Looking to give your restaurant marketing a fresh kick?
Whether you want to boost foot traffic, increase loyalty, or just create buzz around your brand, the right promotion can make all the difference.
The best part? You don’t need a massive budget to pull it off. Below, we’ve rounded up 7 real-world restaurant promotions, from global chains to independent stars, that did the trick. Use them as inspiration to shape your next big campaign.
1. Limited-Time Menu Drops
Example: Shake Shack x Hot Ones
When Shake Shack teamed up with Hot Ones, they launched an exclusive, spicy burger line for a short time only. The promo was announced through their app and social media, with countdowns building urgency.
Why it works:
Creates FOMO (fear of missing out)
Encourages repeat visits before the promotion ends
Pairs perfectly with seasonal themes or trends
How to apply it:
Try a chef’s special, a seasonal cocktail, or a twist on a menu favorite that’s only available for a few weeks.
Image source: Shake Shack – Hot Ones
2. Birthday Club Perks
Example: Red Robin’s Free Birthday Burger
Red Robin offers a free birthday burger to members of their loyalty program, a simple reward that guests look forward to every year.
Why it works:
Makes customers feel valued
Encourages sign-ups for your loyalty program
Promotes word-of-mouth when people bring friends to celebrate
How to apply it:
Offer a free dessert, drink, or appetizer during a customer’s birthday week. Automate it via email or SMS for easy execution.
Image source: Wikipedia – Red Robin
3. Secret Menu Hype
Example: In-N-Out’s Not-So-Secret Menu
In-N-Out never officially advertised its “secret” menu, but customers did. Items like “Animal Style” became viral favorites, leading to long-term customer engagement and brand love.
Why it works:
Sparks curiosity and makes your regulars feel “in the know”
Generates organic buzz online and on social media
Encourages exploration of your menu
How to apply it:
Add a few off-menu items that staff can offer to loyal guests or those who ask. You can even hint at it subtly on Instagram.
Image source: azcentral – In-N-Out Restaurant
4. Social Media Challenges or Giveaways
Example: Nando’s “#NandosDash”
Nando’s UK launched flash giveaways where fans had to show up at a specific location announced on Instagram for surprise discounts. The result? Hype, excitement, and a flood of user-generated content.
Why it works:
Drives foot traffic to slow hours or new locations
Builds real-time engagement
Turns your followers into promoters
How to apply it:
Host an Instagram challenge, TikTok dance-off, or location-based promo that gets customers involved and rewards them for participating.
Image source: MoCoShow – Nando’s Dash
5. Collaborations With Local Creators or Chefs
Example: Birria-Landia x NYC Food Influencers
Birria-Landia, a Queens food truck, exploded in popularity thanks to local food creators on TikTok and Instagram. They didn’t buy ad space; they partnered with the right voices.
Why it works:
Builds trust with local audiences
Boosts visibility on platforms where diners are already scrolling
Makes your food more discoverable
How to apply it:
Invite local influencers or micro-creators to try your food and share honest reviews or behind-the-scenes content.
Image source: The New York Times – Birria-Landia Tacos
6. Themed Events or Pop-Ups
Example: McDonald’s BTS Meal Collaboration
McDonald’s BTS Meal was a global success, but it worked because of its event feel. The exclusive sauces, branded packaging, and timed release tapped into fan culture and created a pop-up vibe in-store and online.
Why it works:
Adds novelty and fun to your usual menu
Attracts new customer segments
Gives people a reason to post and share
How to apply it:
Host a theme night, pop-up menu, or fandom-inspired event (think: ’90s night, local music, or movie tie-ins). Limited merch or packaging is a bonus.
7. Loyalty Program-Driven Deals
Example: Starbucks “Double Star Days”
Starbucks runs regular “Double Star Days” where members earn twice the loyalty points. It nudges customers to visit on specific dates and strengthens their habit loop.
Why it works:
Increases repeat visits during slower times
Encourages more app usage and data collection
Makes loyal guests feel rewarded
How to apply it:
Set up a simple point-based system. Then create periodic “double points” or “surprise reward” days to keep things exciting.
Image source: Rewards Canada – Starbucks Rewards Double Star Days
How to Track Marketing Promotions with Bitreport
You ran a killer campaign, but did it work? Bitreport helps you find out fast, with clean, visual data you can actually use.
Track Daily and Weekly Sales Trends
Bitreport helps you execute your promotions on time, so combined with your sales data, you can instantly compare revenue before, during, and after a promotion.
Use it to answer:
Did we see a spike in foot traffic or ticket size?
Which days performed best during the promo period?
Compare Locations (or Shifts)
Bitreport helps you run a promo at just one location or during specific hours, so in the end, it’s easy to break down the numbers and see exactly where it had an impact.
Use it to answer:
Did the promo drive more lunch vs. dinner business?
How did it perform across different venues?
Measure Promo-Specific Items
If your promotion was tied to a limited-time item or menu deal, Bitreport helps you track sales of those specific products.
Use it to answer:
How many of the promo items were sold?
Did customers pair them with other upsell items?
Share Results with the Team
With Bitreport’s clean reports and visuals, it’s easy to loop in your marketing, kitchen, or ops team, and plan the next campaign based on real results.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Copy—Customize
All of these ideas have one thing in common: they connect with people. Whether you’re running a small café or a multi-location restaurant, the key is adapting these proven tactics to your brand’s tone, audience, and goals.
Start small, measure what works, and keep iterating. Your next campaign could be the one your customers can’t stop talking about.
