By Kathy Furore
Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day are among the most popular holidays for Mexican & Latin restaurants. And while the current crisis has probably put a stop to most of the promotions your restaurant has always relied on, you don’t have to abandon plans to celebrate these special days in May! We’ve combed the internet and our emails to bring you some intriguing, business-building ideas that can keep your register ringing on Cinco de Mayo (Tuesday, May 5) and Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10)!
Create a Virtual Fiesta. Salsaritas decided to help customers throw a virtual fiesta by walking them through all the steps they’ll need to take to host an online Cinco de Mayo celebration. The instructions explain how to create custom backgrounds for the event and even offers their own margarita recipes plus a custom Spotify playlist to get the party going. Customers can order one of Salsarita’s Party Packs, of course. And there’s even a chance to win $50 in rewards by posting #CouchDeMayo pictures on social media.
Prep Food-Drink-and-Swag Party Kits. Starting on Friday, May 1, Chuy’s will offer a special “Cinco Party Kit” for $20 (while supplies last) on order.chuys.com. The kit includes two of Chuy’s 18-ounce Texas Martini shakers, a pair of Tito’s sunglasses, Modelo beer coasters and mustache bottle openers and other fun swag. Customers can pair the kit with one of Chuy’s family meal kits (Fajita Kit; Taco Kit; Peace, Love & Enchiladas Kit; and Kick it Up a Nacho Kit—Take Happy Hour Home!).
Another swag-worthy idea: Work with a local party store to add piñatas to your Cinco de Mayo Party Package.
Make Music. Mariachis are a big part of celebrations at many Mexican & Latin restaurants, especially on Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day. Why not have them playing (from an acceptable social distance, of course) when customers come to pick up carry-out orders?
Offer a Special Brunch Menu. Mesa Mayo, for example, is offering two mom-pleasing options at both of its locations in Dallas—a $50 meal for 4 to 5 people that includes chilaquiles, chorizo migas, black beans, potatoes and a mimosa kit and a $100 meal for 7 to 8 that features the same items plus Mexican toast and two mimosa kits.
Craft a Brunch Basket. There are many ways to fill a themed holiday basket. One example is to follow the lead of Old Pueblo Cantina, the Mexican concept that’s part of Chicago’s Ballyhoo Hospitality group. The restaurant is participating in the company’s Mother’s Day Brunch Basket promotion, which includes favorite items from each of the group’s four restaurants, the group’s signature blend coffee, flowers from a local florist, plus a Ballyhoo gift card—all delivered along with several brunch items and a choice of cocktail kit or wine. Old Pueblo’s House Chillepin Salsa is one of the items. The baskets must be pre-ordered by Friday, May 1.
Other basket-worthy fillers: Latin pastries (a mini bag of churros, alfajores, or other sweets from a local bakery if you don’t make your own); a jar of dulce de leche or salsa; a package of fresh tortillas or house-made tortilla chips. And if you’re looking for brunch-worthy carry-out recipes, check out the recipes for Quiche Asadero and Queso Fresco Cheesecake.