Say goodbye to 2022 with a boost in year-end sales, as well as a jumpstart for 2023.

Host A New Year’s Eve Event

Guests are looking to step away from the norm on NYE, so if your restaurant provides casual dining, kick it up with an Enchanted Evening party. Formal themes include a black-and-white event, a casino night, or a masquerade party, and each of them calls for a specialty cocktail menu and hearty hors d'oeuvres.

On the other end of the spectrum, if your restaurant is more upscale, turn the night into a fun, relaxed evening with a tasteful leisure party theme. Guests can relax with cozy winter beverages and finger foods, or graze on a variety of charcuterie boards. Bonus points if you have a fire pit area with blankets, hot chocolate, and s’mores trays. Make it memorable with a Champagne toast at midnight related to your theme.

New Year, New Pairings

Champagne is the highlight of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Customary pairings with Champagne include caviar and oysters. But the new year is a great time to begin new traditions, so here are a few intriguing pairings to consider:

• Champagne with Fried Chicken. Many chefs across the country love this pairing, but it was rocker Dave Grohl who shot this pair to stardom when he accidentally grabbed a glass of Brut Champagne while eating fried chicken. Whether your theme is formal or relaxed, this pair is sure to be a hit.
• Rosè Champagne and Grilled Salmon. Forget pondering over white or red; rosè is a great balance between acidic and fruity flavors. Serve a glass of sparkling rosè with teriyaki grilled salmon for a decadent, balanced meal.
• Dry Champagne and Lobster Pasta. It’s such a romantic combination that you’ll want to revisit on Valentine’s Day! Infuse your cream sauce with the Champagne, toss with pasta and sauteed lobster. Pour a glass and serve for a delicious send-off to 2022.

Promote Your Event on Social Media

Contests and giveaways are always hits on social media, but you can inject more while boosting your engagement. Post suggestions to consider include:

• Why You Love (Restaurant). Most people have a sentimental attachment to their favorite restaurant. What better way to start the new year than by sharing what makes your restaurant beloved in your community? Randomly select a submission for a complimentary romantic dinner for two. (Another perk is that most people agree to sharing their submissions later as a testimonial.)
• Promo Hashtags. Followers can share your event post using your designated hashtag (i.e., #NYEatThePieFactory, #NYEShenanigansatMurphys, #CelebrateNYEatYourFavoriteSlice, etc.). Select and announce a winner from the shares to enjoy a full-course meal on NYE.
• Name that Dish. Share a photo of a new menu item you’re debuting for NYE and ask for name submissions. The person who submits the winning name for the new dish gets a by-line on your menu.

Hangover Brunch

Whether your New Year’s Eve party ends at 12:05 a.m. or the dancing continues until the sun comes up, everyone wants a delicious brunch on New Year’s Day. (Especially if the evening included heavy drinking.) Here are some hangover-friendly ideas for kicking off the new year with everyone’s favorite comfort dishes:

• Toast. Yes, it’s basic, but it’s perfect to replenish the body after an evening of indulgence. Traditional buttered toast with a side of bacon, avocado toast, bruschetta, or melted cheese toast is easy when paired with freshly brewed coffee. BLT sandwiches are another option to fuel up before that New Year’s Day workout.
• Carbs Galore. New Year’s Day is perfect for soaking up last night’s toxins without guilt. Buttermilk pancakes reminiscent of mornings with grandma or whole wheat pancakes with fruit toppings such as strawberries or blueberries will hit the spot, regardless of whether guests are drinking smoothies or mimosas. Substitute brown sugar in your traditional French Toast recipe and top with baked cinnamon apples. Upgrade those French Toast slices by using brioche bread and create a sandwich with bacon and cream cheese.
• Meat and Egg dishes: Breakfast sandwiches like bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches were made for mornings like this. Offer hearty options such as a Meat Lovers Muffin, stacked with sausage, ham, and bacon or a Monte Cristo with fried eggs, ham, and Swiss cheese. Keep the protein coming with quick and easy classics such as egg whites and hard-boiled eggs.

Setting the tone for the upcoming year with NYE promos is the best way to set your restaurant up for prosperity throughout the year. Cheers to 2023!