Best Thanksgiving Ideas For Restaurants

Most families like to enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving, but not everyone has time to cook one. While you might think business will be slow during the holiday, there are actually numerous individuals who’d prefer to spend Turkey Day at a restaurant rather than at home. For example, some people can’t make it home for the holidays, while others don’t want to stress about throwing a large party. By staying open, your restaurant can provide patrons a place to celebrate the holiday in a non-traditional way. In this detailed guide, we provide you with numerous ways to make your restaurant the place to be on Thanksgiving.

Customers looking to dine at a restaurant on Thanksgiving Day aren’t looking to eat your regular food items. They want food that is traditionally served at a Thanksgiving dinner. Creating a Thanksgiving menu allows you to meet your customers’ expectations. These are some classic dishes customers typically crave during the holiday:

• Roasted turkey
• Mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Stuffing
• Cornbread
• Sweet potatoes
• Ham
• Pumpkin pie

If you really want to take customers’ needs into consideration, include a healthy Thanksgiving menu. With so many people following diets such as veganism and vegetarianism, you’ll make your restaurant more accessible. Consider adding these dishes to your Turkey Day menu:

• Cauliflower stuffing
• Sweet potato salad
• Vegan green bean casserole
• Gluten-free pumpkin pie

Those who don’t want to cook but still want to enjoy dinner at home will be looking for restaurants that offer Thanksgiving food to go. Creating a Thanksgiving take out menu will allow you to expand your target audience. Many restaurants and supermarkets have begun offering prepared Thanksgiving meals, making it essential to advertise your menu items early and offer top-quality food.

Customers will love the idea of eating and partying at a restaurant on Thanksgiving Day. You can entertain your guests with games or have a football watch party. To make your foodservice establishment stand out from the competition, create special Thanksgiving cocktails your customers can't get anywhere else.

Remember not to allow more customers than your restaurant's maximum occupancy to ensure your staff can efficiently serve tables and customers feel safe. To spread the word about your restaurant's Thanksgiving Day festivities, you should consider passing out flyers and sharing details on social media.

Most of the time, Thanksgiving only involves family members and does not include friends. To ensure your customers see their friends during the holiday, hold a Friendsgiving event a few days before Thanksgiving. Customers will appreciate a special time to celebrate with their friends. Also, it doesn’t have to be dinner! You can hold a Thanksgiving breakfast, brunch, or lunch, to give customers more options in terms of scheduling. Consider hiring a photographer to capture the special moments.

Preparing for Thanksgiving at your restaurant means having the right supplies to support a high-quality dining experience. Here’s a list of restaurant supplies that you’ll need  to serve up an exceptional Thanksgiving holiday meal:

To create a welcoming holiday atmosphere, stock up on supplies that evoke the Thanksgiving spirit:

• Seasonal Décor: Pumpkins, dried flowers, and fall leaves make beautiful, natural decorations. Potted plants and herbs can double as décor and take-home gifts for guests.

•  LED Lighting And Candles: Create cozy, soft lighting with LED candles or string lights. Candles can also help create ambiance at each table.

•  Festive Menu Boards And Signage: Use small chalkboards or themed menu boards to showcase your Thanksgiving specials. This not only informs customers but also adds to the festive look.

For customers who prefer Thanksgiving takeout, having the right packaging supplies is essential to ensure your food looks and tastes great when it reaches their homes:

• Compostable Containers: Choose sturdy, compostable takeout containers that can hold Thanksgiving items like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie without leaking or spilling.

• Biodegradable Cutlery: Include eco-friendly cutlery options made from bamboo or cornstarch for customers who need disposable utensils.

• Recyclable To-Go Bags: Use paper or biodegradable bags with handles for easy carryout. You can even add a festive, branded touch by stamping your restaurant’s logo on the bags.

• Aluminum Containers: For hot dishes, use aluminum containers to keep items like turkey and gravy warm. These are easy to transport and maintain the quality of your dishes.

Thanksgiving is a busy time, so having the right kitchen supplies to handle larger-than-usual orders is essential:

• Warming Trays And Food Warmers: These are essential for keeping sides, turkey, and other dishes warm, especially if you’re hosting a Thanksgiving buffet or taking to-go orders.

• High-Capacity Mixers Food Processors: If your menu includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, or pumpkin pie filling, larger mixers and food processors will help speed up preparation.

• Extra Serving Platters And Trays: Stock up on sturdy, high-quality serving trays and platters that match your Thanksgiving aesthetic. This is especially helpful for family-style dining or large takeout orders.

With a busy holiday service, cleanliness and safety are critical for the health of both your staff and guests:

• Hand Sanitizer Stations: Place hand sanitizer stations throughout the restaurant, particularly at the entrance, to-go station, and near restrooms.

• Disposable Gloves And Face Masks: For staff handling food, disposable gloves and masks are essential to ensure hygiene.

• Cleaning Supplies: Stock up on environmentally friendly cleaning supplies to keep tables, counters, and restrooms spotless. Eco-friendly products help maintain a safe environment without introducing harsh chemicals.

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving table settings  can add an inviting touch that makes your restaurant feel like a home away from home. Use fall-inspired table linens, rustic centerpieces, and natural elements like mini pumpkins or pinecones to bring warmth and seasonal charm to each table. Setting the table with eco-friendly tableware, such as compostable plates, cloth napkins, and recycled glassware, not only enhances the visual appeal but also demonstrates your commitment to sustainability. Thoughtfully arranged Thanksgiving table settings will elevate the dining experience, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Social media should be at the top of your list of Thanksgiving restaurant marketing ideas. Since you need time to promote your business and Thanksgiving offerings, we recommend to start marketing a month in advance.

Enhance your Thanksgiving offerings by featuring thoughtful cocktail and appetizer pairings that bring out the flavors of the season. Consider serving classic appetizers like spiced butternut squash soup shooters or cranberry-brie bites alongside signature cocktails like apple cider mimosas or spiced cranberry margaritas. These pairings add a festive touch to the dining experience and encourage guests to explore new flavors in a relaxed, holiday setting. With seasonal cocktails and complementary appetizers, you’ll create a memorable start to their Thanksgiving meal and keep guests coming back for more.