Day specials to diners and encourage them to make reservations before leaving.
   • Provide scripted talking points to ensure consistency in promoting your offerings.
6. Outdoor Signage
   • Use chalkboards, banners, or A-frame signs outside your restaurant to advertise your Valentine’s Day specials.
   • Highlight key details like “Romantic Valentine’s Dinner,” date, and a phone number for reservations.
7. Collaborate with Local Businesses
   • Partner with florists, jewelers, or chocolatiers to cross-promote Valentine’s Day packages or discounts. Display their brochures or products in your restaurant, and vice versa.
8. In-Restaurant Giveaways
   • Host a raffle or giveaway for diners in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, with prizes like a free dinner for two or a gift card.
   • Use this to build excitement and gather customer contact information for future promotions.
9. Handouts with Takeout Orders
   • Include Valentine’s Day promotional flyers or small cards with takeout and delivery orders to reach at-home customers.
10. Decorate to Set the Mood
    • Start decorating your restaurant with romantic Valentine’s Day touches, like hearts, candles, and flowers, to create buzz and remind diners of the holiday.

Use TripleseatDirect to Manage Valentine’s Day Catering

Optimizing your restaurant’s technology is essential to maximizing your success from Valentine’s Day and all year round. Ready to take your event and catering business to the next level? Discover our powerful event management tools, including TripleseatDirect. This seamless online booking solution allows your customers to easily book, plan, and pay for events, catering, and more—all without hassle or delays. If your venue isn’t using TripleseatDirect yet, book a demo to see how we are helping your competitors.