Savour
The Magazine of the Restaurant Association of New Zealand
A final Father’s Day bookings push: five ideas for the week before
26 Aug 26Father’s Day may not generate quite the same level of advance planning as Mother’s Day, but it is still an important family occasion—and plenty of people will be deciding where to celebrate.
You will already know the basics: make your availability visible, check that your online information is current and give people a clear way to book. Beyond those essentials, here are five ideas that may help with a final push.
Promote the spaces you actually have
Rather than a general “book now” message, be specific: “A few tables remain for Sunday lunch” or “Early dinner bookings are still available.” Giving customers a clearer picture can create more urgency and help direct demand towards the sittings you most want to build.
Make choosing easier
The person organising Father’s Day may be comparing several venues while coordinating a wider family group. Bring the key details together in one post: available times, menu format, price, children’s options, dietary accommodation and the booking link.
Highlight one good reason to visit
You do not need to create an elaborate Father’s Day promotion. Focus on something you already do well—a popular sharing dish, Sunday roast, family-style menu, local beer, special dessert or relaxed space for larger groups.
Show people what they can look forward to
If you are posting again, lead with a dish, drinks selection, or the atmosphere of your venue rather than another generic Father’s Day graphic. Giving customers something specific to picture can be more persuasive than simply reminding them that bookings are open.
Offer an option for people who cannot dine on the day
Not every family will be able to get together on Sunday. If you offer gift vouchers, takeaway packages or bookings for another date, Father’s Day is a useful prompt to remind customers that the celebration does not have to happen on the day itself.
There is still time to secure those final bookings. The most effective message may simply be a timely, specific reminder showing customers exactly when they can visit and what they can look forward to.
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