3-minute read ---

Halloween has proven to be one of the most popular days of celebration in the United States, with consumers spending billions on costumes, candy, parties, and related expenses each year. As a result, it provides a competitive atmosphere for businesses looking to engage customers during the otherwise slow autumn season. This year, get ahead of Halloween with “spooky season” fun, attracting more customers with whimsical and family-friendly marketing campaigns throughout the month of October. From creatively named food and drink items to weekly promotions, themed events, loyalty incentives, and seasonal savings, there are numerous ways to boost your restaurant’s appeal this October. 

​Let’s dive into some spooktacular restaurant marketing ideas that will leave your guests screaming for more!

Imaginative names and festive presentations make memorable experiences to share with friends, family, and on social media

Creative Food and Drink Items and Names
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to draw in customers during Halloween is to revamp your menu with creatively themed food and drink items. Imagine serving up dishes like “Witch’s Brew Stew,” “Mummy-wrapped Meatloaf,” or “Goblin Goulash.” Drinks can be just as enchanting, with options like “Vampire’s Blood Sangria,” “Zombie Punch,” or “Black Cat Martini.” Imaginative names and festive presentations not only add a fun twist to your offerings but also make them memorable, encouraging customers to share their experiences with friends, family, and on social media. The more shareable your dishes, the more buzz you create, which can lead to increased foot traffic throughout the month of October.

Build Excitement with Weekly Promotions
Building excitement and anticipation is key to a successful Halloween marketing campaign. Implementing a different promotion during each week leading up to Halloween can keep your restaurant top-of-mind for potential customers. Start with “Monster Monday” discounts, where customers get a percentage off their bill if they come in costume. Follow up with “Wicked Wednesday” specials, featuring half-priced appetizers or themed desserts. Each week can introduce a new theme or special, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging repeat visits as customers look forward to what’s next. By keeping your promotions fresh and varied, you maintain interest and drive consistent traffic to your business.

Engage Guests with Events and At-Home Food Services
In addition to drawing customers to your restaurant with themed events and activities, promote festive “movie night” bundles, “pumpkin carving” promotions, or “Halloween party” menus to promote bulk orders for takeout, curbside pickup, and even delivery. Partnering with local businesses for these events can expand your reach and introduce your restaurant to new customers. Focus on providing services and meals as a way to enhance your guest’s own Halloween happenings, encouraging them to focus on entertaining friends and having fun while letting your restaurant prioritize providing great food and drinks.

Loyalty Program Incentives
Enhance your Halloween marketing strategy by incorporating loyalty program incentives. Reward your regular customers with exclusive Halloween-themed perks, such as double points on certain nights or special discounts on themed menu items. You could also introduce a limited-time “Spooky Season” loyalty card that offers rewards for multiple visits during the Halloween season. This not only encourages repeat business but also fosters a sense of appreciation and engagement among your loyal patrons. By making your loyalty program festive and rewarding, you increase customer satisfaction and build stronger relationships with your clientele.

“Halloween Happy Hours” promote high-profit and/or festive food and drinks

“Spooky Season Savings”
Lastly, capitalize on the Halloween spirit with “Spooky Season Savings.” Offer special deals and discounts that entice customers to dine at your restaurant. Consider bundle deals like “Fright Night Feast” where customers get a set menu at a discounted rate, “Halloween Happy Hours” to promote high-profit and/or festive food and drinks, or family packs that offer savings for larger groups. Promoting these savings through your website, social media channels, and email newsletters can attract cost-conscious diners looking for great value. Plus, highlighting these offers in your Halloween-themed décor and advertising can create a cohesive and compelling marketing message that drives both new and repeat business.

Grow Your Customer Base with Creative QR Code-Driven Campaigns!
Halloween presents a unique opportunity for business owners to get creative with their restaurant marketing campaigns and attract more customers. By implementing whimsical food and drink names, rolling out weekly promotions and themed events, offering loyalty program incentives, and providing “Spooky Season Savings,” you can create an engaging and festive atmosphere that draws diners in and keeps them coming back for more. Get ahead of the competition this Halloween and make your restaurant the spot everyone wants to visit!

Combined with multiple native QR code-driven solutions, Aldelo Express offers multiple solutions to support seamless spooky season promotions:

• Native Masa+ Loyalty, Rewards, eGift, and Promo Cards (smart coupons)
• Native Masa+ Online Ordering and Digital Payments
• Native Delivery, Takeout, and Curbside Pickup services
• QR Code Digital Menus
• And More!

Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410

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​Restaurants that use ultra-competitive
Aldelo Pay or Aldelo Partner Merchant Services
obtain access to
a Centralized Multi-Store Restaurant Technology Platform
that includes Masa+ Online Ordering,
Unlimited Software Releases,
​Unlimited Software Upgrades, and 24/7 Technical Support!


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Please contact an Aldelo representative today for more details, 
including a free Aldelo Express POS demo trial

[email protected] | 877-639-8767 | [email protected]

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