Program for Unique Holidays: April 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 April holiday promotions.
Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and April 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 March 2023 holidays list, click here.
April 6: International Day of Sport For Development and Peace
Sure, sports can spark some bitter rivalries. However, it can also bring people together. Whether you choose to air sporting events this day (make sure you have the proper licensing to do so) or create a themed LTO menu, encourage guests to set aside their differences and come together at your restaurant or bar.
If you’re operating a sports- or game-focused eatertainment concept, this is also an excellent day to host a friendly tournament. Who knows? It could become a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly promotion if it takes off.
April 7: National No Housework Day
Your guests are likely already burnt out on spring cleaning. Tell them to toss aside their brooms, mops, and sponges and reward themselves with a visit to your venue.
April 8: National All is Ours Day
I’ll bet that if you think about it for a moment you can come up with at least one incredible element or landmark in your community. This is the day to celebrate it with your guests. National All is Ours Day is dedicated to appreciating what we have and taking an adventure, however big or small.
April 10: Dyngus Day
This isn’t necessarily an “odd” holiday. However, those who didn’t grow up in a community with a significant Polish presence may not know about it.
On Dyngus Day, people who take part in Lent get to indulge and blow off some steam. Common food items enjoyed on this day are Polish hot dogs, potato pancakes (placki ziemniaczane), dumplings (pierogi), and donuts filled with custard (paczki).
April 11: National Barbershop Quartet Day
If you search for one hard enough, you can probably find a local barbershop quartet that sings current-day hits. It could be pretty cool to have them entertain your guests…
April 13: National Make Lunch Count Day
This is the day to really impress with an incredible lunch to boost pickup, delivery, and in-person traffic for this daypart.
April 23: National Take a Chance Day
Do you have a food or beverage item you have yet to put on your menu? Something you want to test but just haven’t gotten around to it yet? This is the day to entice your guests with something new and encourage them to try it. It’s also the perfect time to collect feedback to either revise the item, add it right away, or move on from it.
April 27: National Tell a Story Day
So, this day may be better served as a deadline for you. Do your website, social media channels, menu, and venue design tell your restaurant or bar’s story? If an honest assessment shows that they don’t, use April 27 as a deadline to tell your brand’s story to your guests. Storytelling is a powerful engagement tool, so make sure yours is dialed in.
April 29: National Sense of Smell Day
Personally, I’d program around this day with the help of brand reps. A tasting or guided pairing that engages the sense of smell can really wow your guests, delivering an incredible and memorable experience.
April 30: National Bubble Tea Day
Bubble tea isn’t the most unique beverage. However, learning how to craft boozy bubble tea drinks for your spring and summer menus…that’s a great way to celebrate this holiday and show off your bar team’s creativity.
Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels
