Celebrating this happy event is a great way for restaurants and cafes to increase sales with clever Halloween restaurant marketing, especially with adults looking for fun, themed experiences. And let’s face it – kids are already very well catered for.
By planning events, offering special menus, and building excitement in the weeks leading up to 31 October, you can create an engaging atmosphere that attracts customers who are looking for something different. It’s also a great opportunity for extra events and catering before everyone’s attention turns to Christmas.
1. Build Up the Weeks Before Halloween 🎃
Don’t wait until the 31st of October to start your Halloween restaurant marketing – build excitement in the weeks before.
– Daily Themed Drinks: Offer a new spooky cocktail or mocktail every day, counting down to Halloween. – Halloween Countdown: Run a countdown on your social media and in-store with different daily offers, like discounted meals or themed desserts. – Week-Long Menu: Roll out your Halloween specials a week early to build buzz and give regulars a chance to try them before the big night. – Loyalty Boost: Encourage repeat visits during the week with loyalty stamps—get three stamps and receive a discount on Halloween night. – Ticketed Events: Promote ticket sales for an exclusive Halloween event on the 31st, such as a themed dinner or cocktail party.
2. Halloween Menus for Adults 🎃
Create a special menu that appeals to adults with sophisticated dishes and drinks.
– Spooky Cocktails: Offer drinks like a ‘Bloody Margarita’ or ‘Black Widow Martini’ with Halloween-inspired garnishes. – Dark Desserts: Introduce rich, indulgent desserts with Halloween twists, such as dark chocolate mousse with red berry coulis or “Poison Apple Crumble.” – Black and Orange Plates: Play with colour by offering dishes featuring black pasta or orange pumpkin elements, creating a subtle but themed experience. – Gourmet Ghost: Elevate classic dishes with spooky presentations—black squid ink risotto with ghost-shaped parmesan crisps, for example. – Devilish Tapas: For a more social dining experience, create a tapas-style menu with small, shareable plates that embrace the Halloween theme.
3. Adult-Only Events 👻
Focus on creating unique experiences for adults to enjoy with friends, partners, or colleagues.
– Halloween Cocktail Party: Host a cocktail party with a professional mixologist and spooky-themed drinks. Charge a cover fee for entry and offer a limited-time menu. – Murder Mystery Night: Organise a murder mystery dinner where diners are involved in solving a crime over a multi-course meal. – Masquerade Ball: Invite guests to a costume or masquerade ball, with a prize for the best dressed. Keep the entry ticket high to ensure exclusivity and premium service. – Scary Movie Screening: Screen a classic Halloween film on a projector in your venue, offering a set menu for diners during the movie. – Wine & Dine: Collaborate with a local winery or brewery to host a Halloween-themed wine or beer pairing dinner.
4. Premium Halloween Experiences 🎃
Offer something exclusive and worth paying for, elevating the Halloween celebration.
– Exclusive Halloween Menu: Create a set menu that is available for one night only. It features higher-end ingredients and spooky presentations. Charge a premium and include a cocktail pairing. – Ghost Story Dinner: Hire a professional storyteller to entertain diners with ghost stories between courses, creating a memorable and immersive experience. – Gourmet Halloween Brunch: Host an adult-friendly Halloween brunch with themed cocktails and upscale breakfast dishes, creating a fun but relaxed daytime event. – VIP Halloween Package: Sell VIP packages for Halloween night, including reserved seating, a welcome drink, and a souvenir gift like a branded glass or tote bag. – Charity Halloween Event: Host a Halloween charity event, charging for entry and donating some of the proceeds to a local cause while benefiting from the increased traffic. – Costume Photo Booth: Collaborate with a local photographer to set up a Halloween-themed photo booth in your venue, or hire one of the DIY photo booths often used at weddings.
5. Family-Friendly Options 🎃
While the focus is on adults, you can still offer a few family-friendly options without giving away too much for free. For most kids, Halloween is about trick or treating, and they may be too hyped up with sugar to be ready for restaurant meals. That’s why an adult focus can be more manageable and profitable.
– Mini Pumpkin Decorating: Provide small pumpkins and decorating supplies for kids to enjoy while their parents dine—at a small fee or included with a children’s meal. – Trick or Treat with a Purchase: Offer sweets for children, but only for those dining with their parents or after a meal purchase—keeping the giveaways tied to sales. – Early Bird Family Halloween: Host an early evening (e.g., 4-5 p.m.) Halloween event for families, with themed set menus and children’s activities, leaving the later hours for adults-only events. – Pumpkin-Themed Breakfast for Families: Offer a themed breakfast or brunch leading up to Halloween that caters to families with both fun and filling dishes.
6. Halloween Catering for Businesses 🎃
Catering for local businesses can bring in great sales, especially for companies looking to treat their staff or host themed events. Here are a few things that could be offered…
– Office Halloween Grazing Tables: include Halloween-inspired treats like black cheese, pumpkin dips, and spooky charcuterie boards. For office parties or afternoon breaks. – Halloween Snack Boxes: These are individual snack boxes with Halloween-themed goodies that companies can distribute to their staff during meetings or as a treat. – Customisable Menus for Corporate Events: let businesses customise their – Halloween menu, offering flexibility for dietary needs while still keeping a spooky theme. For example, vegetarian ‘Monster Bowls’ or gluten-free ‘Vampire Bites.’ – Themed Drinks for Office Parties: supply spooky mocktails or cocktails in large batches, packaged in reusable jugs or dispensers eg ‘Blood Punch’ or ‘Green Witches Brew’. – Halloween Sweet Treat Boxes: Halloween-themed desserts or baked goods, ideal for a company’s afternoon tea or office celebration. – Pre-Booked Deliveries: offer scheduled delivery for businesses that want to celebrate Halloween throughout the week leading up to the 31st. – Virtual Team Event Packages: If businesses are still working remotely, offer take-home Halloween food and drink kits that staff can collect and enjoy during virtual parties or meetings. – Check the massive range of low-cost Halloween decorations in the local bargain store – for just a few dollars, you can add the ‘magic’ to a conventional platter.
7. Social Media Promotions 🎃
Halloween is a great time to engage with customers online and drive traffic to your venue. Feature your staff dressed in costume and post their photos throughout the day. Here are more ideas for Halloween restaurant marketing…
– Best Dressed Contest: Hold a costume contest on Instagram where customers post photos from your restaurant or event with a branded hashtag. Offer a gift card as a prize instead of free meals. – Teaser Campaigns: Build excitement for your Halloween night by sharing sneak peeks of decorations, menu items, or staff costumes in the days leading up to the event. – Live Polls: Ask your followers to vote on Halloween-themed dishes or drinks they’d like to see on the menu, making them feel part of the decision-making process. – Share the Scare: Post videos or reels of your staff getting into the Halloween spirit, decorating, or preparing themed dishes, and encourage your followers to share their own. – Halloween Flash Sales: Announce flash sales or limited-time offers for your Halloween week on social media to create a sense of urgency. – Use Halloween Hashtags: #Halloween #HappyHalloween #Spooky #SpookySeason #TrickOrTreat and there are many more.
By focusing on adult experiences and using strategic promotions in the lead-up to Halloween, you can create a memorable and profitable season for your restaurant. Incorporating a few family-friendly events while keeping the main focus on sophisticated dining and entertainment will ensure your Halloween is a hit with customers of all ages.
Celebrating this happy event is a great way for restaurants and cafes to increase sales with clever Halloween restaurant marketing, especially with adults looking for fun, themed experiences. And let’s face it – kids are already very well catered for.
By planning events, offering special menus, and building excitement in the weeks leading up to 31 October, you can create an engaging atmosphere that attracts customers who are looking for something different. It’s also a great opportunity for extra events and catering before everyone’s attention turns to Christmas.
1. Build Up the Weeks Before Halloween 🎃
Don’t wait until the 31st of October to start your Halloween restaurant marketing – build excitement in the weeks before.
– Daily Themed Drinks: Offer a new spooky cocktail or mocktail every day, counting down to Halloween.
– Halloween Countdown: Run a countdown on your social media and in-store with different daily offers, like discounted meals or themed desserts.
– Week-Long Menu: Roll out your Halloween specials a week early to build buzz and give regulars a chance to try them before the big night.
– Loyalty Boost: Encourage repeat visits during the week with loyalty stamps—get three stamps and receive a discount on Halloween night.
– Ticketed Events: Promote ticket sales for an exclusive Halloween event on the 31st, such as a themed dinner or cocktail party.
2. Halloween Menus for Adults 🎃
Create a special menu that appeals to adults with sophisticated dishes and drinks.
– Spooky Cocktails: Offer drinks like a ‘Bloody Margarita’ or ‘Black Widow Martini’ with Halloween-inspired garnishes.
– Dark Desserts: Introduce rich, indulgent desserts with Halloween twists, such as dark chocolate mousse with red berry coulis or “Poison Apple Crumble.”
– Black and Orange Plates: Play with colour by offering dishes featuring black pasta or orange pumpkin elements, creating a subtle but themed experience.
– Gourmet Ghost: Elevate classic dishes with spooky presentations—black squid ink risotto with ghost-shaped parmesan crisps, for example.
– Devilish Tapas: For a more social dining experience, create a tapas-style menu with small, shareable plates that embrace the Halloween theme.
3. Adult-Only Events 👻
Focus on creating unique experiences for adults to enjoy with friends, partners, or colleagues.
– Halloween Cocktail Party: Host a cocktail party with a professional mixologist and spooky-themed drinks. Charge a cover fee for entry and offer a limited-time menu.
– Murder Mystery Night: Organise a murder mystery dinner where diners are involved in solving a crime over a multi-course meal.
– Masquerade Ball: Invite guests to a costume or masquerade ball, with a prize for the best dressed. Keep the entry ticket high to ensure exclusivity and premium service.
– Scary Movie Screening: Screen a classic Halloween film on a projector in your venue, offering a set menu for diners during the movie.
– Wine & Dine: Collaborate with a local winery or brewery to host a Halloween-themed wine or beer pairing dinner.
4. Premium Halloween Experiences 🎃
Offer something exclusive and worth paying for, elevating the Halloween celebration.
– Exclusive Halloween Menu: Create a set menu that is available for one night only. It features higher-end ingredients and spooky presentations. Charge a premium and include a cocktail pairing.
– Ghost Story Dinner: Hire a professional storyteller to entertain diners with ghost stories between courses, creating a memorable and immersive experience.
– Gourmet Halloween Brunch: Host an adult-friendly Halloween brunch with themed cocktails and upscale breakfast dishes, creating a fun but relaxed daytime event.
– VIP Halloween Package: Sell VIP packages for Halloween night, including reserved seating, a welcome drink, and a souvenir gift like a branded glass or tote bag.
– Charity Halloween Event: Host a Halloween charity event, charging for entry and donating some of the proceeds to a local cause while benefiting from the increased traffic.
– Costume Photo Booth: Collaborate with a local photographer to set up a Halloween-themed photo booth in your venue, or hire one of the DIY photo booths often used at weddings.
5. Family-Friendly Options 🎃
While the focus is on adults, you can still offer a few family-friendly options without giving away too much for free. For most kids, Halloween is about trick or treating, and they may be too hyped up with sugar to be ready for restaurant meals. That’s why an adult focus can be more manageable and profitable.
– Mini Pumpkin Decorating: Provide small pumpkins and decorating supplies for kids to enjoy while their parents dine—at a small fee or included with a children’s meal.
– Trick or Treat with a Purchase: Offer sweets for children, but only for those dining with their parents or after a meal purchase—keeping the giveaways tied to sales.
– Early Bird Family Halloween: Host an early evening (e.g., 4-5 p.m.) Halloween event for families, with themed set menus and children’s activities, leaving the later hours for adults-only events.
– Pumpkin-Themed Breakfast for Families: Offer a themed breakfast or brunch leading up to Halloween that caters to families with both fun and filling dishes.
6. Halloween Catering for Businesses 🎃
Catering for local businesses can bring in great sales, especially for companies looking to treat their staff or host themed events. Here are a few things that could be offered…
– Office Halloween Grazing Tables: include Halloween-inspired treats like black cheese, pumpkin dips, and spooky charcuterie boards. For office parties or afternoon breaks.
– Halloween Snack Boxes: These are individual snack boxes with Halloween-themed goodies that companies can distribute to their staff during meetings or as a treat.
– Customisable Menus for Corporate Events: let businesses customise their – Halloween menu, offering flexibility for dietary needs while still keeping a spooky theme. For example, vegetarian ‘Monster Bowls’ or gluten-free ‘Vampire Bites.’
– Themed Drinks for Office Parties: supply spooky mocktails or cocktails in large batches, packaged in reusable jugs or dispensers eg ‘Blood Punch’ or ‘Green Witches Brew’.
– Halloween Sweet Treat Boxes: Halloween-themed desserts or baked goods, ideal for a company’s afternoon tea or office celebration.
– Pre-Booked Deliveries: offer scheduled delivery for businesses that want to celebrate Halloween throughout the week leading up to the 31st.
– Virtual Team Event Packages: If businesses are still working remotely, offer take-home Halloween food and drink kits that staff can collect and enjoy during virtual parties or meetings.
– Check the massive range of low-cost Halloween decorations in the local bargain store – for just a few dollars, you can add the ‘magic’ to a conventional platter.
7. Social Media Promotions 🎃
Halloween is a great time to engage with customers online and drive traffic to your venue. Feature your staff dressed in costume and post their photos throughout the day. Here are more ideas for Halloween restaurant marketing…
– Best Dressed Contest: Hold a costume contest on Instagram where customers post photos from your restaurant or event with a branded hashtag. Offer a gift card as a prize instead of free meals.
– Teaser Campaigns: Build excitement for your Halloween night by sharing sneak peeks of decorations, menu items, or staff costumes in the days leading up to the event.
– Live Polls: Ask your followers to vote on Halloween-themed dishes or drinks they’d like to see on the menu, making them feel part of the decision-making process.
– Share the Scare: Post videos or reels of your staff getting into the Halloween spirit, decorating, or preparing themed dishes, and encourage your followers to share their own.
– Halloween Flash Sales: Announce flash sales or limited-time offers for your Halloween week on social media to create a sense of urgency.
– Use Halloween Hashtags: #Halloween #HappyHalloween #Spooky #SpookySeason #TrickOrTreat and there are many more.
By focusing on adult experiences and using strategic promotions in the lead-up to Halloween, you can create a memorable and profitable season for your restaurant. Incorporating a few family-friendly events while keeping the main focus on sophisticated dining and entertainment will ensure your Halloween is a hit with customers of all ages.
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