February is full of marketing possibilities as consumers look to celebrate big events such as the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Here are seven can’t-miss opportunities this month.
The event kicking off the month just might usher in six more weeks of winter. In the past, McDonald’s units throughout Pennsylvania, the home state of Punxsutawney Phil, have given away free coffee on Groundhog Day, while Sonic has celebrated it by offering half-priced footlong hot dogs.
Operators can help NFL fans celebrate the Super Bowl either from the comfort of their own homes or at restaurant locations. This year, Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe, a micro-chain with locations in Darien and Burbank, Ill., will offer an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Super Bowl party from 5 p.m. until the end of the game, charging guests $50 for their fill of dishes such as pulled pork, chicken strips and ribs. Last year, Texas Steakhouse & Saloon offered 50 wings for $25 when ordered for takeout during the game.
Southern and Cajun fare is often on the menu for operators looking to draw in consumers for Mardi Gras. Last year, Frontier in Chicago offered a shrimp boil that included all-you-can-eat shrimp, corn and potatoes, as well as beads, masks and king cake, for $35.
Operators can draw in singles and couple alike on Valentine’s Day. Instead of offering a typical Valentine’s Day dinner, Edgar’s Proof & Provision in Atlanta hosted a “third-wheel party,” where a single friend brought in by a couple enjoyed three-for-two drink specials throughout the night and was entered in a raffle to win free rounds of drinks.
Also falling on Feb. 14, the start of Lent presents an opportunity for operators to promote meatless dishes, especially fish. Brio Tuscan Grille has previously offered Lenten specials throughout the Lenten season, such as ravioli with lobster and shrimp.
While discounting margaritas is the obvious way to celebrate this food holiday, some operators have dreamed up their own creative promos. Last year, Tio Juan’s Margaritas Mexican Restaurant offered a complimentary Margaritas Famous Taster (chicken burrito, cheese enchilada and ground beef taco served with Mexican rice) to guests who have "Marg" or "Rita" in their name, such as Margaret.