With Lent just around the corner and more folks than ever looking to eat healthier, now is the perfect time to promote seafood-centric specials in your establishment. Make some room, traditional protein — it's better under the sea!
Mediterranean Mondays
According to “U.S. News & World Report1,” the Mediterranean way of eating has won the title of best overall diet for the seventh year in a row.
Offer a Mediterranean special menu on Mondays — typically a day that could use a boost in business anyway. Plates should center around oily fish — like sardines, or Bay Winds® sustainably-sourced salmon, full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Then build the rest of the meal with whole grains, beans and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a hefty drizzle of olive oil.
Promote effectively on social media using vibrantly colored photos that showcase the freshness of your Mediterranean cuisine. Highlighting different health benefits with each post will also make this special a winner.
Liven Up Lent
The tradition of Lent begins on February 14th this year and ends on March 28th. During this timeframe, many consumers abstain from eating meat on Fridays. They do, however, eat fish and seafood.
Offering unique options along with traditional is what will win you more guests practicing Lent; they've done this before, so they'll be looking for something to keep their palates interested. Try an item like Empire's Treasure® BBQ Oysters on the half shell topped with crab meat and grilled, for an awesome appetizer or entrée that will have people ordering long after Lent has passed.
Celebrate the Sea
Looking to the calendar of national holidays, you'll find plenty of inspiration for possible promotions this season. For example, February 24th is National Tartar Sauce Day, along with National Fish Fry Day. Why not make a theme out of it and host a traditional Midwestern fish fry — crispy fried cod, complete with a side of slaw, buttered dark rye bread, beer-battered fries, and of course plenty of lemons and tartar? (Ingredient hack: Mix up Ken's® Tartar Sauce with Ken's Dijon Horseradish for a zesty kick that will have guests licking their plates clean!)
March brings National Crab Meat Day (9th), Baked Scallops Day (12th), and Clams on the Half Shell Day (31st), so you have plenty more opportunities to choose from. Serve gluten-free crab cakes using grits, or just scoop up Empire's Treasure Crab and Spinach dip for a ready-to-serve app that you can offer half-price or as a BOGO.
Dress Up Date Night
Seafood often signifies a special occasion — whether it's for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just date night. Surf ‘n’ Turf is always a stellar option for couples wanting to splurge, and lobster tails on the center of the plate continues to impress.
Another romantic take on date night is offering a prix fixe menu of small bites. There's something more intimate about food that can be handheld, fed, or easily shared off the same plate. Think raw oysters on the half shell (also lauded for their rumored aphrodisiac properties!), spicy tuna sushi rolls, or bacon-wrapped scallops. Finish off the meal with a bite-sized dessert and you'll have repeat guests looking for any excuse to celebrate their love any night of the week!
No matter how you incorporate seafood this spring, it’s important to remember that the biggest trend in this area is sustainability. Include information in your promotions — and on your menus — that you serve seafood sourced from top-notch sustainable areas, so your guests can eat easy.
1U.S. News & World Report, Best Diets Overall 2024
