How to Prepare Your Restaurant for St.Patrick’s Day

Introduction

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest revenue opportunities of the year for restaurants and bars. With millions of people celebrating, diners actively seek festive meals, themed drinks, and exciting atmospheres to enjoy the holiday.

But success on St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about serving green beer and corned beef—it requires strategic planning, marketing, and operational efficiency to handle increased traffic while maximizing profits.

If you’re a restaurant owner or manager, this guide will help you prepare for St. Patrick’s Day with menu ideas, promotions, and service strategies to ensure a profitable and stress-free celebration.

Creating a St. Patrick’s Day Menu That Sells

A well-designed holiday menu can encourage customers to order more, stay longer, and return in the future. Here’s how to craft a winning St. Patrick’s Day menu:

1. Feature Classic Irish Dishes

Offer authentic and nostalgic Irish-inspired foods that customers expect:

• Corned Beef & Cabbage – A St. Patrick’s Day staple.
• Shepherd’s Pie – A hearty, comforting dish with mashed potatoes.
• Irish Soda Bread – A great addition to bread baskets or appetizers.
• Guinness-Braised Short Ribs – Adds a gourmet touch to the menu.

2. Add a Creative Twist

Differentiate your restaurant by putting a modern spin on Irish classics:

• Irish Nachos – Crispy potato slices topped with cheese, bacon, and chives.
• Green Mac & Cheese – Spinach or basil-infused cheese sauce for a festive look.
• Whiskey-Glazed Wings – A customer favorite with an Irish whiskey kick.
• Leprechaun Burgers – Sliders with green buns or a Guinness-infused patty.

3. Design a Themed Cocktail & Beer Menu

Your beverage selection can boost check averages and create a buzz:

• Green Beer – A simple yet crowd-pleasing staple.
• Irish Mules – A twist on the Moscow Mule with Jameson whiskey.
• Shamrock Margaritas – A festive green take on a classic cocktail.
• Baileys Espresso Martinis – A smooth after-dinner drink.

4. Offer Special Bundle Deals & Pairings

Increase average order value with bundle promotions:

• “Pint & Pie” Special – A beer paired with Shepherd’s Pie or an Irish dish.
• Happy Hour Discounts – Special pricing on themed cocktails.
• Group Deals – Encourage party reservations with “4-for-1 drink specials”.

By curating a fun and festive menu, you make your restaurant a go-to destination for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Festive Decor & Ambience for a Memorable Experience

Your restaurant’s atmosphere matters as much as the menu. A well-decorated space creates a festive, shareable experience, increasing customer satisfaction.

1. Budget-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Decor Ideas

• Green & Gold Accents – Balloons, table runners, and neon lights set the tone.
• Clover & Leprechaun Themed Signage – Chalkboards with Irish phrases like “Sláinte!” (cheers) add authenticity.
• Themed Centerpieces – Simple decor like gold coins in mason jars or beer mug flower vases.

2. Enhance the Customer Experience

• Irish Music & Playlist – Play Irish folk tunes, Celtic rock, or St. Patrick’s Day party hits.
• Staff Dress Code – Encourage green outfits or themed accessories for an interactive touch. ✔ Photo Booth & Social Media Hashtag – Create a fun photo area with themed props and a custom hashtag for customers to share their experiences.

A lively St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere ensures customers stay longer, spend more, and spread the word.

Marketing & Promotions to Attract Guests

To maximize foot traffic and reservations, start marketing your event early. Here’s how to spread the word effectively:

1. Promote on Social Media

• Announce specials at least 2 weeks before to build anticipation.
• Use hashtags like #StPatricksDaySpecials and #IrishEats to boost reach.
• Host a giveaway (e.g., “Tag three friends for a chance to win a free pint!”).

2. Send Email & SMS Campaigns

• Email past customers with exclusive offers and VIP seating options.
• Send last-minute SMS reminders about drink specials to encourage walk-ins.

3. Partner with Local Influencers & Businesses

• Collaborate with local pubs or breweries for a joint promotion.
• Invite food bloggers to preview the menu early and share it online.

4. Offer Pre-Bookings & Reservations

• Encourage customers to book ahead for large parties.
• Use online reservation tools to manage table turnover efficiently.

An aggressive marketing push ensures your restaurant stays top of mind for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Managing Crowds & Streamlining Service

A busy St. Patrick’s Day can quickly become overwhelming without proper planning. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:

1. Train & Schedule Staff Accordingly

• Schedule extra staff for peak hours and bar service.
• Cross-train employees to handle both food and drink orders efficiently.

2. Optimize Online Ordering & Takeout

• Enable pre-orders for party platters and meal kits.
• Use Graze’s online ordering system to streamline digital orders and reduce in-house crowding.

3. Use a Fast-Paced POS System

• Pre-program holiday specials to speed up order-taking.
• Limit menu choices during rush hours to improve kitchen efficiency.

Your team can handle the rush without sacrificing quality by preparing for high-volume service.

Post-Holiday Follow-Up for Lasting Customer Engagement

The celebration doesn’t end on March 17th—this is the perfect opportunity to turn first-time visitors into loyal customers.

1. Capture Customer Data for Future Marketing

• Offer a discount code for a future visit in exchange for customer emails.
• Run a St. Patrick’s Day recap email with photos and a thank-you message.

2. Collect & Share User-Generated Content

• Encourage customers to tag your restaurant in their photos.
• Feature high-quality posts on your social media to boost credibility and engagement.

3. Offer a “Lucky Loyalty” Program

✔ Reward customers who visited on St. Patrick’s Day with exclusive discounts for their next visit.

A well-executed follow-up strategy ensures your St. Patrick’s Day guests return for future events.

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day presents restaurants with a massive opportunity to increase revenue, attract new customers, and create a memorable dining experience.

By planning ahead with festive menu specials, themed decor, strong marketing, and optimized service, your restaurant can maximize profits while delivering a seamless experience.

So, start now—promote, prepare, and pour the pints—because St. Patrick’s Day success is all about smart strategy! 🍀

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How early should I start planning for St. Patrick’s Day?
   At least 4 weeks in advance to finalize menus, marketing, and staffing.
   
2. What are the best-selling St. Patrick’s Day menu items?
   Corned beef & cabbage, Irish stew, Guinness-infused dishes, and festive green cocktails.
   
3. How can I make my restaurant stand out on St. Patrick’s Day?
   Use unique food & drink specials, engaging social media promotions, and festive decor to attract customers.
   
4. What’s the best way to manage high foot traffic?
   Implement pre-booking, online ordering, and extra staffing to handle peak hours smoothly.
   
5. How can I keep new customers coming back?
   Offer discounts for future visits, collect customer data, and run post-event promotions.