Program for Unique Holidays: November 2023
by David Klemt
Do you want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Change how you think about your November holiday promotions.
Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and this month is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to esoteric.
Pay attention to the “weird” or unique holidays to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests. Why do what everyone else is already doing? Why program only around the same holidays as everyone else?
Of course, you shouldn’t try to celebrate every holiday, strange or otherwise. Focus on the days that are authentic to your brand; resonate with your guests; and help you grab attention on social media.
You’ll find suggestions for promotions below. However, the idea behind our monthly holiday promotions roundup is to inspire you and your team to get creative and come up with unique programming ideas.
For our October 2023 holidays list, click here.
November 3: National Jersey Day
This is an easy one. MLB, the NBA, NHL, NFL, NCAA Football… All of these and more are in regular season play at the moment.
Establish your bar as the place to watch and play fantasy sports to develop a loyal guest base. One way to really get your guests engaged is to get them to wear their jerseys, and this holiday is the “official” day for them to do so.
November 5: Zero Tasking Day
Sure, multi-tasking and the people who claim to have mastery over it are impressive. But you know what’s even more impressive? Taking the time to nothing but relax.
You know what’s an excellent place to check out, relax, and indulge? Your restaurant, bar, or nightclub.
November 6: National Nacho Day
No, nachos aren’t the world’s most unique food. However, your approach and presentation can certainly help you stand out from other operators.
Go highest. Go largest. Go most unusual ingredients. Go most premium toppings. Just go wild.
November 11: National Metal Day
Anyone who knows me knows that metal holds a special place in my life. In fact, I recently hit the Pearl Theater inside the Palms for the Dethklok + BABY METAL “BABYKLOK” tour stop in Las Vegas.
This is the day for you to encourage the metalheads among your guests to show up to your bar or restaurant. Create an LTO featuring metal spirit brands, like Slipknot Iowa Whiskey and Metallica’s Blackened Whiskey.
November 14: National Pickle Day
If your kitchen can pickle it, this is the holiday to have them create an LTO menu showing off their skills.
November 16: National Use Less Stuff Day
Sustainability and ethical business practices aren’t just trendy anymore. Many of today’s guests want to know they’re supporting businesses that have a plan to address waste.
If you’ve been developing a sustainability plan, this is the day to launch it. Look at your operations, look at your menu, and see where you can make small but impactful changes.
November 20: National Absurdity Day
Do you have an “absurd” idea for a promotion, menu item, design feature, or branding exercise? Tighten up that idea and execute it on National Absurdity Day.
You can also check out one of our KRG Concepts, Absurd! Kitchen Co., for a turn-key restaurant concept.
November 22: DrinksGiving
As operators know, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving has traditionally been the busiest bar night of the year. Whether you call it Thanksgiving Eve or DrinksGiving, this is your opportunity to pull out all the stops.
November 25: National Small Business Day
This is the perfect holiday to highlight all the small, craft, and independent F&B brands you work with at your restaurant or bar. Feature local artisans, spirits and beer producers, farmers, and more on your menu to help them and you generate more business.
November 30: National Mason Jar Day
I don’t know what it is but drinking from a mason jar, whether there’s a delicious cocktail, moonshine, or a soft drink inside it, is just a cool experience.
Of course, you can also get creative with starter, side, and dessert presentations inside mason jars.
Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels
