Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Promotions: How to Maximize Revenue Without Hurting Margins

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are two of the biggest dining-out days of the year. For restaurants, they’re an opportunity to fill tables and bring in new guests—but if promotions aren’t planned carefully, these high-volume days can quickly eat into your margins.

With the right financial strategy in place, you can increase revenue without losing profitability. Here’s how to build Mother’s Day and Father’s Day promotions that drive results—without driving up costs.

Focus on Margin-Friendly Menu Items

Many restaurants turn to prix fixe menus or discounts to draw guests in. But instead of slashing prices, build menus around high-margin dishes.

• Highlight brunch items like frittatas, French toast, and baked goods that are lower cost but feel special.

• Offer a cocktail flight, mimosa bar, or dessert add-on to raise check averages.

• Use ingredients that are in season and already in your inventory to avoid overordering.

The goal is to offer a memorable experience—without squeezing your food costs.

Want help identifying your most profitable items? Check out our blog on Menu Engineering for a deeper dive into data-driven menu decisions.

Plan Ahead with Reservations and Preorders

The more you know in advance, the better you can manage your costs. If you’re offering a special menu or large party seating, encourage guests to book early and consider taking deposits.

Benefits of advance planning:

• Predictable prep lists that reduce waste

• More efficient labor scheduling

• Less stress for your kitchen and FOH team

A little structure goes a long way toward protecting your margins on busy days.

At ACE’d Accounting, we often see the best results when clients use reservation platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or Tock—tools that help streamline guest communication and provide visibility into expected volume.

Avoid Deep Discounts—Add Value Instead

Discounts may boost foot traffic, but they rarely improve profitability. Instead, focus on experiences that feel worth the spend.

• Offer something extra—a complimentary treat for Mom or Dad, a photo booth, or a keepsake.

• Elevate the guest experience with decor, music, or a theme.

• Promote your most popular menu items instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

These simple touches help you stand out without giving away too much margin.

Review the Results and Use What You Learn

After the holiday, take time to review your numbers. Pull sales reports, compare against your budget, and look at labor and food costs.

Ask yourself:

• Which items sold best—and were they profitable?

• Did we hit our labor and food cost targets?

• What would we do differently next year?

Clean, timely financials make this easier. At ACE’d Accounting Solutions, we help restaurants track performance and make decisions with confidence—especially on high-volume days.

Final Thoughts

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are more than just busy shifts—they’re a chance to grow your brand and drive long-term revenue. With the right strategy, you can deliver a great guest experience while keeping your margins strong.

Want support building out your financial plan for the year? ACE’d Accounting Solutions is here to help—Contact us today!