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© 2019 Technomic, Inc., LTO Promo PlannerTM

LTO PromoPlanner TM


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1Back to School

2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16National Rum Day

17

18National Fajita Day

19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

BACK TO MAIN CALENDAR

August 2019

Other events this month2: International Beer Day4: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day10: National Lazy Day24: National Waffle Day


3

August 1

Back to SchoolOpportunities• Provide discounts for

school staff returning to the classroom

• Offer discounted or free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal

• Spotlight catering specials for first day of school events

• Market family-size meal deals and grab-and-go options for convenient lunch and dinner options

• Deals can appeal to children and adults separately, but those that market toward the decision-makers of the family—the parents—will have a better ROI

Examples• Mary’s Pizza Shack: Back-

to-school family meal featuring pizza or spaghetti, breadstick and salad

• The Counter: Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree

August 16

National Rum DayOpportunities• Market array of rum

selections and offer discounts on featured drinks

• Extend happy hour as an all-day event

• Provide tastings to encourage guests to sample new or lesser-known cocktails

• For FSRs, offer specials on popular appetizer or meal pairings

Examples• Wood-n-Tap Bar & Grill:

$4 mojitos all day and night

• Bahama Breeze Island Grille: Offered discounted price on select cocktails

August 18

National Fajita DayOpportunities• Spotlight and provide

discounts on fajita-based meals or dishes

• Roll out new fajita varieties in celebration of the event

• Market fajita deals with creative and fun slogans (e.g., “Fiesta Fajitas”)

Examples• Chili’s Grill & Bar: $10 meal

special included a beverage, appetizer and fajitas

• Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant: Spotlighted its steak and chicken fajitas

August LTO



1Launch of Football Season

2Labor Day

3 4 5National Cheese Pizza Day

6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30


September 2019

Other events this month16: National Working Parents Day 20: National Pepperoni Pizza Day22: National Ice Cream Cone Day26: National Pancake Day


5

September 1

Launch of Football SeasonOpportunities• Modify restaurant hours to

match game times and promote watch parties by emphasizing comradeship and extended happy hours

• Highlight LTOs featuring new beverages and finger food to snack on while watching the games

• Spotlight to-go options for at-home watch parties by providing discounts on delivery and takeout orders

• CDRs with alcohol delivery can offer promos on game days to expose consumers to drink delivery programs

Examples• Papa Gino’s: 30% off all

online orders on first game day

• Emeril’s Restaurants: Advertised its special game day hours

September 2

Labor DayOpportunities• As the unofficial end of

summer, Labor Day is prime time for marketing value deals and the simple conveniences by touting the option to let someone else do the cooking

• Since many people have the day off, spotlight group dining or family meals options

• Drive takeout and catering sales with value bundles and online ordering specials

• Provide one-day specials such as buy one, get one free entrees or a free dessert or appetizer with the purchase of an entree

Examples• Fazoli’s: $5 off any family

meal

• Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: 20% off online purchases on Labor Day weekend

September 5

National Cheese Pizza DayOpportunities• Offer a large cheese pizza

for the price of a small or medium pizza

• Provide extra cheese or vegetarian toppings for no additional cost

• Spotlight premium or locally sourced cheese varieties

• Offer a percentage discount on all cheese pizzas as a one-day special

Examples• Rocky Rococo: Free extra

cheese on any pizza

• Bertucci’s: 50% off small and large cheese pizzas

September LTO



1 2 3 4National Taco Day

5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16National Boss’s Day

17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31Halloween


October 2019

Other events this month14: National Dessert Day17: National Pasta Day 26: National Pumpkin Day27: National American Beer Day


7

October 4

National Taco DayOpportunities• Offer a free or discounted

taco with the purchase of a beverage, entree or another taco

• Highlight taco-based meal options at a reduced cost

• Provide a free taco for guests saying a code word (e.g., “taco”) or dressing as a taco, or through a mobile app or email coupon

• Spotlight popular taco varieties

Examples• Rubio’s: Free original fish

taco with any beverage purchase

October 16

National Boss’s DayOpportunities• Provide BOGOs for

employees taking their boss out for breakfast or lunch

• Market customizable cakes and delectable pastries as a more appetizing gift choice

• Highlight gift cards as the no-fail option, with an emphasis on customization and quality

• Spotlight and offer discounts on online merchandise, such as coffee bags, gift baskets and apparel

Examples• Boscos Restaurant &

Brewing Co.: BOGO lunch deal

October 31

HalloweenOpportunities• Restaurant promos for

Halloween largely center on kids eat free, costume contests and catering or takeout deals

• Market and offer special discounts on limited-time themed foods and beverages, such as cakes, doughnuts and alcohol drinks

• Promote in-restaurant Halloween parties

Examples• California Pizza Kitchen:

Advertised its catering and takeout options for Halloween celebrations

• El Chico Cafe: Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree

October LTO



1 2

3National Sandwich Day

4 5Election Day

6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28Thanks-giving

29 30


November 2019

Other events this month5: National Doughnut Day 11: Veterans Day13: World Kindness Day 27: Friendsgiving


9

November 3

National Sandwich Day Opportunities• Provide a discount on all

regular sandwiches

• Launch new sandwich varieties in celebration of the event and spotlight any underperforming sandwiches with free samples

• Offer catering sandwich trays at a reduced cost

Examples• Firehouse Subs: Introduced

new Firehouse Pub Steak sub

• Milio's Sandwiches: Offered all regular subs for $3.50

November 5

Election Day Opportunities• Hold election results-

watching party with happy hour specials

• Offer free fries or a cookie with the presence of an “I Voted” sticker

• Engage with customers on social media by asking them to vote on menu-related “elections”

Examples• Shake Shack: Offered free

fries with any purchase when customers showed an “I Voted” sticker

• Glory Days Grill: 10% off any order with email coupon

November 28

Thanksgiving DayOpportunities• Convenience and quality

are key during the Thanksgiving period

• Selling points for Thanksgiving meal packages often include the convenience of not doing the cooking at home (and not just on the holiday, but other days when large parties might want to be fed); food that’s at or above the quality and craftsmanship that

consumers might make themselves; and a package price that offers great value

• Partial catering options, with a focus on Thanksgiving turkey or desserts, offer consumers added convenience without relinquishing tradition and control

• Safety can also be used as a selling point for fried turkeys—even if in a tongue-in-cheek manner

Examples• Huddle House: Advertised

that it was open on Thanksgiving

• Maria’s Italian Kitchen: Promoted its holiday catering with an emphasis on convenience (“without the fuss”)

November LTO



1 2 3 4National Cookie Day

5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25Christmas

26 27 28

29 30 31New Year’s Eve


December 2019

Other events this month11: National App Day16: National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day20: National Ugly Sweater Day30: Bacon Day


11

December 4

National Cookie DayOpportunities• Offer a free cookie with the

purchase of another or with no purchase required

• Highlight premium ingredients in cookies, such as organic butter and real chocolate

• Spotlight underperforming cookie varieties with samples and discounts

Examples• Nestle Toll House Cafe by

Chip: Buy three cookies, get three free deal

• Great American Cookies: Free chocolate chip cookie with no purchase required

December 25

ChristmasOpportunities• Offer holiday gift card deals

around Christmas, such as a free bonus card with the purchase of a minimum amount of gift cards

• Give thanks to loyal guests and capture some foot traffic from those who are traveling for the holiday with free deals and specials

• Spotlight partial and full catering options with an emphasis on comfort and convenience

• For FSRs, advertise if open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and any special holiday menus

• Launch LTO rollouts, such as doughnuts and cookies, that are holiday-themed

Examples• Cohn Restaurant Group:

Special three-course menu for Dec. 24-25

• Zaxby’s: Promoted its catering through a holiday checklist

December 31

New Year’s EveOpportunities• Whether promoting dining

in a restaurant or at home, meal deals remain a prominent promotion tactic for New Year’s Eve

• For FSRs, market around two occasions: a special dinner with loved ones and friends—usually a fixed-price meal of mostly indulgent food and drink—as well as a late-night hangout where friends can celebrate as the clock strikes midnight

• Advertise meal packages with a focus on delivery for revelers who plan to do their celebrating at home

• Use email and social media to get the word out on end-of-year promotions

Examples• ZED451: Advertised its

Carnival-style New Year’s Eve party with a spotlight on signature cocktails and small plates

December LTO



1New Year’s Day

2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

14 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20National Cheese Lover’s Day

21 22 23National Pie Day

24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31


January 2020

Other events this month4: National Spaghetti Day9: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day27: National Chocolate Cake Day


13

January 1

New Year’s DayOpportunities• Cater to healthier eating

resolutions by spotlighting better-for-you options that don’t sacrifice flavor

• Roll out new menu items just for the day, such as a curated brunch or breakfast

• Offer free or discounted food and beverages on takeout orders, emphasizing ease after New Year’s Eve parties

Examples• Joe’s American Bar & Grill:

Spotlighted savory brunch offerings

January 20

National Cheese Lover’s Day Opportunities• Highlight premium or

locally sourced cheese varieties

• Promote cheese-infused menu items by offering discounts as a one-day special

• Spotlight underperforming cheese-based offerings on social media with close-up pictures and craveabledescriptions

Examples• Pretzelmaker: $1 off a 16-

piece Mozzarella Stuffed Bites combo

• Sbarro: Spotlighted that its pizzas are made with 100% whole-milk mozzarella

January 23

National Pie Day Opportunities• Launch new pie varieties in

celebration of the event and promote less popular pies with free samples

• Offer a free slice of pie with the purchase of any entree

• Provide a discounted price on all or feature pies

Examples• Polly Pies Restaurant: One-

day special where all pies were $7.99

• Cantina Laredo: Free piece of pie with the purchase of two entrees

January LTO



1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9National Pizza Day

The Oscars

10 11 12 13 14Valentine’s Day

15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29


February 2020

Other events this month2: Super Bowl13: Galentine’s Day 17: Presidents Day 22: National Margarita Day


15

February 9

National Pizza DayOpportunities• Provide a discount on all

regular pizzas, including special carryout deals

• Offer free or discounted extra toppings as a one-day special

• Emphasize premium ingredients, including quality dough and meats, and preparation styles, such as wood-fired

• Spotlight on-trend pizza varieties, including those with unique crusts and mashups

Examples• Bertucci’s: 15% off of any

pizza • Extreme Pizza: Spotlighted

its Ragin’ Rooster pizza and offered $4 off any 16-inch XL Signature Pizza

February 9

The Oscars Opportunities• Promote viewing parties

occurring in-restaurant• Roll out new menu items

just for the event, such as themed cocktails

• Highlight and provide specials on off-premise options, such as discounts on catering and free delivery

• Market shareable appetizers and sides as the perfect add-on to home dinners

Examples• D’Amico & Sons: Rolled out

and marketed its $49.95 Academy Award Family Meal Special

• Pastini: 15% off all takeout orders

February 14

Valentine’s DayOpportunities• Encourage couples to

celebrate their love story by launching one-day BOGO deals and curated dinner menus

• Offer discounted or free desserts with the purchase of two meals or entrees

• Spotlight heart-shaped foods such as pizzas, cookies and cakes

• Market promotions that appeal to noncouples, such as singles and families

Examples• Brio Tuscan Grille:

Encouraged customers to make reservations and spotlighted its prime-cut filet

• Glory Days Grill: Free Oreo slider for each child

February LTO



1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17St. Patrick’s Day

March Madness

18 19First Day of Spring

20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31


March 2020

Other events this month1: National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day 6: National Oreo Cookie Day 13: National Good Samaritan Day19: National Poultry Day


17

March 17

March MadnessOpportunities• Provide discounts on

popular game food and drinks, including alcohol, throughout the entire month of March

• Engage with customers on social media by asking them to participate in a menu-related March Madness bracket

• Host watch parties in-restaurant and offer special deals during game hours, such as bottomless fries

Examples• The Windmill Hot Dogs:

BOGO burger deal on every Monday in March

• Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant: Special $3.99 deal on all house margaritas through March

March 17

St. Patrick’s DayOpportunities• Promote in-store

celebratory parties by offering contests and extended happy hours, and emphasizing comradeship

• Offer food and drink specials, especially on alcohol beverages, throughout the weekend

• Roll out limited-time green-colored foods and beverages

Examples• Taco Cabana: All-day happy

hour through St. Patrick’s Day weekend

• Bill Bateman’s Bistro: Promoted its St. Patrick’s Day Bash by spotlighting drink specials and corned beef

March 19

First Day of SpringOpportunities• Highlight catering options

and deals for springtime events and gatherings

• Launch discounts on refreshing cold beverages, such as lemonades and tropical-inspired beverages, emphasizing the approaching warmer weather

• Since many individuals are preparing for swimsuit season, highlight lighter, better-for-you options with seasonal ingredients

Examples• Cantina Laredo: Special

spring break $5 Blue Hawaiians cocktails deal

• Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q: Promoted its Spring Wing Fest

March LTO



1April Fools’ Day

2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12Easter

13 14 15Tax Day

16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

April 2020

Other events this month5: National Caramel Day8: Passover13: National Make Lunch Count Day23: National Take a Chance Day



19

April 1

April Fools’ DayOpportunities• Provide one-day deals, such

as reduced price of a regular menu item, and market it as “no fooling around”

• Offer a free dessert with the purchase of an entree or minimum purchase as “no joke”

• Roll out contests to win a free dinner or lunch as a chance to “get lucky” on April Fools’ Day

• Promote menu offerings with a joke, such as availability of a menu item at restaurants for only one minute

Examples• Huddle House: Free

brownie a la mode with the purchase of an entree

• Planet Sub: $6.99 footlong sub one-day special

April 12

EasterOpportunities• Easter Sunday means brisk

business for breakfast and brunch as families gather and celebrate

• Encourage customers to make reservations early, with heavy promotion of curated brunch and dinner menus

• Offer dine-in specials, including free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal

• Cater to those celebrating at home by advertising to-go packages and select add-ons, such as quiche and dessert

• Modify restaurant hours to coincide with Easter celebrations, including opening early

Examples• Texas de Brazil

Churrascaria: Encouraged patrons to make early reservations, spotlighting special brunch items and regular dinner menu

• Maggiano’s Little Italy: Highlighted its Easter Family Style menu

April 15

Tax Day Opportunities• Provide “tax relief” by

offering a percentage discount (often 15%-20%) on all orders

• Celebrate the end of tax season by rolling out half-price menu items and BOGO deals

• Launch one-day $10.40 entree or meal specials

• Offer all-night happy hour Examples• White Castle: 15% off all in-

person orders • Sonny’s BBQ: Offered half-

price St. Louis Rib Dinner

April LTO



1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10Mother’s Day

11 12 13 14 15National Pizza Party Day

16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25Memorial Day

26 27 28 29 30

31


May 2020

Other events this month1: National Loyalty Day5: National Teacher Appreciation Day11: National Eat What You Want Day16: National Barbecue Day


21

May 10

Mother’s DayOpportunities• Brunch and lunch are often

part of a Mother’s Day celebration

• Modify restaurants hours for brunch or lunch offerings and push customers to make their reservations early

• Roll out new menu items just for the event, such as a curated brunch or heart-shaped bagels or cookies

• Market gift cards as the perfect gift and provide cash-back offers to those who purchase a certain amount of gift cards

• Provide one-day specials for moms, such as buy one, get one free entrees or a free dessert or drink with the purchase of an entree

Examples• Maggiano’s Little Italy:

Free $20 Ebonus card when customers spent $75 or more on gift cards

• Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Mother’s Day brunch featuring Lump Crab Cake Eggs Benedict

May 15

National Pizza Party Day Opportunities• Provide a free small pizza

with the purchase of another pizza

• Provide a discount on all regular-priced pizzas or an order of a minimum amount

• Highlight new or premium ingredients, such as cauliflower crust or 100% real cheese

• Provide pizza samples to guests waiting in line to promote new or underperforming pizza varieties

Examples• Giordano’s: $5 0ff any

order of $25 or more• Papa Gino’s: Free small

cheese pizza with the purchase of any large or extra-large pizza

May 25

Memorial DayOpportunities• Offer a free entree to

veterans or active military members to show gratitude for their service

• Roll out food and drink specials throughout the entire weekend, such as discounted tacos or all-day happy hour

• Provide a percentage discount, often between 10%-20%, on all online orders

• Spotlight catering or takeout family meals, appealing to those who decide to celebrate at home

Examples• Brio Tuscan Grille:

Highlighted catering options, including its Family Bundles, Large Party Pans and Pasta Station

• Country Kitchen: Free Country Scramble for veterans or active military members

May LTO



1Start of Summer Hype

2 3 4National Cheese Day

5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21Father’s Day

22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30


June 2020

Other events this month10: National Iced Tea Day 16: National Fudge Day19: National Take Back the Lunch Break Day30: Social Media Day


June 1

Start of Summer HypeOpportunities• Roll out refreshing limited-

time cold beverages, such as slushies or lemonades, with an emphasis on the approaching hot weather

• Launch new summer menus or bring back seasonal favorites, including lobster, barbecued meats and fresh salads

• Provide discounted prices on alcohol beverages one day a week or the entire month of June

• With kids out of school, offer discounted or free items from kids menu

Examples• Bob Evans Restaurants:

Launched new summer salads and brought back its Chicken Salad

• Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard: Highlighted its flavored lemonades

June 4

National Cheese DayOpportunities• Offer discounts on menu

items made with cheese, including sandwiches and pizza

• Provide free cheese-based condiments as a one-day special

• Spotlight premium cheese varieties and provide details on the sourcing of cheeses, such as locally sourced cheese

Examples• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen:

$5.99 special on the Cheddar Club sandwich, highlighting its American and cheddar cheeses

• Pretzelmaker: Free cheese sauce with the purchase of regular or large Pretzel Bites

June 21

Father’s DayOpportunities• Encourage customers to

make early reservations and create curated Father’s Day meals, with a heavy focus on meats

• Offer free or discounted menu items to dads, especially alcohol beverages or desserts

• Provide a free gift card to dads during dine-in occasions for them to use on their next visit

• Promote gift cards as the “better” gift and provide cash-back offer to those who purchase a certain amount of gift cards

Examples• The Pasta House Co.: Dads

eat free; free order of spaghetti with meat sauce and free cheesecake cupcake with a paying adult

• Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille: Dads receive a $10 gift card to use on a later date

23

June LTO

312-876-0004 | [email protected] | www.technomic.com

Fine Print

Technomic, Inc. prepares LTO Promo PlannerTM to provide analysis of key developments and trends related to limited-time offers by monitoring primary and secondary sources, including company content, trade publications and other news outlets. If you have questions, comments or topic suggestions, please send them to [email protected].

Sophie Mir, Associate EditorKristin Menas, Editor Teri Schroeder, Senior Manager, ProductionMarisela Gesiakowski, Production Coordinator

Technomic, Inc. believes that its sources of information are reliable but does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy orcomprehensiveness of the information published. No part of this publication may be reprinted, redistributed or put into an electronic information retrieval system without prior written permission of Technomic.

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