Black Friday Marketing Ideas for Restaurants That Actually Drive Sales
Black Friday isn’t just for retail anymore. While shoppers are out hunting for deals, it’s the perfect opportunity for restaurants to tap into that same excitement and turn bargain buzz into foot traffic, gift card sales, and long-term loyalty.
Here are creative, effective Black Friday marketing ideas to help you boost sales, and make sure your restaurant stays top of mind through the holidays.
1. “Spend & Get” Gift Card Promo
This one works every time. Offer a gift card bonus when guests spend a set amount during Black Friday weekend — both in-store and online.
Example:
Spend $100, get a $20 bonus card for a future visit.
Spend $50, get a $10 bonus card to gift (or keep).
It’s an easy way to encourage bigger tabs and guarantee repeat business during slower months like January. Keep the promotion simple and time-bound: “Available November 29- December 1 only.”
Pro tip: Make the bonus card redeemable after the holidays to help fill your winter lull (e.g., Jan 2–Mar 31).
Gift cards aren’t just great for cash flow, they’re smart marketing. Studies show that only about 57% of restaurant gift cards are redeemed within the first six months, and when guests do redeem them, they typically spend 20–40% more than the card’s value. That means your Black Friday gift card promo brings in immediate revenue, encourages repeat visits during slower months, and often results in higher average checks. It’s one of the few promotions that strengthens your bottom line twice — when it’s sold, and again when it’s used.
2. Black Friday “Dinner & Deal” Packages
Bundle experiences instead of discounts. Offer a limited-time prix fixe menu or “date night” package that includes dinner, drinks, and dessert — priced attractively but profitably.
This makes decision-making easy for guests and lets you control food cost while still offering perceived value.
3. Black Friday Happy Hour — All Weekend Long
Give shoppers and locals a reason to celebrate (and take a break from the crowds) by extending your happy hour through the entire Black Friday weekend.
Run your best-selling drinks or app specials all day Friday through Sunday. Promote it as the perfect way to unwind after shopping or skip the mall chaos entirely:
“You survived the crowds — now it’s time for cocktails. Black Friday Happy Hour runs all weekend long!”
👯 4. Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with nearby retailers or studios to cross-promote Black Friday deals.
For example:
Partner with a boutique and include a “Free appetizer with receipt from [Shop Name]” offer.
Collaborate on an Instagram giveaway or holiday gift guide highlighting local favorites.
You’ll tap into a whole new audience of shoppers already spending money that weekend — and reinforce your brand as a community-minded business.
5. Exclusive Early Access for Regulars
Reward your loyal guests first. Send an email or text to your VIP list a day early with access to your Black Friday deal before the general public.
It creates exclusivity and appreciation — and makes your most loyal fans feel like insiders.
When You’re Sick of Discounting (But Still Want to Join the Black Friday Buzz)
Not every restaurant wants to jump into the discount game, and you don’t have to. Black Friday is ultimately about energy, excitement, and exclusivity, and you can tap into that without touching your margins.
Here are a few ways to stay in the conversation without discounting a thing.
The “Black Plate Friday” Feature
Create a one-weekend-only menu item or cocktail inspired by the day itself.
Position it as exclusive or for a limited time, not discounted:
“Available for one weekend only — our Black Plate Friday feature. Limited quantities. When it’s gone, it’s gone.”
It creates urgency and social buzz without cutting prices. Guests come for the novelty and exclusivity, not a deal.
The “Golden Ticket” Giveaway
Every dine-in or takeout order over the weekend is automatically entered to win an experience, not a discount — like a chef’s dinner for two, a cocktail class, or a “Your Name on the Menu” feature for a night.
Promote it like:
“No lines, no chaos, just a chance to win something you’ll actually enjoy.”
It gamifies the weekend and builds excitement while keeping pricing intact. You’re adding value through experience, not subtraction.
Final Tip: Keep It Branded
Black Friday marketing for restaurants isn’t about slashing prices; it’s about creating value. Focus on experiences, loyalty, and incentives that bring people back.
Whether you’re offering a “spend and get” bonus card, an extended happy hour, or an exclusive limited-time feature, make sure every promotion feels true to your brand.
Your restaurant doesn’t have to compete with big-box stores — it just has to show up creatively, strategically, and with a little hospitality magic.