Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, bringing family gatherings, outdoor celebrations, and a surge in demand for casual, BBQ, and beer garden dining. For restaurant operators, this holiday is more than just a three-day weekend; it's a strategic opportunity to boost sales, strengthen customer loyalty, and stand out in a competitive market. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover actionable Labor Day restaurant promotion ideas designed for restaurants of all types — from casual dining and pizzerias to coffee shops, Mexican, BBQ, and more with real-world examples, tactical steps, and market-driven insights to help you win this Labor Day.
Why Labor Day Matters for Restaurant Success
Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, is rooted in the appreciation of workers and now signals the close of summer and the start of the back-to-school season. For diners, it’s a time for barbecues, picnics in the park, and dining out with friends and family. For restaurant owners, it’s the last big sales opportunity before the fall.
"Family meal bundles and value-driven promotions drive a significant spike in restaurant sales over Labor Day weekend."
Key Insights:
- Outdoor dining, group orders, and takeout soar as customers celebrate together.
- Popular Labor Day menu items often feature grilled favorites, fresh seasonal salads, indulgent desserts, and refreshing beverages. The key is to spotlight dishes that feel festive, seasonal, and easy to share, no matter your restaurant’s style or menu focus.
- Value and convenience are top drivers, with deals like Sonic’s $1 Corn Dog and Guthrie’s $6 Box Combo boosting foot traffic and digital orders.
- Social media can quickly amplify holiday-specific menu items and limited-time offers (LTOs).
By tapping into these trends, restaurants can capture more revenue, win new customers, and set themselves up for a strong fall season.
Proven Labor Day Restaurant Promotion Ideas: 9 Strategies to Stand Out
Ready to make this Labor Day your restaurant’s best yet? Here are 9 creative, actionable Labor Day restaurant promotion ideas tailored for fast casual, beer gardens, and BBQ restaurants.
1. Family Meal Bundles for Takeout and Delivery
Pre-packaged meal bundles for groups are a proven way to boost large orders and simplify operations, think Guthrie’s $6 Combo success. Offer BBQ combo packs, family-sized salads, or ready-to-grill kits.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Feast at Home: Labor Day Family Meal Bundles”
- Assemble bundles with main dishes, sides, and desserts (e.g., ribs, coleslaw, apple pie).
- Price for value and convenience. Price bundles are about 10–20% lower than ordering items separately, with options for different group sizes.
- Highlight on your direct online ordering page and offer pre-ordering for busy families.
- Promote via email, social media, and website banners.
Expected results: Increased average order size, better kitchen efficiency, and more direct online orders.
2. App-Exclusive and Online Ordering Deals
Just like Sonic’s Dog Days of Summer promotion ($1 Corn Dogs via app), entices digital-savvy diners with exclusive bundles, discounts, or free items for direct online or app orders.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Unlock Labor Day Specials Only on Our App or Website”
- Launch a limited-time discount (e.g., $2 off every online Labor Day order).
- Use SMS, push notifications, and email to broadcast your deal.
- Leverage your POS and online ordering system to automate codes and track redemptions.
Expected results: More direct digital orders (vs. third-party apps), increased loyalty program signups.
3. Limited-Time Offers [LTO] BBQ & Summer Flavors Menu
Seasonal LTOs create urgency and viral buzz (as seen with Starbucks' early release PSL and Chipotle’s summer LTOs). Roll out new smoky brisket sandwiches, summer salads, sweet corn, or chef’s specials.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Finish Summer Strong: Labor Day BBQ LTOs”
- Use local, seasonal ingredients for regional appeal.
- Showcase LTOs with vibrant photos on Instagram and TikTok.
- Partner with local food bloggers to sample and share.
Expected results: Higher ticket sizes, menu excitement, and more social shares.
4. Beer & BBQ Pairing Events (Beer Gardens & BBQ Restaurants)
Pairing local brews with signature BBQ dishes is a natural fit for holiday gatherings. Offer flight-and-platter pairings, host tasting sessions, or invite a local brewer for a tap takeover event.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Raise a Glass: Labor Day Beer & BBQ Bash”
- Curate pairings and add as special menu options for the long weekend.
- Promote through co-marketing with breweries on Instagram, Facebook Events, and community groups.
- Include take-home pairing kits for those celebrating at home.
Expected results: Increased beverage sales, new customer outreach, Instagrammable moments.
5. Outdoor Games, Live Music, and Family Activities
Memorable experiences win the day. Host yard games, live bands, or backyard-style events that make your venue a festive destination for families and groups.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Labor Day Block Party: Food, Fun, and Festivities”
- Set up cornhole, giant Jenga, or trivia for guests to enjoy.
- Feature live acoustic acts or DJs if local ordinances allow.
- Offer kids-eat-free or reduced pricing for children during early hours.
Expected results: Stronger foot traffic, positive reviews, and a reputation as a family-friendly spot.
6: Picnic Packs for Easy Outdoor Celebrations
Offer to-go picnic kits for parks or backyard BBQs, including utensils, napkins, and ready-to-serve portions. Make it simple for families to dine outdoors.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Labor Day Picnic Packs Take the Party Anywhere”
- Bundle meals with all essentials in eco-friendly packaging.
- Allow online pre-orders and curbside pickup.
- Include a QR code with recommendations for nearby picnic spots.
Expected results: Higher takeout orders, expanded reach beyond dine-in, and increased overall revenue by serving more customers wherever they celebrate.
7. Kids-Eat-Free or BOGO Deals
Increase group dining by making it irresistible for families. BOGO deals and “kids eat free” are proven to drive visits during off-peak hours, maximizing every shift.
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Bring the Whole Crew: Kids Eat Free Labor Day Weekend”
- Restrict to specific hours to fill mid-afternoon lulls.
- Feature the offer prominently on your home page, social, and Google Business Profile.
- Track redemption for campaign ROI.
Expected results: Boosted covers, more group sales, vibrant family atmosphere.
8. Social Media Engagement & Photo Contests
Capitalize on Labor Day’s visual storytelling trend. Run a contest for the best group BBQ pic, tag your restaurant, and reward winners with free meals or swag (think Auntie Anne’s Golden Brown Card giveaway success).
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Share the Sizzle: Win with Labor Day BBQ Photos!”
- Launch a branded hashtag and encourage diners to tag your location.
- Partner with local influencers to amplify reach.
- Feature guest photos on your own feed for extra engagement.
Expected results: Viral reach, more followers, and a bank of user-generated content for future promos.
9. Loyalty Rewards and Early Bird Incentives
Keep customers coming back by doubling loyalty points or offering bounce-back coupons for post-Labor Day visits (see Flame Broiler’s Magic Rewards for inspiration).
How to implement:
Suggested Campaign Title (use across flyers, email subject lines, SMS, and push notifications): “Labor Day Loyalty Extra Points All Weekend”
- Send targeted emails to your loyalty program with the exclusive bonus.
- Track customer purchases to drive post-holiday repeat visits.
- Use POS and loyalty integrations for seamless redemption.
Expected results: Higher repeat business, stronger database, and long-term sales growth.
How to Launch Your Labor Day Promotions
Planning Timeline:
- 3-4 weeks out: Set your Labor Day promotion calendar, finalize your menus, and design marketing assets.
- 2 weeks out: Schedule digital campaigns and influencer partnerships. Prep staff with workflow training.
- Week of: Push social, SMS, and email reminders. Stock up on key inventory to prevent shortages.
- Labor Day Weekend: Activate in-store promotions, monitor digital orders, and maximize engagement.
- Post-event: Survey customers, review campaign results, and reward repeat guests.
Labor Day Promotion Launch Checklist:
- Update your direct online ordering and reservation system with all deals.
- Schedule geotargeted ads and paid social media campaigns.
- Collaborate with community organizations and local press for added exposure.
- Prepare your team for increased volume and special event execution.
- Ensure all safety and health department requirements are in place, especially for outdoor and family activities.
Marketing Channels for Maximum Reach:
- Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
- Email and SMS notifications
- Restaurant website home page banners
- Google Business Profile updates
- Influencer collaborations and community partnerships
"Digital channels, especially direct online ordering and restaurant apps, are top drivers for Labor Day restaurant marketing initiatives."
Make Labor Day a Revenue Win: Get Started With Restolabs
Labor Day is your restaurant’s chance to finish the summer strong and head into fall with momentum. By implementing these 9 proven Labor Day restaurant promotion ideas ranging from meal bundles and digital-first campaigns to loyalty boosters and family events you’ll drive sales, create memorable experiences, and set the stage for high-value repeat business.
Ready to put these ideas into action? Book a Restolabs demo to see how our commission-free online ordering, reservation management, and campaign analytics can help you launch promotions, manage time-sensitive offers, and deliver a seamless customer experience all while keeping your customer data and brand front and center. Embrace change, start small or think big, and make every holiday work for your bottom line.
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