When Mother’s Day rolls around each year, millions of families seek to express their gratitude to the special women in their lives. As one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, it’s no wonder that eateries are poised to play a significant role in the celebrations. New research from the National Restaurant Association reveals that 43% of consumers plan to celebrate Mother’s Day with the help of restaurants this year, with 34% choosing to dine out and another 12% expecting to order takeout or delivery.
Why Restaurants Are a Top Choice on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is synonymous with appreciation, and when asked why they plan to dine out or order takeout/delivery, respondents in the National Restaurant Association survey cited a variety of reasons:
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Pampering the Special Women in Their Lives (56%)
- Over half of respondents aim to pamper the mother-figures in their lives (or themselves). Treating them to a hassle-free, indulgent meal at a restaurant allows them to feel special and appreciated without lifting a finger.
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Creating Special Moments with Family and Friends (48%)
- Nearly half of those surveyed want to create a memorable experience with their loved ones. Dining out together provides an opportunity for the family to bond over great food and conversations in a festive atmosphere.
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Avoiding the Hassle of Cooking and Cleaning (39%)
- For many families, Mother’s Day is a well-deserved break from the daily routine. Avoiding cooking and cleaning is a major incentive for families to enjoy a meal outside of their homes.
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Convenience (28%)
- With busy schedules, convenience becomes paramount. Restaurants offer a simple solution for those who want to celebrate but don’t have the time or energy to cook and clean.
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Trying New Flavours or Cuisines (17%)
- Some families use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to explore new culinary experiences, making restaurants an exciting choice to sample different flavours and cuisines.
The Growing Importance of Off-Premise Dining
While many families will be lining up at their favorite restaurants, a growing number will celebrate Mother’s Day with takeout or delivery. Here’s a closer look at how off-premise dining plays a role in Mother’s Day celebrations:
Meal Bundling
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- Restaurants have embraced meal-bundling, offering complete packages tailored for Mother’s Day. These bundles often include appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts, providing families with a festive feast that’s easy to enjoy at home.
Curbside Pickup
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- For families looking to maximize convenience, curbside pickup is a popular option. Restaurants that offer this service provide a seamless experience where customers can place their orders online, drive up to the location, and have their meals brought directly to their cars.
Delivery
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- Delivery services, either directly through the restaurant or third-party apps, ensure families can celebrate without leaving their homes. With just a few taps on their mobile devices, customers can have restaurant-quality meals delivered straight to their doors.
Leveraging Technology to Maximize Revenue on Mother’s Day
Restaurants can significantly boost their Mother’s Day revenue by harnessing technology to streamline operations, enhance the customer experience, and cater to the high demand.
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Mobile Ordering and Payments
- Mobile ordering solutions, like Rally Eats, provide customers with a convenient way to explore menus, place orders, and pay directly through their smartphones. This feature is particularly beneficial during busy days like Mother’s Day, allowing customers to skip the line and reducing the burden on restaurant staff.
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Advanced Reservations and Waitlist Management
- By utilizing advanced reservation systems, restaurants can better manage table turnover and reduce wait times. Digital waitlists offer transparency to customers, who can track their waiting times in real-time through their mobile devices.
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Personalized Promotions and Deals
- Restaurants can attract more customers by sending personalized promotions through their mobile apps or email marketing. Offering exclusive Mother’s Day deals encourages early bookings and generates excitement.
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Order Accuracy with Digital Ordering
- Digital ordering minimizes the risk of errors and enhances order accuracy. By allowing customers to specify their preferences directly through a digital channel, restaurants can ensure that every detail is correct, leading to higher customer satisfaction.
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Contactless Dining
- QR code menus, mobile payments, and self-service kiosks offer customers a contactless dining experience, reducing friction during peak hours. These tools enhance customer safety and streamline ordering and payment processes.
Preparing for the Mother of All Dining-Out Days
Mother’s Day is an unparalleled opportunity for restaurants to shine. Whether through dine-in experiences or off-premise dining options like takeout and delivery, eateries play a crucial role in creating memorable moments for families. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, restaurants can leverage technology to maximize their revenues, streamline operations, and deliver an exceptional customer experience on this special day.
By embracing digital solutions, enhancing convenience, and offering enticing promotions, restaurants can ensure that Mother’s Day remains the “mother of all dining-out days” for years to come. So, this Mother’s Day, raise a glass to the moms and the restaurants that make celebrating them a joyous and stress-free occasion!
