Maximizing St. Patrick’s Day Profits with Seasonal Promotions

Looking to boost business this spring? St. Patrick’s Day is your chance! St. Patrick’s Day is becoming a big social holiday, encouraging customers to visit their favorite bars and restaurants for food and fun. In fact, in 2024, 62 percent of consumers planned to celebrate the holiday.

Leverage this trending celebration with savvy marketing ideas, food and drink specials, parties, and more!

St. Patrick’s Day’s Rising Attention

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have been bringing in more “green” than ever—and not just the color. Consumer spending on the holiday has grown significantly, with the average spend reaching $44 in 2023 and 2024—up $4 from 2019 and $10 from 2010. In 2024 alone, total spending hit $7.2 billion.

Restaurants can take advantage of this increased spending and holiday spirit with simple marketing strategies to attract restaurant guests.

4 Marketing Ideas for More Sales

With its festive vibes, love of traditional Irish food, and growing popularity as a social holiday, St. Paddy’s creates the ideal backdrop for fun promotions and themed experiences. These four creative marketing ideas will help you deliver holiday charm, delicious eats, and memorable experiences that customers won’t want to miss!

1. Go Green

Every holiday has its color scheme, and green screams St. Patrick’s Day! Consider adding Kelly green decor accents to create a celebratory atmosphere. For a lively ambiance, deck your establishment in leprechaun hats, dress host stands in green ribbon, and adorn tables with green and gold confetti.  

Try more understated color incorporations if you want a more subdued mood but still want to convey a St. Patrick’s aura. Bright green cocktail or cloth napkins, table runners, and candle centerpieces give minimalist vibes. Also, consider green neckties for front-of-house fine dining workers.

Consider your brand and incorporate decor touches representing your identity.

2. Offer St. Paddy’s Menu and Drink Specials

Limited-edition menu items always attract customers to their favorite establishments. In addition to decor elements, there are plenty of ways to make drinks and dishes vibrant without overcomplicating the recipes. 

Some popular ways to update your cocktail offerings are:

• Add a pinch of green or gold to a cocktail special by sprinkling edible glitter into your spirit.
• Pour pints of green beer.
• Offer Irish coffee with green whipped cream.

For menus, curate a handful of specials that capture the holiday experience. Review your current menu and look for ways to add a St. Paddy’s twist to your staple ingredients. For example, you could glaze your homemade donuts with green icing, toss potato salad with green goddess dressing, turn mashed potatoes into colcannon, or make soda bread.

Other classic Irish dishes to try:

• Corned beef and cabbage
• Guinness beef stew
• Shepherd's pie

3. Offer Irish-Themed Bundle Discounts

Creating a bundle of St. Patrick flavors for a special price is another way to excite guests and encourage them to purchase by giving them a great deal. 

• Think about a “green food bundle.” 
• Consider a full-meal deal with an appetizer, entree, and dessert combo.
• Offer an add-on discount—for example, a dollar off Guinness pints with an entree purchase.

4. Get the Word Out Early

From the first week of February 2023 to 2024, St. Patrick’s Day searches jumped 4,900 percent! So, not only are customers planning for the holiday a month in advance, but the numbers are growing. 

Promote exclusive menu items and specials on social media and your website. Remember to use trending phrases and audio! Invite your regular clients to dine by sending them a personalized newsletter themed on St. Paddy’s Day and consider giving them a coupon or extra loyalty points.

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Visit your local CHEF’STORE today and start saving!