7 restaurant promotion tips to make this Mother’s Day special

Mother’s Day isn’t just any occasion—families go out of their way to celebrate, and that often involves dining out (or eating in).

In fact, Technomic Inc. data shows that 42% of people plan to order from a restaurant on Mother’s Day, with 74% dining in and 50% choosing chain restaurants.

If you want your business to stand out, careful planning and creative promotions are your best allies.

Here are seven ways to make Mother’s Day a success for both your restaurant and your guests.

1. Be ready for last-minute bookings

You might think everyone books well ahead for Mother’s Day, but OpenTable found that over 35% of reservations happen within two days of the event. That means your restaurant needs a strategy for the rush—both for dine-in and delivery.

• Leave room for late planners. Adjust your availability in real time and release extra time slots closer to the day.

• Enable an online waitlist. Give guests a way to get in line before they arrive, reducing stress for both your team and customers.

• Maximize takeout and delivery. When reservations fill up, diners turn to delivery— so make sure your Mother’s Day specials are featured online.

• If you’re on Wolt, now’s the time to set up your Mother’s Day promos and discounts from your Merchant Portal. Here’s our quick guide on setting up Wolt promotions.

💡Not on Wolt yet? Now’s the perfect time to get set up and reach local customers looking for Mother’s Day meals.

2. Brunch is king, but early dinner is a hidden winner

Brunch and Mother’s Day go hand in hand, but mid-morning isn’t the only time families celebrate.

Last year, over 40% of Mother’s Day bookings happened between 11 AM and 2 PM, but nearly a quarter of all reservations were made for 5 PM to 6 PM, according to OpenTable. Ignoring early dinner could mean leaving money on the table.

How to serve both peak times efficiently

• Schedule staff for both waves. Many restaurants plan for brunch but don’t anticipate the early dinner rush. Make sure your team is ready for both.

• Turn tables faster. A 1.5 to 2 hours dining limit can help maximize seatings during high-traffic hours.

• Make early dinner a delivery event. Some families skip the restaurant altogether and celebrate at home. If you’re a Wolt merchant, consider:

  • Update your menu so early dinner specials are front and center

  • Offering a discount on pre-6 PM orders to attract early diners

3. Create a standout Mother’s Day menu

A prix-fixe menu or limited-time specials make dining out on Mother's Day feel like a true occasion, while also increasing check sizes and keep the kitchen running smoothly.

📊 On Mother’s Day, full-service restaurants see a 51% increase in gross merchandise volume compared to an average Sunday, with the average ticket size jumping by 32%.

What works best?

• Brunch classics with a twist: Think fluffy pancakes, smoked salmon bagels, or avocado toast platters—with a complimentary mimosa for Mom.

• Prix-fixe dinners: Multi-course meals featuring steak, seafood, or pasta paired with wine. Bundle it up for families to boost per-table spend.

• Sweet extras: Offer a free dessert for Mom or a wine-and-dessert pairing for an added treat.

• Takeout and delivery bundles: Not every celebration happens in a restaurant. A “Brunch for Two” or “Family Dinner Kit” helps capture those orders.

4. Offer small perks that make a big impact

Sometimes, a small gesture can be the reason a guest chooses your restaurant over another.

📊 Nearly half of Mother’s Day diners actively look for restaurant promotions, and 44% appreciate a free add-on for Mom.

Simple ways to add value

• A flower or handwritten note with each table setting or takeout order.

• A complimentary drink for Mom, like a themed cocktail or mocktail.

• A 2-for-1 meal deal, encouraging families to celebrate together.

• A giveaway or raffle, with the chance to win a future meal.

5. Make family dining easy (and profitable)

Mother’s Day often means large groups, which translates to higher check averages and bigger delivery orders—if your restaurant is ready for them.

How to cater to families

• Family meal deals: Offer family-style portions or a “Feast for Four” bundle.

• Kid-friendly extras: Coloring sheets, small treats, or DIY dessert kits can keep children entertained while parents enjoy their meal.

• Discount for kids: “Kids under 5 eat free” can encourage families to choose your restaurant over others.

💡 On Wolt? Promote family-sized bundles for delivery to maximize takeout orders.

6. Optimize operations for the Mother’s Day rush

A successful Mother’s Day starts behind the scenes.

Checklist for a smooth service

• Review last year’s sales data to predict peak times and best-selling items.

• Update your listings with correct hours and menu details. If you’re a Wolt merchant, see our step-by-step guide on how to set your venue’s opening hours.

• Confirm staffing and prep levels to avoid being understaffed on the big day.

💡 On Wolt? Double-check that your Mother’s Day bundles and menu updates are live and that your staff is prepped.

7. Capture the growing demand for delivery

Not everyone will celebrate Mother’s Day at a restaurant. Takeout and delivery orders on this day have increased year over year, with many customers looking for convenient, high-quality meals to enjoy at home (so Mom can also enjoy her special day). If you’re already on Wolt, consider:

• Feature a Mother’s Day bundle to make it easy for customers to order a special meal.

• Add on-demand last-mile delivery with Wolt Drive to get meals to customers fast—even if you don’t have your own delivery drivers.

• Explore Wolt Self-Delivery if you have your own delivery fleet but want to reach more customers already on the Wolt app.

A memorable celebration for everyone

With the right promotions, Mother's Day can be one of the most successful days of the year for your restaurant.

By planning ahead, creating a thoughtful menu, and preparing your staff early, you’ll be ready to welcome more guests, increase revenue, and leave a lasting impression.

👀 Not on Wolt yet? Now’s the perfect time to sign up and reach new customers celebrating at home!