How to Maximise the ‘Extra Saturday’ in a Long Weekend
Long weekends are when customers want to relax and celebrate. With planning, creative promotions, and a focus on profitability, this can be one of your most lucrative trading periods.
Understanding Long Weekend Dynamics
Long weekends change the way people behave. Families seek activities that entertain kids and give parents a break, while couples and groups often use the extra day off to dine out or catch up with friends. In Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, long weekends often coincide with public holidays encouraging outings, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – at the end of this article, there’s a list of long weekend dates that occur every year.
Understanding these dynamics allows you to cater to your audience’s needs and create offerings that match their mood. Think of it as an extra Saturday – a day when people are primed for indulgence, relaxation and fun.
Special Strategies for Different Venues
For casual cafes, early breakfast specials or all-day brunches are a great way to attract the morning crowd. Promote deals like coffee-and-pastry combos for those heading out to enjoy local events. Adding family-friendly touches, such as small giveaways for kids, can make your cafe the first choice for parents.
Mid-range restaurants can benefit from group-friendly options. Shareable platters, happy hour promotions, or themed cocktails provide an inviting reason for friends to gather. Lunch and dinner specials, paired with seasonal ingredients, can elevate the experience while encouraging a higher spend.
For fine-dining restaurants, long weekends are an opportunity to market indulgence. Multi-course tasting menus, premium wine pairings, or a unique celebratory offering can transform a regular night into something memorable. Position your venue as the perfect spot for couples celebrating anniversaries or friends indulging in a luxurious evening out.
Events to Attract Customers
Embrace the ‘extra Saturday’ energy by creating special offers, unique promotions or exciting events – like a summer brunch with live acoustic music. Outdoor dining can add a festive vibe, especially in warmer months – a summer BBQ or a spring harvest dinner can bring in customers looking for unique experiences.
Partner with local bakeries or artists to create pop-up events that draw attention. Pop-ups, local producer showcases, or art installations create excitement and align your venue with the community. They give customers another reason to choose your venue over the competition.
Marketing Your Long Weekend Plans
Start promoting 3 – 4 weeks in advance to build anticipation. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for showcasing themed menus, event details, and special deals. Use enticing visuals and captions that emphasise the ‘extra Saturday’ mood: ‘Make the most of your long weekend! Treat yourself to an extra Saturday night with live music, great food, and a reason to celebrate.’
Email campaigns and local advertising can further spread the word. Be sure to include upselling tips for your staff, such as suggesting drink pairings or desserts that complement long weekend specials. Consistent messaging will keep your venue top of mind as customers plan their outings.
The Long Weekend Staffing Challenge
Higher public holiday pay rates are a fact of life in Australia and New Zealand. To prepare, roster efficiently and adapt your menu. Check our matching article packed with practical ideas on How to Make Restaurant Public Holidays Profitable – don’t let wage rates limit what’s possible!
If you add a public holiday surcharge, communicate it clearly to customers so there are no surprises – it’s increasingly common. Small signs and menu notes can help set expectations while maintaining goodwill.
Keep the Momentum Beyond the Long Weekend
Once the long weekend ends, keep reminding customers of the fun and indulgence they enjoyed on their ‘extra Saturday.’ Encourage repeat visits with bounce-back offers, such as discounts or freebies for their next visit. This is also a time for intensive social media posting – the week after can have several days of photo memories.
Use bounce-back offers to entice customers to return and gather guest feedback and reviews, especially if you introduced new menu items or hosted special events. Positive reviews drive future business and build your reputation.
Long weekends are a chance to boost sales, build customer relationships, and showcase the best your venue has to offer. Treat them like bonus Saturdays, full of potential for fun, indulgence, connection… and a healthy boost to sales!
Long Weekends in Australia
Australia Day Weekend: Late January Easter Long Weekend: Mid-April (4 days) Anzac Day Weekend: Late April Christmas/Boxing Day Weekend: Late December
Additional State-Specific Long Weekends: Labour Day Weekend: Early March (WA, VIC, TAS), Early May (NT, QLD), Early October (ACT, NSW, SA) King’s Birthday Weekend: Early June (Most states), Late September (WA) Reconciliation Day Weekend: Early June (ACT only) Western Australia Day Weekend: Early June (WA only) Picnic Day Weekend: Early August (NT only) AFL Grand Final Weekend: Late September/Early October (VIC only) Melbourne Cup Weekend: Early November (VIC only)
Long Weekends in the USA
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January) Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February) Memorial Day (last Monday in May) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
When holidays like Independence Day (July 4th) or Christmas Day (December 25th) fall on a Friday or Monday, they also create long weekends
Long Weekends in New Zealand
New Year’s Long Weekend: Early January (includes New Year’s Day and the day after) Waitangi Day Long Weekend: Early February Easter Long Weekend: Varies (includes Good Friday and Easter Monday) Anzac Day Long Weekend: Late April King’s Birthday Long Weekend: Early June Matariki Long Weekend: Mid to late June Labour Day Long Weekend: Late October Christmas/Boxing Day Long Weekend: Late December Plus regional long weekends
Long weekends are when customers want to relax and celebrate. With planning, creative promotions, and a focus on profitability, this can be one of your most lucrative trading periods.
Understanding Long Weekend Dynamics
Long weekends change the way people behave. Families seek activities that entertain kids and give parents a break, while couples and groups often use the extra day off to dine out or catch up with friends. In Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, long weekends often coincide with public holidays encouraging outings, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – at the end of this article, there’s a list of long weekend dates that occur every year.
Understanding these dynamics allows you to cater to your audience’s needs and create offerings that match their mood. Think of it as an extra Saturday – a day when people are primed for indulgence, relaxation and fun.
Special Strategies for Different Venues
For casual cafes, early breakfast specials or all-day brunches are a great way to attract the morning crowd. Promote deals like coffee-and-pastry combos for those heading out to enjoy local events. Adding family-friendly touches, such as small giveaways for kids, can make your cafe the first choice for parents.
Mid-range restaurants can benefit from group-friendly options. Shareable platters, happy hour promotions, or themed cocktails provide an inviting reason for friends to gather. Lunch and dinner specials, paired with seasonal ingredients, can elevate the experience while encouraging a higher spend.
For fine-dining restaurants, long weekends are an opportunity to market indulgence. Multi-course tasting menus, premium wine pairings, or a unique celebratory offering can transform a regular night into something memorable. Position your venue as the perfect spot for couples celebrating anniversaries or friends indulging in a luxurious evening out.
Events to Attract Customers
Embrace the ‘extra Saturday’ energy by creating special offers, unique promotions or exciting events – like a summer brunch with live acoustic music. Outdoor dining can add a festive vibe, especially in warmer months – a summer BBQ or a spring harvest dinner can bring in customers looking for unique experiences.
For more ideas, see 12 Months of Restaurant Promotions and Special Events.
Partner with local bakeries or artists to create pop-up events that draw attention. Pop-ups, local producer showcases, or art installations create excitement and align your venue with the community. They give customers another reason to choose your venue over the competition.
Marketing Your Long Weekend Plans
Start promoting 3 – 4 weeks in advance to build anticipation. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for showcasing themed menus, event details, and special deals. Use enticing visuals and captions that emphasise the ‘extra Saturday’ mood: ‘Make the most of your long weekend! Treat yourself to an extra Saturday night with live music, great food, and a reason to celebrate.’
Email campaigns and local advertising can further spread the word. Be sure to include upselling tips for your staff, such as suggesting drink pairings or desserts that complement long weekend specials. Consistent messaging will keep your venue top of mind as customers plan their outings.
The Long Weekend Staffing Challenge
Higher public holiday pay rates are a fact of life in Australia and New Zealand. To prepare, roster efficiently and adapt your menu. Check our matching article packed with practical ideas on How to Make Restaurant Public Holidays Profitable – don’t let wage rates limit what’s possible!
If you add a public holiday surcharge, communicate it clearly to customers so there are no surprises – it’s increasingly common. Small signs and menu notes can help set expectations while maintaining goodwill.
Keep the Momentum Beyond the Long Weekend
Once the long weekend ends, keep reminding customers of the fun and indulgence they enjoyed on their ‘extra Saturday.’ Encourage repeat visits with bounce-back offers, such as discounts or freebies for their next visit. This is also a time for intensive social media posting – the week after can have several days of photo memories.
Use bounce-back offers to entice customers to return and gather guest feedback and reviews, especially if you introduced new menu items or hosted special events. Positive reviews drive future business and build your reputation.
Long weekends are a chance to boost sales, build customer relationships, and showcase the best your venue has to offer. Treat them like bonus Saturdays, full of potential for fun, indulgence, connection… and a healthy boost to sales!
Long Weekends in Australia
Australia Day Weekend: Late January
Easter Long Weekend: Mid-April (4 days)
Anzac Day Weekend: Late April
Christmas/Boxing Day Weekend: Late December
Additional State-Specific Long Weekends:
Labour Day Weekend: Early March (WA, VIC, TAS), Early May (NT, QLD), Early October (ACT, NSW, SA)
King’s Birthday Weekend: Early June (Most states), Late September (WA)
Reconciliation Day Weekend: Early June (ACT only)
Western Australia Day Weekend: Early June (WA only)
Picnic Day Weekend: Early August (NT only)
AFL Grand Final Weekend: Late September/Early October (VIC only)
Melbourne Cup Weekend: Early November (VIC only)
Long Weekends in the USA
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
When holidays like Independence Day (July 4th) or Christmas Day (December 25th) fall on a Friday or Monday, they also create long weekends
Long Weekends in New Zealand
New Year’s Long Weekend: Early January (includes New Year’s Day and the day after)
Waitangi Day Long Weekend: Early February
Easter Long Weekend: Varies (includes Good Friday and Easter Monday)
Anzac Day Long Weekend: Late April
King’s Birthday Long Weekend: Early June
Matariki Long Weekend: Mid to late June
Labour Day Long Weekend: Late October
Christmas/Boxing Day Long Weekend: Late December
Plus regional long weekends
Check the other useful blog posts on the Foodie Coaches website…
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