3-minute read ---
January presents a fantastic lineup of national food days, giving restaurants a fresh start for marketing creativity. From comforting bowls of soup to indulgent chocolate cake, these celebratory days provide ample opportunities to engage customers with fun, themed promotions, unique menu items, and social media buzz.
With tools like QR code-accessible Masa+ Online Storefronts, Online Ordering, Loyalty Rewards programs, digital Gift Cards, and Masa+ Fast Pay, restaurants have everything they need to optimize customer engagement and sales with QR code-enabled services.
Here’s how to make the most of each national day this January:
With tools like QR code-accessible Masa+ Online Storefronts, Online Ordering, Loyalty Rewards programs, digital Gift Cards, and Masa+ Fast Pay, restaurants have everything they need to optimize customer engagement and sales with QR code-enabled services.
Here’s how to make the most of each national day this January:
|
National Soup Month - All January
Celebrate the cozy warmth of soup throughout January by offering weekly or daily specials. Consider creating a soup sampler platter that lets guests try mini servings of your top varieties, or host a “Soup of the Day” program with rotating options. Promote on social media with polls asking followers to vote for their favorite, creating ongoing engagement and a reason for customers to return regularly. National Spaghetti Day - January 4
On January 4th, host a special on spaghetti dishes or a “build-your-own” pasta bar where customers can choose their own pasta, sauce, and toppings. This can attract families and groups, especially if paired with a “buy one, get one half-off” deal for added value. To drive engagement, encourage diners to snap a photo with their custom creations and post it online with a designated hashtag to win a free dessert or gift card. |
|
National Keto Day - January 5
Kick off the New Year’s health-conscious trends by offering keto-friendly dishes on National Keto Day. Highlight options such as bunless burgers, lettuce wraps, grilled proteins, and low-carb sides. Market your restaurant as a destination for health-focused diners with limited-time keto specials. This approach can help attract New Year’s resolution-setters and promote your capability to support different diets or preferences.
Kick off the New Year’s health-conscious trends by offering keto-friendly dishes on National Keto Day. Highlight options such as bunless burgers, lettuce wraps, grilled proteins, and low-carb sides. Market your restaurant as a destination for health-focused diners with limited-time keto specials. This approach can help attract New Year’s resolution-setters and promote your capability to support different diets or preferences.
National Whipped Cream Day - January 5
On National Whipped Cream Day, feature dessert and drink specials that make use of this delicious topping. Offer desserts like pies, sundaes, and hot chocolate with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Create a “Whipped Cream Upgrade” where any dessert can be enhanced with flavored or extra whipped cream at a discounted price. Post photos of these mouth-watering treats to social media to attract dessert lovers.
On National Whipped Cream Day, feature dessert and drink specials that make use of this delicious topping. Offer desserts like pies, sundaes, and hot chocolate with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Create a “Whipped Cream Upgrade” where any dessert can be enhanced with flavored or extra whipped cream at a discounted price. Post photos of these mouth-watering treats to social media to attract dessert lovers.
National Mocktail Week - Second Week of January
Celebrate this alcohol-free week by introducing a special mocktail menu featuring seasonal ingredients like ginger, cranberry, or rosemary. Host a “Mocktail Happy Hour” to entice Dry January participants and those looking for unique drinks without the alcohol. Use vibrant photos of these colorful creations on social media to create appeal and give customers a reason to visit and try something new.
Celebrate this alcohol-free week by introducing a special mocktail menu featuring seasonal ingredients like ginger, cranberry, or rosemary. Host a “Mocktail Happy Hour” to entice Dry January participants and those looking for unique drinks without the alcohol. Use vibrant photos of these colorful creations on social media to create appeal and give customers a reason to visit and try something new.
|
National Oysters Rockefeller Day - January 10
Showcase seafood lovers' favorite with a National Oysters Rockefeller Day celebration. Offer a discounted appetizer special on Oysters Rockefeller or create an “Oyster Happy Hour” where they’re offered at a special rate. Educate your audience with a post on the history of this dish and use hashtags like #OystersRockefellerDay to reach a wider audience online. National Curried Chicken Day - January 12
Feature curried chicken dishes on January 12 by creating a special curry menu or incorporating curried chicken into wraps, bowls, or salads. For added interest, offer a “Curry of the Day” throughout the week, highlighting different curry styles or spice levels. Share the flavors of each dish through photos on social media and offer spice levels to cater to customers with varying taste preferences. |
|
National Bagel Day - January 15
On National Bagel Day, feature a bagel-themed breakfast special, such as bagel sandwiches or bagel platters. Consider offering coffee and bagel combos for early-morning customers, or encourage customers to try a selection with a bagel platter featuring various spreads and toppings. Promote the special on social media to encourage diners to start their day with you, emphasizing the convenience and flavorful appeal of a bagel breakfast.
On National Bagel Day, feature a bagel-themed breakfast special, such as bagel sandwiches or bagel platters. Consider offering coffee and bagel combos for early-morning customers, or encourage customers to try a selection with a bagel platter featuring various spreads and toppings. Promote the special on social media to encourage diners to start their day with you, emphasizing the convenience and flavorful appeal of a bagel breakfast.
International Hot and Spicy Food Day - January 16
Heat things up on January 16 by highlighting spicy dishes like hot wings, jalapeño burgers, or spicy curries. Host a “Spicy Challenge” where diners try your spiciest dishes and get their photo on a “Wall of Flame” if they succeed. To create a sense of fun, encourage diners to share their experiences on social media with a hashtag, and offer a prize, such as a free meal or branded T-shirt, for those who complete the challenge.
Heat things up on January 16 by highlighting spicy dishes like hot wings, jalapeño burgers, or spicy curries. Host a “Spicy Challenge” where diners try your spiciest dishes and get their photo on a “Wall of Flame” if they succeed. To create a sense of fun, encourage diners to share their experiences on social media with a hashtag, and offer a prize, such as a free meal or branded T-shirt, for those who complete the challenge.
National Hot Buttered Rum Day - January 17
On January 17, feature Hot Buttered Rum as a cozy winter warmer. Market this rich drink as a dessert pairing or nightcap option and offer it at a discounted price for those who order an entrée. Highlight the drink on social media as the perfect cold-weather indulgence, showcasing its warming qualities and decadent flavors.
On January 17, feature Hot Buttered Rum as a cozy winter warmer. Market this rich drink as a dessert pairing or nightcap option and offer it at a discounted price for those who order an entrée. Highlight the drink on social media as the perfect cold-weather indulgence, showcasing its warming qualities and decadent flavors.
|
National Cheese Lover’s Day - January 20
Celebrate all things cheesy on January 20 by offering a special “Cheese Lover’s Menu” with cheese-centric dishes such as mac and cheese, loaded nachos, or cheese-stuffed burgers. Consider offering a flight of cheese-inspired appetizers or a cheese board with local and artisanal selections. Encourage customers to share their love of cheese with a photo contest, awarding the winner a special cheese-themed prize or gift card. National Pie Day - January 23
For National Pie Day, create a daily “Pie of the Day” special leading up to January 23, showcasing unique and classic flavors alike. Offer a slice of pie at a discount with any entrée, or encourage takeout customers to order slices or whole pies to enjoy at home. To build community goodwill, consider partnering with a local bakery if you don’t make pies in-house, offering an exclusive selection for a limited time. |
|
National Irish Coffee Day - January 25
Warm up on January 25 with National Irish Coffee Day. Host a tasting event featuring different whiskeys or coffee beans, or create an “Irish Coffee Happy Hour” with discounted prices. This warming drink is perfect for winter, and pairing it with a dessert like chocolate cake can create an indulgent experience. Share photos and details on social media to build interest.
Warm up on January 25 with National Irish Coffee Day. Host a tasting event featuring different whiskeys or coffee beans, or create an “Irish Coffee Happy Hour” with discounted prices. This warming drink is perfect for winter, and pairing it with a dessert like chocolate cake can create an indulgent experience. Share photos and details on social media to build interest.
National Chocolate Cake Day - January 27
End January on a high note with a celebration of National Chocolate Cake Day. Feature a decadent chocolate cake on the menu or offer a “Chocolate Lover’s Feast” with other chocolate-inspired treats. Encourage customers to order a slice with their meal at a special price and share photos of their dessert on social media. For a memorable touch, offer a “buy one, get one half-off” on chocolate cake slices to encourage sharing the experience with a friend.
These national days give restaurants a way to keep menus exciting and customers engaged throughout January. By creatively promoting each day through in-restaurant experiences and social media, you can bring joy to diners, increase traffic, and build a community around your brand.
Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410
End January on a high note with a celebration of National Chocolate Cake Day. Feature a decadent chocolate cake on the menu or offer a “Chocolate Lover’s Feast” with other chocolate-inspired treats. Encourage customers to order a slice with their meal at a special price and share photos of their dessert on social media. For a memorable touch, offer a “buy one, get one half-off” on chocolate cake slices to encourage sharing the experience with a friend.
These national days give restaurants a way to keep menus exciting and customers engaged throughout January. By creatively promoting each day through in-restaurant experiences and social media, you can bring joy to diners, increase traffic, and build a community around your brand.
Learn more by contacting an Aldelo representative today at [email protected] or 925-621-2410
|
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] |
|
Learn More About Aldelo Express and Masa+ ...
Kick Off the New Year:
Restaurant Marketing Ideas for January 2025 From Pet Costumes to Game Day Specials, Use QR Codes to Engage Guests and Boost Sales All Season Long 3-minute read ---
January and February are packed with opportunities for restaurants to engage with guests, drive traffic, and create memorable experiences. By tapping into national observances, sports events, and unique celebrations, restaurants can reach guests in fun and creative ways that go beyond the usual promotions. Here’s how to leverage these upcoming events and holidays to kickstart your marketing efforts in 2025—and how QR codes can make it all seamless, convenient, and interactive. |
Transforming Menu Management with
Aldelo Express AI Menu Builder: A Food Truck’s Solution Make Real-Time Adjustments with this Powerful AI Automation Service 3-minute read ---
In the fast-paced world of food trucks, adapting menus to ingredient availability is essential for keeping customers happy. Let’s imagine “Savory Streets,” a popular food truck that prides itself on serving fresh, seasonal dishes. With a dynamic menu that changes frequently based on what ingredients are available, the Savory Streets team faces the ongoing challenge of updating their point-of-sale (POS) system quickly and efficiently. That’s where the Aldelo Express AI Menu Builder comes in, transforming their operational workflow. |