Thanksgiving is one of the most emotionally charged dining moments of the year. It’s family, tradition, and gratitude—but also stress, planning, and time. For many people, that means looking for a restaurant they can trust to make the holiday easier and more memorable.

Even though most households still eat at home, the opportunity for restaurants has never been greater. According to the National Restaurant Association, takeout and catering orders around Thanksgiving have grown steadily over the past five years, with nearly one in eight Americans planning to dine out or order in for the holiday. Add to that the rise of Friendsgiving and pre-holiday gatherings, and you have multiple revenue moments before, during, and after Thanksgiving Day.

This is where forward-thinking restaurateurs win. The restaurants that prepare early, plan promotions with intention, and lean into digital-first sales don’t just ride the season—they own it.

Why Thanksgiving Matters for Restaurants

Thanksgiving dining patterns are shifting. Fewer families are cooking everything from scratch, and more are blending home prep with restaurant help. That could mean ordering sides to supplement the main course, hosting Friendsgiving at a local spot, or picking up full meal bundles that only need to be reheated.

💡 Insight: In 2024, U.S. restaurant sales topped $1.1 trillion, and full-service operators reported strong growth in off-premises dining, especially during the holiday season.

In short, there’s no “Thanksgiving slump”—just untapped potential. When you offer ease, value, and hospitality through the right mix of promotions and digital convenience, you become part of your guests’ holiday story.

10 Thanksgiving Restaurant Promotion Ideas That Work

Let’s explore ten proven Thanksgiving restaurant promotion ideas: five for the pre-holiday lead-up, three for Thanksgiving Day itself, and two post-holiday strategies, with value-add suggestions for off-premises dining baked in.

1. Pre-Thanksgiving Early Bird Specials

Catch the wave of early planners by offering limited-time discounts or fixed-price menus for those who book or order before Thanksgiving week.

How to Implement:

• Run digital ads and social media campaigns featuring your early-bird deals.
• Require reservations or online orders by a specific date for the discount.
• Promote value: “Reserve your Thanksgiving feast by November 15 and save 15%!”

Expected Results: Increased advance bookings and improved forecasting for supplies and labor.

2. Thanksgiving Prep Meal Components for Takeout

Offer pre-cooked side dishes, sauces, or specialty desserts that customers can “just heat and serve” at home.

How to Implement:

• Develop a Thanksgiving takeout menu for items like artisanal stuffing, gourmet cranberry sauce, or signature pies.
• Feature gluten-free, vegan, and other allergy-friendly options.
• Market through targeted email and Instagram/Facebook posts.

Expected Results: Expanded reach and sales from customers who want to cook less but still enjoy a restaurant touch.

3. Friendsgiving Packages for Groups

Tap into the Friendsgiving trend with group meal bundles perfect for smaller gatherings or early celebrations.

How to Implement:

• Bundle mains, sides, and desserts for 4-8 people at an attractive price.
• Encourage group reservations with value-adds (board games, sparkling cider, or a free dessert).
• Market with user-generated content (invite group photos and reviews).

Expected Results: Higher order values and engagement with millennial/Gen Z guests.

4. Family Feast Bundles for Dine-In or Takeout

Create a turnkey Thanksgiving feast with classic offerings for families and small groups.

How to Implement:

• Offer a preset family meal (e.g., roast turkey, three sides, dessert) for a fixed price.
• Make it available for both dine-in and off-premises.
• Add cross-sell options (wines, appetizers, add-on salads).

Expected Results: Simplified ordering, increased average ticket size, and easier kitchen planning.

5: ‘Build-Your-Own’ Thanksgiving Menu

Appeal to diverse tastes and dietary needs with a modular takeout or dine-in menu.

How to Implement:

• Allow guests to customize their feast: choose from multiple proteins, sides, and desserts.
• Emphasize plant-based, gluten-free, and low-carb options.
• Use an online ordering platform for seamless customization.

Expected Results: Increased order frequency and loyalty from customers with specific dietary preferences.

6: Thanksgiving Day Prix Fixe Experience

On Thanksgiving Day, offer a prix fixe menu-traditional with a twist-for dine-in or reserved takeout.

How to Implement:

• Highlight local ingredients, special preparation methods, or signature dishes (such as smoked turkey or regional side specialties).
• Offer kids’ portions, smaller plates, and tasting flights.
• Set a celebratory atmosphere with music or themed décor.

Expected Results: Higher perceived value, smoother service, and reduced menu complexity.

7: Regional and Fusion Menu Specials

Embrace local and multicultural influences in your Thanksgiving restaurant promotions.

How to Implement:

• Offer Southern classics like cornbread stuffing or New England-style pies.
• Experiment with fusion specials (e.g., cranberry mole sauce, Asian-spiced roasted turkey).
• Feature the story on your website and social channels.

Expected Results: Buzzworthy experiences and appeal to multicultural audiences.

8: Thanksgiving Dessert Extravaganza

Showcase desserts-either alone or as a bundle for takeout/dine-in.

How to Implement:

• Feature small-format pies, dessert flights, or premium single-serve treats.
• Encourage “take one to go” with every meal.
• Partner with local bakeries or run social media dessert contests.

Expected Results: Increased dessert sales and shareable social media content.

9: Post-Thanksgiving ‘Leftover’ Menu Specials

Turn surplus ingredients into creative limited-time offers, like turkey paninis or stuffing waffles.

How to Implement:

• Run specials from Black Friday through the weekend.
• Promote as “chef’s specials” on social media and in-store.
• Link with a “Thank You” offer for those who dined with you before the holiday.

Expected Results: Reduced food waste, steady foot traffic, and operational efficiency.

10: Holiday Gift Card and Loyalty Promotions

Capture holiday shopping momentum with incentives on gift cards and loyalty signups.

How to Implement:

• Give a $10 bonus card with $50 gift card purchases.
• Offer loyalty points or double rewards for Thanksgiving orders.
• Promote through email, POS, and table tents.

Expected Results: Deferred revenue and increased guest retention into the new year.

Marketing Strategy: How to Maximize Thanksgiving Demand

Thanksgiving success is not about luck—it’s about planning. The restaurants that win start early, market consistently, and make ordering effortless.

Start Early

Launch your campaign 3–4 weeks before Thanksgiving. Use countdowns and teaser emails to build anticipation.

Go Where Your Guests Are

• Social Media: Share behind-the-scenes prep, chef stories, and user-generated content on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
• Targeted Ads: Promote Thanksgiving takeout meals and catering services to local audiences on Facebook and Google.
• Email Blasts: Send special offers, early-bird pricing, and menu previews to your restaurant’s subscriber list.
• Online Ordering & App: Make it easy for customers to pre-select pickup/delivery times and customize their orders directly on your site or app.

Own Your Channels

When orders flow through your website or app, you keep the relationship, the customer data, and the profit. Aggregators can’t deliver that. Use your digital tools—online ordering, loyalty, and analytics—to run your own playbook.

“Digital marketing and reliable online ordering are now essential for capturing holiday demand and building customer loyalty.”

Operational Readiness: Plan for Volume and Quality

Designing and launching your Thanksgiving restaurant promotion ideas requires operational planning just as careful as your marketing rollout.

Staffing & Scheduling

• Offer premium pay and flexible schedules to keep your staff engaged and motivated.
• Plan ahead for higher off-premises order volume.

Inventory Management

• Track past Thanksgiving sales and forecast demand for key menu items.
• Establish relationships with multiple suppliers to mitigate shortages.

Technology Integration

• Use POS systems capable of handling custom orders and meal packages.
• Enable direct online ordering and app-based preordering for maximum convenience.

Kitchen Operations

• Prep bulk portions of sides and desserts in advance.
• Train your team on menu differences and packaging requirements.

Food Safety & Quality Control

• Strictly follow FDA and local health department guidance for high-volume food prep.
• Spotlight sustainable packaging and minimal waste practices.

Checklist:

• Holiday menu and prep finalized by 11/01
• Digital marketing campaign live by 11/05
• Team training and schedule posted by 11/10
• Online ordering set up with cutoff times and clear pickup instructions

Make Thanksgiving Shine with Restolabs

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s an opportunity to connect with your guests, grow your revenue, and protect your margins—all at once.

When you use Restolabs, you gain the tools to:

• Launch and manage limited-time offers
  
  
• Accept direct online orders without commissions
  
  
• Reward repeat customers through loyalty programs
  
  
• Analyze trends to improve every future campaign
  
  

You bring the food and hospitality. We help you deliver it—seamlessly, profitably, and on your terms.

Book a free demo with Restolabs to discover how you can own this Thanksgiving season and set the tone for your strongest holiday yet.