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22. March 2023, 5 min read

Food is better than flowers: Mother’s Day ideas for restaurants

Author: Birgitte Brøndum
Mother's Day ideas for restaurants

Throughout the year, Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in the entire world. By hosting events or putting together a special Mother’s Day menu, your restaurant can become part of the celebration and help your guests give their moms a memorable culinary experience that lasts longer than a bouquet of roses.

Getting flowers is always lovely, but if most of us are honest, beautiful flowers in a vase can’t quite compare with a delicious meal enjoyed in the company of loved ones. Every year, thousands of people search for Mother’s Day gifts. To be exact, an average of 34,000 searches are made globally every month, and this is just in English. A visit to your restaurant can be the perfect gift they’re looking for! There are many kinds of mothers out there, and equally many ways to create events and menus they’ll love. Let’s explore some ideas!

The history of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has its roots in West Virginia in the United States. It was first celebrated on May 12, 1908, at a special Mother’s Day Meeting in a Methodist church. The initiator was Anna Marie Jarvis, a teacher who wanted to honour her mother, who had worked with other women to improve the sanitary conditions for soldiers during the American Civil War (1861-65).


From 1910, Mother’s Day was celebrated in several cities across the United States. In 1912, an organisation was formed with the purpose of introducing Mother’s Day in other countries. In 1913, the United States Congress recommended an official celebration of the day, and the year after, it was celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of May everywhere in the United States. From then on, the custom spread to Europe and the rest of the world.

Source: snl.no

When is Mother’s Day 2023?

When Mother’s Day is celebrated in Europe varies from country to country. Below is a list of Mother’s Day dates and names in some of the countries:

6 Mother’s Day ideas for your restaurant

Mother's Day brunch

Mother’s Day Brunch

Imagine getting brunch as a gift! That’s a gift that’s easy to love and a great way to show appreciation. You can help turn a tasty brunch plate or buffet into a memorable Mother’s Day gift. Offer a set Mother’s Day brunch menu, or maybe even different options, such as a champagne brunch or a mimosa brunch. Don’t forget to include a vegetarian alternative to reach a wider group of guests. Start selling tickets a month or earlier before the date of Mother’s Day to make things easier for both you and your guests!

Mother’s Day Dinner

To attract more guests on Mother’s Day, consider offering an exclusive multi-course menu at a fixed price. Inviting mom out for a gourmet dinner is a thoughtful gesture that will create a lasting memory for everyone attending.

Moreover, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase your chefs’ culinary skills and create a unique and creative Mother’s Day menu that your guests won’t forget. Not only will the delicious food impress your guests, but if your guest’s mother is impressed by the meal, she will likely remember your restaurant and recommend it to her friends for future dinners out.

Mother’s Day takeaway menu

The warming rays of the sun, the scent of fresh grass, the cheerful chirping of birds, wine glasses ready to be filled with bubbles, and your restaurant’s Mother’s Day takeaway menu in a picnic basket – what could be better? In many countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated during the spring and summer, making it the perfect opportunity to offer a special takeaway picnic menu for your guests and their moms to enjoy in a park or on the beach.

Additionally, you can offer a special takeaway Mother’s Day menu that’s delicious and easy to serve and enjoy anywhere. Adding a small flower bouquet to the takeaway bag or basket will make the celebration even more memorable!

Mother's Day picnic takeaway

Mom’s favourite hops

Does your restaurant offer an interesting selection of beers? Why not offer a Mother’s Day beer tasting with beers from both local and international microbreweries, allowing guests and their moms to embark on a journey around the world through the flavours of malt and hops?

To take it up a notch, create a special Mother’s Day beer-tasting menu that includes a range of sweet and savoury snacks to complement the rich flavours of the beers.

You can recycle this concept for other special occasions like Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day, providing a unique and fun experience for your guests throughout the year.

Restaurant gift card

A restaurant gift card is a perfect option for guests who want to treat their mothers to a unique culinary experience. If your restaurant already offers gift cards, take advantage of the lead-up to Mother’s Day by promoting them on social media. This will ensure that your guests are aware of where and how to purchase the gift cards.

Selling gift cards is an excellent way to introduce new guests to your restaurant, while also offering a convenient option for regulars searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Live music

Elevate your restaurant’s Mother’s Day events by incorporating live music, offering guests an unforgettable experience. Not only can it set your restaurant apart from others, but it can also influence how your guests perceive the food and atmosphere.

Research has demonstrated the powerful impact of music on human emotions and behaviour. Choosing a musician who performs cheerful and relaxing music can transform the ambience of your restaurant, creating a perfect setting for your guests to celebrate Mother’s Day.

These are just a few ways your restaurant can attract more guests during Mother’s Day. There are many other ways to help your guests celebrate the occasion. Be as creative as you want with everything from cooking workshops, cocktail parties, and poetry slams to yoga breakfasts or high tea. If you’re already a customer you can set up your Mother’s Day events right here. And as always, you’re more than welcome to contact us if you have questions!