10 Creative Restaurant Specials To Attract More Customers
- Operations qckbot
- Feb 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Key Takeaways:
Specials Drive Customer Engagement: Restaurant specials create excitement and give customers a reason to visit. Limited-time promotions encourage repeat business and word-of-mouth marketing.
Pricing And Promotion Are Crucial: A well-priced special balances affordability with profit margins. Using a mix of in-store and online promotions ensures customers know about the offer.
Unique Specials Build Brand Identity: Creative and exclusive specials make a restaurant stand out. Offering signature promotions can turn occasional diners into loyal customers.
It’s critical.
Some restaurants always have a crowd, while others struggle to fill tables. A well-crafted restaurant special creates an experience that excites customers and keeps them coming back.
At Sauce, we help restaurants maximize their potential with commission-free online ordering and seamless delivery solutions. Our expertise in restaurant marketing and customer engagement has shown that the right specials can drive sales, boost brand loyalty, and turn first-time visitors into lifelong fans.
In this guide, we’ll investigate 10 creative restaurant specials to help you attract more customers and potentially increase revenue. We’ll cover seasonal promotions, social media-exclusive deals, and more – helping to inspire you to create offers to excel in a competitive market.
Why Restaurant Specials Matter
Restaurant specials create customer excitement and anticipation. A well-planned special gives people a reason to visit, whether a limited-time dish, a great deal, or an exclusive experience they can’t get anywhere else.
Beyond attracting new guests, specials keep regulars engaged and encourage repeat visits. When customers know there’s always something fresh on the menu, they’re more likely to return and try something new. Specials also spark word-of-mouth marketing, as people love sharing great deals and unique dining experiences with friends and family.
These promotions can also boost restaurant revenue by increasing average order value. Limited-time offers encourage customers to order more, while bundled meals or happy hour deals can drive sales during slower periods. When done right, specials create a win-win situation – customers feel like they’re getting something extra, and restaurants see steady traffic.
How To Create Effective Restaurant Specials
Creating a successful restaurant special starts with understanding what excites your customers. Limited-time offers and seasonal dishes work well because they create urgency and a sense of exclusivity. Pricing should balance attracting customers and maintaining profitability, using strategies like bundling or upselling to increase value.
Promotion is just as important as the offer itself. Specials only work if people know about them, so using social media, email, and in-store marketing can make a big difference. A well-executed special drives sales and keeps customers engaged and returning for more.
10 Creative Restaurant Specials To Attract More Customers
Specials aren’t just about discounts – they’re a powerful tool to attract new customers, reward loyal ones, and create buzz around your restaurant.
1. Seasonal And Holiday-Themed Specials
People love celebrating, and restaurants can tap into this excitement with seasonal dishes and holiday promotions. A summer seafood platter, a Halloween-themed dessert, or a Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu can create buzz and attract diners looking for something festive.
Limited-time seasonal ingredients also add freshness to the menu and give customers a reason to return throughout the year.
2. Buy One, Get One Free Deals
A "Buy One, Get One Free" (BOGO) offer is a classic way to attract customers and encourage group dining. Whether a free appetizer with an entrée purchase or a second pizza at no cost, these deals create a sense of value that customers appreciate. BOGO promotions also work well for takeout and delivery, helping to boost sales beyond the dining room.
3. Limited-Time Only Dishes
Exclusivity makes food more desirable. A dish only available for a few days or weeks can create urgency and drive traffic. Limited-time items can be seasonal, chef-inspired creations or nostalgic throwbacks to past menu favorites. Promoting these specials through social media and in-store signage builds excitement and anticipation.
4. Chef’s Surprise Specials
Giving the chef creative freedom to craft a surprise dish can make dining more exciting. Customers who enjoy adventure and spontaneity may be eager to try a mystery meal, especially if it comes at a discounted rate. This type of special keeps the kitchen staff engaged and allows the restaurant to experiment with new flavors or ingredients.
5. Happy Hour Discounts
Lower-priced drinks and appetizers during off-peak hours can bring in crowds when business is slow. Restaurants with a bar can benefit from discounted cocktails, beer, or wine, while food-focused spots offer shareable plates at a reduced price. A well-timed happy hour encourages customers to visit earlier, stay longer, and order more.
6. Loyalty Program Perks
Rewarding returning customers with exclusive specials helps build long-term relationships. After a few visits, restaurants can offer a free dish, birthday discounts, or member-only menu items. A well-structured loyalty program keeps customers engaged and incentivizes them to choose your restaurant over the competition.
7. Customer-Created Specials
Letting customers vote on or suggest a special can make them feel more connected to the restaurant. A social media poll to choose a new burger topping combination or a naming contest for a special drink can boost engagement and create a sense of community. When diners feel involved, they’re more likely to come in and try their winning creation.
8. Family Or Group Meal Deals
Dining out is often a social experience; group-friendly specials encourage people to bring family and friends. A "dinner for four" bundle or a party platter at a discounted price makes eating out more affordable and convenient. These deals work particularly well for takeout and delivery, where larger orders can boost revenue.
9. Social Media-Exclusive Offers
Offering a discount or special meal only to followers on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok can increase online engagement and drive traffic. A simple “mention this post for 10% off” or “DM us for today’s secret menu item” strategy makes customers feel part of an exclusive club. It encourages more people to follow and interact with your restaurant’s social media pages.
10. Charity Or Cause-Related Specials
Giving back can be good for business. Donating a portion of sales from a particular dish to a local charity or hosting a fundraiser night builds goodwill and attracts customers who want to support a cause. Community-driven specials help restaurants create meaningful connections with their audience while making a positive impact.
How To Price Your Specials For Maximum Profit
Pricing a restaurant special requires more than just guessing what customers will pay. It should attract diners while ensuring the restaurant maintains a solid profit. A well-priced special encourages more orders, increases the average bill size, and keeps customers returning for more. Here’s how to set the right price for your specials:
Understand Your Food Costs: Every dish on the menu has a cost, and specials are no different. Before pricing a promotion, calculate the cost of ingredients, preparation, and waste to ensure you’re not losing money. Keeping ingredient costs at a reasonable percentage of the sale price ensures a steady margin while offering a tempting deal.
Use Seasonal And Surplus Ingredients: Using ingredients in season or already in surplus helps lower costs without sacrificing quality. Seasonal produce is often fresher, cheaper, and more appealing to customers, making it a smart choice for limited-time specials. This approach also reduces food waste by incorporating ingredients that might otherwise go unused.
Offer Bundled Deals For Higher Value: Rather than discounting a single dish, consider bundling multiple items at a slightly reduced price. A burger, fries, drink combo, or a pasta meal with a side salad and dessert can increase the overall ticket size while giving customers a perceived deal. Bundles encourage customers to spend more than they would on individual items.
Experiment With Different Price Points: Finding the perfect price may require some testing. Running a special at different price points or offering it at various times of the week can help determine what customers are comfortable paying. Comparing sales data across different promotions provides insight into the most profitable pricing strategy.
Balance Perceived Value With Profitability: Customers should feel like they’re getting a great deal, even when the restaurant makes a profit. Phrases like “limited-time pricing” or “chef’s special discount” can make the offer feel exclusive without drastically cutting margins. Presenting a dish as premium, unique, or crafted with special ingredients can justify a slightly higher price.
Best Practices For Promoting Restaurant Specials
A great special won’t generate results if people don’t know about it. The best way to attract attention is through in-store promotions, social media, and direct customer communication. Eye-catching signage, table tents, and menu inserts can inform diners about limited-time offers, while staff recommendations help reinforce interest.
Online marketing plays a massive role in spreading the word. Posting about specials on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, along with engaging visuals, can create excitement. Email newsletters and SMS alerts are also effective for reaching loyal customers directly. Running a short-term promotion with a sense of urgency – like a “this weekend only” deal – encourages faster action and more traffic.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant specials are a great way to attract new customers, keep regulars engaged, and boost sales. More than just discounts, they create excitement and give diners a reason to return. Creative offers, from seasonal promotions to social media-exclusive deals, help restaurants stand out in a crowded market.
Understanding what appeals to their audience and effectively promoting specials may help your restaurant build stronger connections with customers and encourage repeat visits.
Read Also:
Frequently Asked Questions About Ideas For Restaurant Specials
How often should a restaurant introduce new specials?
Introducing new specials once a month or around seasonal changes keeps the menu fresh without overwhelming customers. Consistency helps build anticipation while maintaining operational efficiency.
What are some low-cost restaurant specials that still attract customers?
Daily soup specials, small plate samplers, or bundled meal deals can offer value without cutting into profits. Using ingredients that are already in stock helps keep costs down.
Can restaurant specials help with customer retention?
Yes, offering rotating specials gives customers a reason to return regularly. Limited-time deals create urgency and encourage repeat visits.
How can a restaurant make a special feel exclusive?
Promoting a dish as a "one-time only" offering or reserving it for loyal members can create exclusivity. Announcing it through VIP emails or social media also helps.
Are digital-only specials a good strategy for restaurants?
Yes, offering social media-exclusive deals or app-based discounts encourages online engagement and attracts tech-savvy customers. This also helps track the effectiveness of promotions.
How can a restaurant special encourage larger orders?
Bundling items, offering discounts on family-sized portions, or providing a free appetizer with a minimum purchase can increase average order value. These strategies appeal to both dine-in and takeout customers.
Do restaurant specials work for delivery and takeout orders?
Absolutely! Special offers like discounted combo meals, free delivery days, or BOGO takeout can drive more off-premise sales. Making the deals easy to access through online ordering boosts participation.
What’s the best way to measure the success of a restaurant special?
Tracking sales, customer feedback, and redemption rates helps gauge effectiveness. Comparing sales data before and after the promotion provides clear insights.
Should restaurants promote specials on multiple platforms?
Yes, using a mix of in-store signage, social media, email marketing, and website banners ensures maximum visibility. Different platforms reach different customer groups.
Can restaurant specials help create a brand identity?
Definitely! Signature specials, themed promotions, or dishes tied to local culture help a restaurant stand out. Unique offerings build recognition and customer loyalty.
