3-minute read ---
As summer winds down, late August and early September bring a lineup of exciting events that restaurant owners, bar proprietors, and food truck operators can tap into to boost their business. From the NFL preseason kickoff on August 8 to the US Open wrapping up on September 6 and the back-to-school bustle, these events offer a golden opportunity to attract sports fans and casual diners alike. While being mindful of trademarked and copyrighted titles, words, images, and phrases related to each event, here’s how you can use these occasions to market your establishment.
August 8 – NFL Preseason: Kick Off Game Day Vibes
The NFL preseason starting August 8 signals the return of American football fever. Capitalize on this by hosting watch parties for popular or local team games, even if just for exhibition matches. Offer game-day specials like discounted wings, nachos, or craft beer pitchers to draw crowds and build excitement and anticipation around your brand. Decorate with team colors and jerseys to set the mood, and advertise early on social media with hashtags like #NFLPreseason or #GameDayEats to harvest more online attention.
The NFL preseason starting August 8 signals the return of American football fever. Capitalize on this by hosting watch parties for popular or local team games, even if just for exhibition matches. Offer game-day specials like discounted wings, nachos, or craft beer pitchers to draw crowds and build excitement and anticipation around your brand. Decorate with team colors and jerseys to set the mood, and advertise early on social media with hashtags like #NFLPreseason or #GameDayEats to harvest more online attention.
August 22-24 – Summer X Games: Appeal to the Extreme Crowd
The Summer X Games, running August 22-24, attract a younger, adrenaline-seeking demographic. Lean into this vibe with punk or high-energy promotions. Create a stunt-inspired menu with “Skateboard Sliders,” “Freestyle Tacos,” or “BMX Burgers,” and offer popular energy drink cocktails or mocktails. If you’re a food truck, park near local skate parks or event watch parties to catch the X Games crowd. Host a live stream of the events with a DJ spinning tunes to keep the energy up, and encourage social media posts with a branded hashtag like #XGamesBites for a discount.
The Summer X Games, running August 22-24, attract a younger, adrenaline-seeking demographic. Lean into this vibe with punk or high-energy promotions. Create a stunt-inspired menu with “Skateboard Sliders,” “Freestyle Tacos,” or “BMX Burgers,” and offer popular energy drink cocktails or mocktails. If you’re a food truck, park near local skate parks or event watch parties to catch the X Games crowd. Host a live stream of the events with a DJ spinning tunes to keep the energy up, and encourage social media posts with a branded hashtag like #XGamesBites for a discount.
August 22 - Sept. 27 – Women’s Rugby World Cup: Celebrate Strength and Community
Running from August 22 to September 27, the Women’s Rugby World Cup is a month-long opportunity to celebrate female athletes. Host viewing events for key matches, especially those featuring the US team, and pair them with hearty, rugby-inspired dishes like meat pies or loaded fries. Partner with local women’s sports teams for cross-promotions or donate a portion of proceeds to girls’ athletics for goodwill. Market this with empowering slogans like “Fuel the Fight” to resonate with fans and families, and keep the momentum going throughout the tournament.
August 23 – College Football Season Begins: Tap into Local Pride
When college football kicks off on August 23, alumni and students will be eager to cheer on their teams. Turn your space into a gameday hub with big screens and team-specific specials such as “Touchdown Tacos” in school colors. Offer student discounts or tailgate-style platters for groups. If you’re near a college town, collaborate with campus organizations for pre-game events. Push promotions via local radio or student social media groups to pack your place with spirited fans.
When college football kicks off on August 23, alumni and students will be eager to cheer on their teams. Turn your space into a gameday hub with big screens and team-specific specials such as “Touchdown Tacos” in school colors. Offer student discounts or tailgate-style platters for groups. If you’re near a college town, collaborate with campus organizations for pre-game events. Push promotions via local radio or student social media groups to pack your place with spirited fans.
August 25 - Sept. 6 – U.S. Open: Serve Up Sophistication
The U.S. Open, from August 25 to September 6, brings a touch of class with its tennis prestige. Attract fans with tennis-themed cocktails like a “Grand Slam Spritz” or light, summery dishes like ceviche. Host watch parties for marquee matches, and consider a “tennis brunch” for weekend play. Use elegant decor and market to a slightly upscale crowd via email blasts or local lifestyle blogs.
The U.S. Open, from August 25 to September 6, brings a touch of class with its tennis prestige. Attract fans with tennis-themed cocktails like a “Grand Slam Spritz” or light, summery dishes like ceviche. Host watch parties for marquee matches, and consider a “tennis brunch” for weekend play. Use elegant decor and market to a slightly upscale crowd via email blasts or local lifestyle blogs.
Back-to-School Season (Late August-Early September): Cater to Families and Students
As schools reopen in late August and early September, pivot to families and students. Roll out “Back-to-School” specials like kid-friendly meals with a free dessert or student discounts on quick bites. Host a “Parent’s Night Off” event with wine specials to give adults a break from the chaos. For food trucks, park near school pickup zones with after-school snacks. Promote through PTA networks or campus flyers to reach this busy demographic.
Final Tips
Across all events, use social media to tease specials, share live updates, and engage followers with polls or giveaways. Tailor your approach to your audience—rowdy football fans versus refined tennis lovers—and track which promotions hit the mark. With creativity and timing, these sporting events can serve up a winning season for your business!
Blend these events into a cohesive late-summer strategy by cross-promoting on social media with eye-catching visuals and hashtags. Tailor your offerings and track what resonates. With a mix of creativity and community focus, you’ll turn this transitional season into a marketing win!
Try promoting your events with:
Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410
Across all events, use social media to tease specials, share live updates, and engage followers with polls or giveaways. Tailor your approach to your audience—rowdy football fans versus refined tennis lovers—and track which promotions hit the mark. With creativity and timing, these sporting events can serve up a winning season for your business!
Blend these events into a cohesive late-summer strategy by cross-promoting on social media with eye-catching visuals and hashtags. Tailor your offerings and track what resonates. With a mix of creativity and community focus, you’ll turn this transitional season into a marketing win!
Try promoting your events with:
- QR code online ordering
- Multi-Store Loyalty Rewards, Gift Cards, Coupons, and Promo Cards (Smart Digital Offers) from Aldelo Express Masa+
- Curbside Pickup services: designated parking stalls to QR code-specific online ordering, payments, and pickup
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! *** 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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