May 7th, 2025
Mother’s Day is one of the most profitable days for restaurants in North America. In 2025, our annual Mother’s Day survey revealed that 77% of Americans plan to dine out, with most expecting to spend $25–$100 per person. That’s a major opportunity for restaurants to boost revenue if restaurant value proposition aligns with guest expectations.
We combined our survey findings with industry data to help you take advantage of this year’s demand and increase sales across dine-in, takeout, and digital channels.
Survey Insight: 65.7% of diners say Mother’s Day menu specials are the #1 factor influencing where they dine.Industry Insight: OpenTable reports that restaurants with special holiday menus see up to 2x more reservations than those without.
What to do: Offer 2–3 prix fixe menu tiers (e.g., $35, $50, $75) featuring seasonal ingredients, crowd-pleasers, and desserts tailored for the occasion. Include clear value – bundle wine pairings or a complimentary dessert for moms.
Survey Insight: 55.2% of moms decide where the family will eat.Meta Data: Local ads within a 5-mile radius see 60%+ higher engagement for restaurants.
What to do: Target local families and adult children with Instagram and Facebook ads featuring your Mother’s Day menu and reservation incentives. Email past guests with subject lines like “Make This Mother’s Day Unforgettable – Reserve Now!”
Survey Insight: Dinner is still most popular (38.8%), but over 33% plan to dine at brunch or lunch.Google Trends: “Mother’s Day brunch near me” searches spike each April, with 20–30% YoY growth in metro areas.
What to do: Add brunch service or early seatings and promote them as relaxed, family-friendly options. Use online booking tools and POS-integrated waitlists to balance demand throughout the day.
Survey Insight: 70.1% of diners will make reservations within 1 week of Mother’s Day.Toast Research: Restaurants using online reservations and waitlist tech reduce no-shows by up to 40%.
What to do: Enable online reservations on your website, Google, and third-party platforms. Promote “Mother’s Day Reservations Now Open” 2–3 weeks in advance and consider perks for early bookings, such as priority seating or a free drink for Mom.
Survey Insight: 64.1% say overpriced menus are a top frustration.Deloitte Research: Value perception drives satisfaction and return visits.
What to do: Offer bundled value (e.g., 3-course menu + drink for $45), clearly communicate what’s included, and avoid excessive à la carte markups. Ensure guests feel they’re getting quality and thoughtfulness, not just a holiday surcharge.
Survey Insight: Emotional experience matters, especially to moms who make dining decisions.Deloitte Study: 60% of guests are more likely to return after receiving a personalized experience.
What to do: Offer a complimentary rose, family photo wall, or hand-signed cards from the team. Personal touches deepen the emotional connection and drive social sharing – increasing organic reach and loyalty.
Survey Insight: Price, vibe, and online presence rank high in decision-making.Google Data: Restaurants with up-to-date profiles get 50% more clicks and 35% more direction requests.
What to do: Update your Google Business Profile with hours, reservation links, and a “Mother’s Day Specials” post. Upload menu PDFs and photos of holiday dishes. Mobile searchers are looking for quick answers – don’t miss out because of incomplete listings.
Mother’s Day offers a powerful opportunity to increase traffic, raise check averages, and win new loyal guests. By pairing survey insights with proven restaurant marketing tactics, you can stand out from the crowd and turn a busy day into long-term business growth.