Father's Day Restaurant Specials: Tips to Maximize Bookings

Father's Day restaurant specials are a major revenue driver for restaurants across the U.S. In fact, according to the Food Institute, Father's Day spending is expected to reach $24 billion this year.

With families eager to treat Dad to a memorable meal, offering compelling promotions can help your business stand out and significantly boost profits.

But beyond great food, modern diners also expect seamless service. This is where restaurant ordering software becomes essential.

From digital menus to real-time ordering and payment, the right tech can enhance the guest experience and streamline your operations.

In this guide, you'll see top-performing Father's Day menu ideas, real-world use cases, and how digital tools and ordering platforms help you make the most of this opportunity.

Why you should promote a Father's Day restaurant special

It's a big day for dining out. Nearly 40% of Americans celebrate Father's Day by eating at a restaurant, according to the National Restaurant Association (NRA). That's a huge opportunity to bring more guests through your doors.

More guests = bigger checks. Families tend to dine in larger groups on special occasions, with the average party size jumping 25 to 35%. That means fuller tables, higher order volumes, and increased revenue.

So it's important to be ahead of the game. People are already searching. Google searches for terms like “Father's Day restaurant specials” start rising about two to three weeks before the holiday.

With the right strategy, you can attract attention early and fill up those tables fast.

In-depth Father's Day menu ideas (and why they work)

When it comes to Father's Day, it's all about combining comfort, bold flavors, and a little indulgence.

Here's a lineup of curated menu items that appeal to dads and delight the whole family. Each one is designed to hit the sweet spot between crave-worthy and celebratory:

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

This one's for the vegetarian dads or family members who want a lighter option. This dish proves meatless doesn't mean joyless.

Marinate the mushroom with balsamic, soy sauce, and steak seasoning to bring out the meaty flavor.

Finally, top it with Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and avocado aioli for a flavorful twist.

Surf and Turf

A classic surf and turf dish will surely hit the spot for Dads looking for something more indulgent. 

Serving a juicy steak and succulent lobster or prawn tail on the same plate may seem extravagant, but it’s perfect for such a special occasion.

Pair it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience.

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

These savory appetizers are a surefire crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy bacon and tender scallops makes for a delicious and satisfying starter that Dads will surely love. 

Add some herbs and vegetables or a zesty sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Beer-Battered Fish and Chips

If you’re looking for a perfect pair that Dads can enjoy, nothing is better than a cold beer with a plate of crispy fish and chips. 

The batter's crunch and the fish's flakiness make for a winning combination that can capture the whole family’s palate. 

Serve it with tartar sauce and vinegar for that authentic British fish and chips experience.

Bourbon-Glazed Pork Chops

Pork chops are a menu staple, but adding bourbon-glazed sauce takes it to the next level. 

This glaze adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the meat and will surely make any Dad's taste buds dance with joy. 

Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or rice for a satisfying meal.

7 promotional ideas to boost your Father's Day specials

These creative, customer-focused promotions are designed to appeal to families and elevate your brand's holiday offering:

1. All-you-can-eat buffet: a family magnet

With generous portions of crowd favorites like smoked ribs, grilled seafood, mac and cheese, and dessert bars, this format creates a high-value experience that appeals to both kids and adults.

The buffet style also promotes higher beverage sales and faster table turnover, allowing you to serve more customers throughout the day.

From an operational standpoint, buffets streamline kitchen execution by focusing on a few high-margin dishes prepared in bulk, making it easier to manage a busy service.

2. “Dad Eats Free” offers that spark bookings

Whether it's a complimentary entrée, dessert, or signature drink, offering dads a little something on the house makes families feel appreciated and encourages them to choose your restaurant over others.

The value feels generous, even if the cost is minimal to you, especially when bundled with group spending. It's an easy promotion to advertise through banners, social media, and even your digital menu. It's also one of the simplest ways to drive last-minute reservations.

3. Pre-booking discounts to ease rush hours

Encouraging early reservations by offering a 10% discount if booked by June 9 drives interest ahead of time and helps your team plan better.

You'll have a clearer picture of expected traffic, aiding inventory purchasing and staff scheduling. By integrating this into your restaurant ordering software, you can even automate reminders or upsell experiences such as wine pairings or dessert upgrades.

Early bookings also mean fewer walk-ins you have to turn away, which helps protect your brand reputation.

4. Local brewery or distillery pairings for extra buzz

You can create custom pairing menus with craft beers, bourbon flights, or special cocktails that complement your prix fixe dishes or holiday entrees.

These collaborations often come with built-in marketing support from the partner business—think shared Instagram posts, joint email campaigns, or co-hosted events.

Plus, this type of promotion is a draw for younger families or foodie dads who enjoy craft beverages. It positions your restaurant as both community-minded and creatively forward.

5. Live music to enhance the dining experience

Adding live acoustic entertainment or a local jazz trio creates a memorable atmosphere that elevates the meal into a full-on celebration.

When families choose where to dine out on Father’s Day, experience matters just as much as food. Live music not only increases table dwell time (and therefore check size), but also adds emotional value that diners remember long after the meal.

It also gives guests something to share on social media, organically boosting your restaurant’s visibility.

6. Photo ops that drive social sharing

Creating a simple photo wall with props and a “Best Dad Ever” sign—or offering Polaroid-style take-home photos—turns your restaurant into part of the Father’s Day memory. This adds a layer of emotional connection that people are eager to share.

Encouraging customers to tag your restaurant in their photos drives organic visibility and user-generated content you can repurpose. Plus, it costs little to implement and adds a whimsical, heartfelt touch that makes your brand stand out in a crowded field.

7. Prix fixe menus with optional gifts to raise checks

A special prix fixe menu for Father’s Day lets you control cost and kitchen workflow while still delivering a premium guest experience. Including options like bourbon-glazed pork chops, beer pairings, or steak and seafood combos ensures your offerings feel tailored to the occasion.

Add-on gifts like branded beer mugs or mini bourbon bottles can serve as a paid upgrade or a surprise gift for dads.

This approach not only simplifies ordering with your QR menu or POS system, but also increases your average check size and perceived value—all while creating an easy-to-market package deal.

Where to take dad this Father's Day

We've handpicked three of the best restaurants to dine at for Father's Day. These restaurants have something unique to offer and will guarantee customer satisfaction.

The Capital Grille

If you’re looking for a sophisticated dining experience for Father’s Day, look no further than The Capital Grille. 

It is an American restaurant chain owned by Darden Restaurants. The brand has locations in twenty-five states. It also has one in Mexico City.

This luxurious steakhouse offers prime beef, fresh seafood, and a wide selection of more than 350 wine selections.

The restaurant's impeccable service complements the fine dining experience, making it a perfect place to spoil fathers on their special day. 

The cozy ambiance and intimate setting make it ideal for a family get-together or a romantic dinner with your loved one. 

The Capital Grille also offers a dedicated chef to customize your meal to your liking, ensuring that your experience is unique and unforgettable.

The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot is famous for its fondue-style dining experience, offering a wide range of dipping options like cheese, chocolate, and broth.

This interactive dining style creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for families looking for a unique way to celebrate Father's Day.

It offers delicious entrees and salads, including gluten-free options, to cater to all dietary needs.

With locations across the USA, The Melting Pot is an excellent option for families looking to celebrate Father's Day.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is an excellent choice for Dads who cannot resist the unique flavors of seafood.

This upscale restaurant offers an extensive selection of seafood, including the freshest oysters, lobster, and crabs.

Their menu also offers a selection of high-quality steaks for non-seafood lovers.

The restaurant's ambiance is warm and inviting, and the live jazz music adds to the experience, making it a perfect place for a memorable Father's Day celebration.

Why you should use a QR code menu for your restaurant

As a restaurant owner, you focus on providing customers with the best possible experience. One way to improve the dining experience is by adopting a QR code menu. 

This innovative digital menu offers a range of benefits that can help you streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction. 

Here are five reasons why you should use a QR code-based restaurant menu:

Convenience and efficiency

QR code restaurant menu makes it easier for customers to access your restaurant’s menu. 

With a simple scan using their phone, they can navigate your menu without touching a physical menu or waiting for a server to bring them one. 

Some QR code digital menu software also allows advance orders for those who prefer Father’s Day takeout or pick-ups.

Its handy features and useful functions can save time and create a more seamless dining experience.

Contactless dining experience

You can offer your customers a contactless dining experience using QR code digital menus.

Since customers can access your restaurant menu easily, they can place their orders directly from their smartphones. Your back-of-house staff will then receive these. 

This reduces the need for physical interaction between customers and waitstaff, promoting restaurant safety and making it more hygienic for everyone.

Better customer engagement

A QR code-powered digital menu can also help you engage with your customers better. 

By including links to your social media profiles, you can encourage customers to connect with your brand in new ways. 

Additionally, you can use QR codes to gather customer feedback through surveys or provide information about your restaurant’s history, mission, or vision.

Cost-effective solution for menu updates

It can be time-consuming and expensive to update traditional paper menus.

With QR menus, you can make changes to your menu quickly and easily; no need to reprint a new batch of menus since it’s all digital.

This can save you money on printing costs and ensure your menu is always up-to-date and accurate.

Valuable insights and analytics

A QR code-based restaurant menu can provide restaurants with valuable information and insights by tracking customers’ ordering behavior.

For example, you can identify the most popular dishes on your menu and modify your offerings accordingly, identify trends in average order value, and adjust your pricing strategy to increase revenue.

How to implement a QR code menu in your restaurant?

As technology continues to evolve, more restaurants opt to implement QR menus. 

This technology has revolutionized how customers interact with menus and is a highly efficient and practical solution.

If you're considering implementing QR code digital menus in your restaurant, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition for your staff and customers alike. 

Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Choose a reliable QR code digital menu software 

Some QR code digital menu platforms are better than others; you must choose one wisely to guarantee you’re making a worthy investment.

Look for a reputable provider offering high-quality service, quick set-up, and the best customization options.

One of the best options available out there is MENU TIGER. This software simplifies building an online menu and restaurant website with no coding skills needed.

Customize your menu design for your Father’s Day restaurant specials

Customizing a menu that connects with your customers is not a simple task. 

It requires a deep understanding of your brand identity, target market, food items, and desired outcomes.

However, putting in the effort can guarantee a positive customer experience and increase your sales. 

By having clear descriptions, high-quality images, and accurate pricing, you can reduce confusion and increase customer satisfaction.

Train your restaurant staff

Before introducing the QR code digital menu to your customers, you should teach your staff how to use it first.

Your team should be well-versed in navigating the digital menu to guide customers who need help using the technology properly. 

They should also learn how to troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Ensuring your staff can handle the transition will make the process seamless and professional.

Test the QR codes before printing and distributing them

It’s important to run a test scan on your QR codes before downloading, printing, or distributing them.

Test your menu QR codes on various devices, including smartphones and tablets, to ensure they load quickly and accurately. It’d also be great if you use both Android and iOS devices.

Promote your menu

You can promote your menu in various ways, such as placing a QR code on your website, social media pages, and even your physical menus. 

This will let customers know this option is available and encourage them to try it. 

Additionally, offering promotions or discounts for customers who use this innovative digital menu can also be an effective way to encourage usage.

Boost your Father’s Day menu with MENU TIGER

One way to make your restaurant stand out during this special occasion is by revolutionizing your Father’s Day restaurant specials through a QR code digital menu.

You can update these menus in real-time with menu changes, specials, and promotions, ensuring customers can always access the latest information.

If you're considering implementing QR code digital menus in your restaurant, MENU TIGER can help you.

It’s a professional QR code software that offers customizable QR codes for restaurants and ensures a seamless and user-friendly experience for customers and restaurant staff.

MENU TIGER is an excellent option if you're looking for a professional and reliable QR code menu software provider. 

Start your journey towards a reliable, more efficient, modern dining experience. Sign up for a MENU TIGER freemium account today.