Valentine's Day Restaurant Marketing
Make February 14th your most romantic—and profitable—night of the year.
February 14
Publish 2 months before
Valentine's Day is one of the most lucrative nights in the restaurant industry. Couples plan weeks ahead for the perfect romantic dinner, and restaurants that market effectively can see 2-3x normal revenue with higher average tickets. This guide covers everything from creating romantic ambiance to optimizing your online presence for Valentine's searches. Whether you're a fine dining establishment or casual eatery, there's a Valentine's strategy for you.
Valentine's Day Dining Stats
$4.3B
Dining Out Spending
$185
Average Spend Per Couple
2-3
Weeks Ahead Reservations
75%
Restaurants Booked Solid
Valentine's Day represents the highest average ticket night for most restaurants. Couples are willing to splurge on romantic experiences.
Marketing Tips
Create a Prix Fixe Menu
Offer a special fixed-price menu with romantic courses. Simplifies kitchen operations while increasing average ticket value.
Extend the Celebration
Market Valentine's Week specials (Feb 10-16) to capture couples who can't dine on the 14th. Many prefer quieter nights anyway.
Partner for Romance Packages
Team up with florists, chocolatiers, or local theaters for complete date night packages. Share audiences and add value.
Email Your Couples List
Segment past couples/date night diners and send personalized invitations. They already love you—remind them to book.
Optimize for 'Romantic Dinner' Searches
Update your website and Google Business with Valentine's keywords. People search 'romantic dinner [city]' heavily in February.
Promotion Ideas
Sweetheart Prix Fixe
4-course romantic dinner with wine pairings at fixed price
Appetizer + Salad + Entrée + Shared Dessert = $150/couple
Proposal Package
Special setup for proposals with champagne, flowers, and photographer
Private table, rose petals, champagne toast, and dessert with ring box
At-Home Romance Kit
Takeout package for couples who prefer dining at home
Complete dinner for 2 with candles, playlist QR code, and wine pairing
Valentine's Week Specials
Different romantic special each night leading up to Feb 14
Monday: Wine Lover's Night, Tuesday: Chocolate Pairing, etc.
Singles' Anti-Valentine's
Fun alternative event for singles with comfort food and socializing
Galentine's brunch, Singles' mixer with appetizers
Online Ordering Tips
Enable Reservation Deposits
Require deposits or prepayment to reduce no-shows. Valentine's no-shows are costly given demand.
Create Takeout Romance Packages
Not everyone wants to dine out. Offer complete at-home date night kits with instructions.
Add Gift Card Promotions
Valentine's is big for gift cards. Offer bonus cards (buy $100, get $20) in early February.
Optimize Dessert Add-Ons
Suggest chocolate desserts, champagne, and roses during checkout. High-margin add-ons couples love.
Set Up Waitlist
If fully booked, capture waitlist signups. Cancellations happen—don't lose those customers.
Preparation Timeline
6 weeks before
Plan Valentine's menu and pricing
Book live entertainment if applicable
Prepare marketing creative and photography
Set up online reservation system with deposits
4 weeks before
Launch email campaign to past guests
Update website with Valentine's landing page
Start social media teaser campaign
Contact local press for Valentine's dining guides
2 weeks before
Send 'Last Chance' reservation emails
Promote Valentine's Week for spillover demand
Confirm staffing and supplies
Finalize wine and flower orders
Week of
Decorate for romance
Brief staff on special service touches
Prepare for at-home kit orders
Plan social media content for the night
Frequently Asked Questions
When do most Valentine's reservations get made?
Most couples book 2-3 weeks ahead, with a surge in the final week. Smart diners book 4+ weeks early for popular restaurants.
How much should I charge for Valentine's prix fixe?
Typically 1.5-2x your normal entrée prices. Couples expect to spend $150-300 total including wine. Premium experiences command $200+.
Should I extend hours on Valentine's Day?
Add early (5PM) and late (9PM+) seatings to maximize covers. Many couples prefer non-traditional times to avoid crowds.
How do I handle requests for proposals?
Create a dedicated proposal package with coordination details. Assign a manager to handle these special reservations.
Make This Valentine's Day Unforgettable
RestauNax helps you manage reservations, promote specials, and create magical experiences—all from one platform.