Whether your restaurant is currently takeout and delivery only, you’re operating with limited seating, or you’ve opened back up for full service with patio dining, you need specials to entice diners and boost sales. Spring celebrations like Cinco de Mayo are brimming with opportunities to gain new customers and increase profits by serving up fun specials, limited-time offers, and creative food and drink pairings.

Adapt the Apps

There’s a world of flavors in Mexican cuisine, so options for appetizer specials are seemingly endless. Serve up some elote, or Mexican street corn, as a simple but tasty handheld app, or citrusy, fresh shrimp ceviche as a special. Chips and salsa go without saying but play around with the types of salsas and dips. Offer a tomatillo-based sauce, or a habanero-pineapple salsa. A spicy chorizo queso dip will always be a crowd-pleaser as well. For Cinco de Mayo, a play on the number five to market appetizer and happy hour specials is one way to draw more customers and boost sales. Let guests mix and match between five different $5 apps and five $5 cocktails.

Nacho Average Dish

A staple in Mexican cuisine, nachos are so versatile and perfect for sharing. Get creative with presentations and toppings. Instead of beef nachos, swap in spicy ground chorizo or braised pulled pork. Replace shredded cheddar cheese for queso fresco or Cotija cheese. Consider having a “Nachos Your Way” special for guests to have fun with their own creations and combinations.

Something to Taco ‘Bout

If you’re still operating with takeout or delivery only, try offering a taco kit special for people to make and enjoy at home with a protein, corn or flour tortillas, chips & salsa, and all the fixins for a set price. The $5 special could come in here too. Offer a few tacos for $5 or two tacos and a side for $5 to bump up tickets. Birria tacos were wildly trendy and took over social media this year, so adding those as a special served alongside a juicy bowl of consommé for dipping is sure to draw the Insta-foodies in. Party packs are great for the larger parties that decide to dine in.

A Twist on Tradition

Diners will be craving authentic ingredients and flavors but also expecting familiar dishes. Think about what’s already on your menu and how you can infuse Hispanic flavors into it. It’s a perfect way to keep costs low while still drawing diners in who want to celebrate. Known for southern comfort? Try a spin on shrimp and grits by adding a lime-cilantro sauce to the shrimp and corn to the grits. Is vegan fare the star of your menu? Try adding burrito bowls with chipotle tofu, fresh purple cabbage, and cilantro lime rice topped with fresh avocado as a special to draw in the Cinco crowd. A vegan version of the trending crunch wrap supreme that’s been all over social media is another way to gain some increased foot traffic.

Spirit Specials

All that heat, spice, and bold flavors cannot go without a party companion —the cocktail. The classic margarita, paloma, or michelada are guaranteed to turn the party up a notch. Offer one or two on special for $5. Stick with traditional beverages, or utilize fresh herbs, seasonal produce, and aromatic bitters to bring your own spin on Mexican-inspired cocktails. A smoky mezcal or tequila tasting is sure to pique the interest of diners and a fun and profitable way to utilize a special. For takeout, consider a homemade margarita mix or cocktail-to-go kit for guests to whip up at home. And we can’t forget about the cerveza-loving patrons. Make sure to have popular Mexican beers as well as any local beers that could pair well with your dishes. The magic of five comes in here again. Offer $5 Mexican beers or a $20 beer bucket special to entice customers to linger around a little longer and spend more. Bring the designated drivers into the fun with a complimentary mojito mocktail or horchata.

Sweeten the Deal

Before they can go home for their much-deserved siesta, diners will be craving something to satisfy that sweet tooth. Handhelds like classic churros with a side of chocolate or caramel sauce, or brownies made with Mexican chocolate work well for a dine-in or takeout special. Of course, the classic flan or tres leches cake are perfect for rounding out your specials board.

Festive menu options and Cinco de Mayo specials, from food to beer and margaritas, typically stretch out longer than just a day or even a week, so plan accordingly. Specials are a great way to create excitement and get people in the door during these times. With these tips, it can also be a successful way to build brand loyalty and turn diners into repeat customers in the long run.