After sleeping off turkey-induced comas from Thanksgiving, consumers are ready to spend. Restaurant owners can take advantage of big boosts in online and foot traffic during Black Friday on Nov. 29th, Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30th, and Cyber Monday on Dec. 2nd to drive sales and revenue.

Read on for how you can attract hungry shoppers and make the most out of the hottest holiday shopping weekend of the year.

Paint It Black

While the stampeding crowds of Black Friday are now largely a thing of the past, Black Friday still holds sway as a cultural event. Now, however, retailers are increasingly offering Black Friday deals weeks in advance — not just on the day itself. With that in mind, consider promoting Black Friday deals at your restaurant well before the big day.

Since Black Friday is so heavily retail-focused, consider offering discounts on any branded swag items you might sell, such as mugs, hats, shirts, and other merchandise. According to research, apparel and accessories together made up the second most popular category for Black Friday purchases last year.

And don’t forget those brave souls who do choose to venture out in person on Black Friday, either. Consider offering a grab ‘n’ go small bites menu for hungry shoppers who need a small reprieve but not a full meal between stores. Entice® offers a variety of artisanal petite offerings, such as sweet and savory Stuffed Bites, crispy Egg Rolls, and White Cheddar Cheese Curds, that provide just the right amount of indulgence without weighing shoppers down. The stuffed bites, filled with flavorful ingredients like seasoned meats or gooey cheeses, deliver a hearty snack in a compact form.

Meanwhile, the golden-brown egg rolls offer a crunchy, handheld treat, ideal for those on the go. For cheese lovers, the white cheddar and seasoned white cheddar cheese curds with a blend of Cajun spices are crowd-pleasers with their mild tang and perfectly fried exterior. These comfort options balance flavor and convenience, making them a great choice for shoppers looking to recharge!

Talkin’ Biz

For local restaurants, this is your time to shine! Small Business Saturday is all about “shopping small” — or spending at local businesses instead of large franchises and corporations. American Express, who first coined the term Small Business Saturday, estimates that consumers spent an average of $17 billion on the shopping day in 2023.

Here are some ways you can take advantage of Small Business Saturday at your restaurant:

• Participate in small business guides and directories: See if your local neighborhood, town, city, or state is putting together a guide for small businesses in the area and ask to be included.
• Leverage free resources from American Express: As the founder of Small Business Saturday, American Express offers several resources for small business owners, including marketing materials and a Shop Small Map.
• Play up your local status online and IRL: This is a great opportunity to provide a behind-the-scenes look at who runs your restaurant on social media. Don’t forget to include “Shop Small” signage in your storefront as well.
• Partner with other small businesses nearby: Embrace the community aspect of the day by running promotions with other local companies. Maybe you participate in a “dessert passport” with other restaurants. You could also agree on a discount with a local retailer nearby — if someone shows you a receipt from the retailer next door, they get a 10% discount at your restaurant, and vice versa.

Manic Monday

Cyber Monday is when shoppers take to the internet. The easiest way to take advantage of Cyber Monday is by offering discounts and promotions for online takeout and delivery orders. Of course, it’s especially important to make sure that your website and menu are optimized for both desktop and mobile orders.

In recent years, studies have shown that consumers with disposable income are shifting towards gifting experiences rather than physical items. Consider framing gift card sales in this way — for example, like purchasing a coffee date or girls’ night out. If you have the resources and staff, you might also offer other experiences, such as a cooking class or tasting event featuring items from your menu.

Start Marketing Today!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday events and deals seem to start earlier every year. Get ahead of the game — start advertising your shopping discounts and deals as soon as possible!