Black Friday used to be the day everyone rushed to the shops and forgot about everything else. Now people treat it more like a full weekend out. They shop, scroll through deals on their phones, get tired, and then start thinking about food. That’s where your restaurant comes in. Whether you run a small high-street spot, a busy takeaway, or a proper dine-in place, Black Friday gives you a chance to pull in extra customers without overcomplicating things.
People simply want somewhere decent to sit down, recharge, or grab something quick to take home. With shoppers already in a spending mood, a good deal or a bit of added value can push them your way. The goal isn’t to copy retail, the goal is to meet people where they already are and give them a nudge to walk through your door or order online.
Why Black Friday Is a Big Opportunity for Restaurants
Anyone who’s been out on Black Friday knows the routine. People queue, wander around, get tired, and eventually decide they need a break. That break usually turns into “Shall we grab something to eat?” This is why restaurants do well on that weekend. There’s a mix of families, groups of friends, people on lunch from work, and shoppers who want something warm and easy.
Diners react fast to restaurant deals during a weekend like this. If you put out a holiday restaurant promotion with a short timer or an end-of-day expiry, people tend to jump on it. It’s the same mindset they use when grabbing retail bargains, quick decisions and “might as well get it now”.
Black Friday dining offers don’t have to be big discounts. They just need to feel worthwhile. Even a small offer can have a strong pull when people are already in that buying mood.
Planning Your Black Friday Restaurant Promotion Strategy
Before you throw offers everywhere, decide what you want from the weekend. More bookings? More takeaway orders? Better visibility in your local area? Maybe you want to highlight a specific dish or push people towards your online ordering system. Getting clear on this stops you from guessing later.
Think about timing, too. Some restaurants post little hints a few days before Black Friday. Others push out one big announcement first thing Friday morning. Some keep the deals going until Sunday or even through Cyber Monday. Pick what suits your location and staffing levels.
Speaking of staffing, make sure your team knows what’s happening. No one wants chaos on a busy weekend. Check your stock, double-check your delivery setup, and make sure the people on shift know the offers. A simple restaurant marketing plan keeps the whole thing smooth.
Creative Black Friday Promotion Ideas for Restaurants
1. Early-Bird Discounts and Pre-Booking Offers
One of the easiest things you can do is let customers book early for a small saving. Something like 10–20% off a table booking or an early takeaway order works well. It gets people committed before the weekend even starts. It’s also a nice way to collect customer emails for future updates.
2. Limited-Time Combo Meals or Family Platters
Black Friday weekends bring groups and families out together. A simple set platter or bundle removes the effort of deciding what to order. If it’s only available from Friday to Sunday, people feel they’re getting something special for that weekend.
3. Free Add-Ons or Upsells
If you’d rather avoid cutting prices, offer something small with the meal. A free side or dessert feels like a bonus without hurting your margins too much. Add-on promotions work because people like feeling they’re getting a bit extra.
4. Gift Card Boosts and Loyalty Rewards
Gift card sales pick up in November anyway, so Black Friday is a good time to push them. Something like “Buy a £25 card, get £5 extra credit” is simple and effective. It brings customers back again later and helps with cash flow. You could also give loyalty members early access to your offers.
5. Takeaway and Delivery-Only Black Friday Deals
Plenty of people go home after shopping and order food instead of going out again. So delivery-only Black Friday deals can work really well. Add short discount codes or deal windows throughout the evening. Online food ordering with a small perk can boost your order count fast.
6. Social Media Giveaways or Contests
Ask people to tag a mate for a chance to win a meal or voucher. It gets people talking about your place without you spending much. Social media restaurant campaigns spread far quicker than you expect, especially during busy weekends when everyone’s online.
7. Flash-Sale Menus and Countdown Offers
Flash sales get attention because they don’t stick around. You could post a special every couple of hours and let customers know it’s only valid for a short time. Countdown posts on Instagram or Facebook help keep your audience checking in.
8. Collaborate with Local Retailers
If you’re near a shopping centre or high street, team up with a local shop. Something as simple as “Show your receipt, get 10% off” works. It helps both businesses and gives you a steady stream of foot traffic.
Promoting Your Black Friday Deals Effectively
Start with people who already like your restaurant. Email, WhatsApp, and SMS messages work well because they reach customers directly. Then boost your social posts and run a few small ads to target locals. People are already out and about, so local ads hit them at the right moment.
Update your Google Business Profile with your Black Friday deals. Many people check Google before choosing a place to eat. Short phrases like “Offer ends tonight” work well because people hate missing out.
If you’re relying on takeaway, double-check your online ordering links, delivery timings, and menu availability. A clear restaurant advertising approach makes the whole thing smoother.
Post-Black Friday Follow-Up Strategy
Once the weekend ends, send a thank-you message to customers. You can attach a small December voucher to encourage another visit. This is also the best time to ask for reviews on Google or TripAdvisor while the visit is still fresh in their mind.
Customer retention works best when you keep things simple: a friendly message, a small reward, and a reminder that you value their visit. That’s how a Black Friday customer becomes a regular.
FAQs
- How can I convince more customers to visit on Black Friday?
Make your offers clear and easy to act on. Promote them early and push them across the channels your customers already use. - Should small restaurants focus on discounts or value deals?
Value deals often work better for smaller places. Free sides or bundle meals feel generous without cutting too much from your margins. - How early should the promotions start?
A few days of warm-up posts do the job. The main push usually works best from Friday morning onwards. - Do Black Friday deals help takeaway and delivery orders?
Yes. Many people order in after a long day of shopping. Delivery promos often see strong results. - Is creating a separate Black Friday menu worth it?
A shorter menu or a couple of bundles can make service easier and encourage customers to order quicker.
