Mother’s Day isn’t just another busy Sunday—it’s a prime opportunity to bring in new guests, craft unforgettable dining experiences, and drive more revenue for your restaurant. Guests want something extra special to celebrate the moms in their lives, and with the right strategy, your restaurant can be the go-to spot for the occasion.
From filling seats to increasing check sizes, here are eight effective ways to make the most of Mother’s Day—all while keeping service smooth
- Reduce no-shows with deposits for large parties
Why it works: Mother’s Day demand is no joke, and last-minute cancellations hurt revenue.
How to execute:
- Require credit card holds or deposits for large parties to minimise cancellations.
- Set clear policies on refunds or changes to manage expectations.
- Capture last-minute guests with an online waitlist
Why it works: Many guests forget to make plans and rely on online waitlists and cancellations to secure a reservation.
How to execute:
- Offer your waitlist online to fill open seats from cancellations.
- Send real-time updates to keep guests engaged while they wait.
- Use waitlist insights to optimise table turnover and maximise revenue.
- Offer a prix-fixe Mother’s Day menu
Why it works: Prix-fixe menus simplify kitchen operations, reduce food waste, and help to increase average check sizes. Plus, a set menu makes the dining experience feel exclusive.
How to execute:
- Design a three or four-course menu featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
- Offer premium add-ons like different cuts of steak or wine pairings to encourage higher spending.
- Include vegetarian and gluten-free options so every guest feels catered to.
Pro tip: Use OpenTable’s Experiences feature to promote your prix-fixe menu, allowing guests to pre-pay and secure their spots in advance.
- Specialty cocktails and mocktails
Why it works: Many guests are willing to splurge on drinks for special occasions like Mother’s Day. Unique cocktails, mocktails, and wine pairings can make the experience more memorable for guests—and drive revenue for your restaurant.
How to execute:
- Offer bottomless mimosas, a cider flight, or adorable themed cocktails like a “Mum-osa,” “Mama’s Mai Tai,” or “Mumjito.”
Pro tip: Highlight special drink offerings on your restaurant profile, making them a selling point for curious guests.
- Bundle in a gift—no extra work required
Why it works: Small add-ons can make big impressions and encourage higher spending. Plus, partnerships with local vendors create cross-promotion opportunities for your business, while adding value for guests.
How to execute:
- Partner with a florist to offer a “Brunch + Bouquet” package, for example.
- Or, offer a dessert & wine bundle with a local bakery or chocolatier.
- Create a take-home goodie bag for mums, including items like a handmade candle, chocolates, or a personalised note.
Pro tip: Use prepaid add-ons in OpenTable’s Experiences to bundle these perks with reservations.
- Extend the celebration all week
Why it works: A week-long Mother’s Day celebration helps spread out demand and capture more bookings from guests who want to avoid the rush.
How to execute:
- Introduce a weekday “Mother’s Day Special” for guests who prefer to celebrate early or late.
- Run a Mother’s weekend brunch menu from Friday to Sunday.
Pro Tip: Adjust your availability and reservations settings in OpenTable to maximise covers across multiple days.
- Use social media to your advantage
Why it works: FOMO (fear of missing out) sells. The more buzz you create, the more guests will want to book before it’s too late.
How to execute:
- Share behind-the-scenes videos and pictures of chefs preparing special Mother’s Day dishes.
- Hype up the event by capturing special moments and sharing them to your social media.
- Post countdown reminders to encourage reservations.
Pro tip: Connect your Instagram and Facebook profiles to OpenTable through our Meta integration to make it easy for guests to book directly from social media.
- Offer kid-friendly perks and specials
Why it works: Many families celebrate Mother’s Day with young children. A kid-friendly experience can help increase group bookings.
How to execute:
- Offer a kid-friendly brunch menu with smaller portions and fun plating.
- Set up a “Make a Card for Mum” station where kids can create a card while waiting for their meal.
Pro tip: List your restaurant as family-friendly on OpenTable so parents filtering for that option can easily discover and book your spot.
