Super Bowl Restaurant Marketing Ideas to Boost Revenue in 2026

The Super Bowl isn’t just a game; it’s one of the highest-grossing days of the year for the hospitality industry as people gather to celebrate. In 2025, total consumer spending hit a record $18.6 billion, with over 80% of that budget going directly toward food and beverages.

As we look toward Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California on February 8th, the competition for “share of plate” is fiercer than ever. To score big, your restaurant needs more than just a few extra wings—it needs a strategic marketing playbook.

Here are 10 supercharged ideas to drive sales and revenue, streamline operations, and keep your fans coming back long after the final whistle.

1. Own the Off-Premise: Tailgate Catering Packages

Super Bowl Sunday is the king of takeout and catering. Most fans (nearly 50%) prefer to watch from home, but they don’t want to cook.

• The Idea: Create “The Big Game Feast” bundles—think sliders, wings, and nacho kits that serve 10, 20, or 50 people.
• The Tripleseat Edge: Use TripleseatDirect to let customers order and pay for large-scale catering directly from your site. Set “Order Deadlines” (e.g., 72 hours before kickoff) so your kitchen can prep efficiently without the Sunday morning panic.

2. Market to the “Anti-Football” Crowd

Not everyone wants to hear the roar of the crowd.

• The Idea: Market your venue as a “Football-Free Zone” or host a “Puppy Bowl Viewing Party.” This appeals to diners looking for a quiet meal or a family-friendly atmosphere away from the sports bar chaos.
• Execution Tip: Use specific tags in your social media ads like #NoFootballFound or #PuppyBowlBrunch to capture this unique demographic.

3. Boost Direct Bookings with Private Party Packages

Large groups are looking for a “home base” to watch the game without the cleanup.

• The Idea: Sell partial or full buyouts for private rooms. Offer a flat per-head fee that includes an open bar and a buffet.
• The Tripleseat Edge: Require digital deposits at the time of booking. This eliminates “no-shows,” which are devastating on a high-volume day like Super Bowl Sunday.

4. Drive Engagement with “Touchdown” Flash Sales

Keep the energy (and the tabs) high throughout the four-hour broadcast.

• The Idea: Announce “15-Minute Flash Sales” on Instagram or SMS every time a team scores. (Example: “Touchdown! $5 draft beers for the next 15 minutes!”)
• Execution Tip: Use QR codes on table tents to encourage guests to follow your social accounts or join your SMS list so they don’t miss the alerts.

5. The “Monday Morning” Recovery Promo

Revenue shouldn’t stop when the game day ends.

• The Idea: Offer a “Hangover Brunch” or a “Work-From-Home Special” for the Monday after the game.
• Incentive: Hand out “Recovery Coupons” to every guest who dines with you on Sunday, valid only for the following Monday or Tuesday.

6. Team-Inspired “Battle of the Menus”

Even if the local team isn’t playing, fans love a rivalry.

• The Idea: Create two specialty cocktails or appetizers—one for each competing city (e.g., a “Bay Area Sourdough Slider” vs. the opponent’s regional dish).
• Data Tip: Track which item sells more throughout the night and announce the “Menu MVP” on social media to drive post-game engagement.

7. Partner with Local Beverage Brands

Partnering with a local brewery or distillery for free samples or branded glassware can draw in “craft” fans.

• The Idea: Host a “Tap Takeover” during the pre-game show.
• Revenue Boost: Collaborations often come with co-marketing opportunities, expanding your reach to the brewery’s followers.

8. Implement “Self-Serve” Tech to Save Labor

With a packed house and a high volume of takeout, your staff will be stretched thin.

• The Idea: Use QR code ordering for drinks and appetizers in the bar area.
• Benefit: This allows your servers to focus on high-touch hospitality and large-group coordination while “fast-moving” items like beer buckets are handled digitally.

9. Interactive “Prop Bet” Bingo

Keep guests engaged even during the commercials.

• The Idea: Hand out custom Bingo cards with squares like “Celebrity Cameo in a Commercial,” “Missed Field Goal,” or “Quarterback Sacked.”
• Prizes: Offer digital gift cards as prizes. Because they are delivered via email, you’re simultaneously building your marketing database.

10. Maximize Your Space with “Standing Room” Tickets

If your tables are fully booked, don’t turn away revenue.

• The Idea: Sell “Standing Room Only” tickets that include two drink vouchers and access to a shared slider bar.
• The Tripleseat Edge: Use your lead management tools to track “Waitlist” interest for the game. If you have a cancellation, you can instantly notify the next group in line.

The Super Bowl Readiness Checklist:

• [ ] 4 Weeks Out: Finalize catering menus and update your TripleseatDirect lead forms.
• [ ] 3-4 Weeks Out: Start social media teasers and email “Early Bird” reservation invites.
• [ ] 2 Weeks Out: Finalize staffing schedules (consider 20% more than a standard Sunday).
• [ ] 3 Days Out: Cutoff for large catering orders to ensure supply chain stability.

Ready to score a touchdown this February? See how Tripleseat can help you manage the madness and maximize your Super Bowl revenue. Book a Demo Today.