Small Business Saturday Playbook for Restaurants
Use this one-day spotlight to fill seats, boost checks, and earn loyal regulars.
Small Business Saturday isn’t just for retail shops. For restaurants like yours, it’s a built-in spotlight on the local businesses that make a community feel like home.
This year, you can use that attention to fill seats, meet new regulars, and lock in future sales with just a few intentional moves.
Here’s your Small Business Saturday (SBS) Playbook.
1. Be open — and easy to visit
It sounds obvious, but step one is making sure guests can choose you.
Consider opening a bit earlier or staying open a little later than usual.
Double-check your hours on Google, your website, and any ordering platforms so hungry shoppers don’t run into “Closed” when they’re ready to spend.
A small adjustment in hours can turn a “We’ll go somewhere else” into an easy win for your restaurant.
2. Announce that you’re in on Small Business Saturday
Don’t assume people will know you’re participating. Tell them.
Send a quick email or text campaign highlighting your SBS plans.
Add a banner or pop-up to your website and online ordering page.
Use in-store signage, table tents, flyers, window clings, to catch foot traffic. Check out Zuppler Shop for some inspiration.
The goal: when people think “Where should we go on Small Business Saturday?” your place is on the list.
3. Create a Small Business Saturday–only offer
Give shoppers a reason to choose you today, not “sometime soon.”
Ideas that work well:
A limited-time SBS menu item or bundle
A small discount or bonus item for dine-in or online orders
A “shop local” combo that feels like a treat but is easy for your kitchen to execute
Position it as a thank-you to your community for supporting local businesses during the holidays. See our discount capability here.
4. Make gift cards a no-brainer
Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to turn today’s traffic into future visits.
Offer a one-day gift card promotion (for example: “Buy a $50 gift card for $40.”)
Promote it at the host stand, on receipts, and in your online ordering flow.
Guests are already in a buying mindset, so make your restaurant the gift they give.
5. Show your face and build relationships
People love being able to say, “I know the owner.” If you can, be visible in the dining room, at the bar, or at the counter:
Greet guests, thank them for supporting local businesses, and mention any SBS specials.
Introduce yourself to new faces and invite them to come back for an upcoming event, brunch, or seasonal menu.
Those quick, genuine interactions can turn a one-time visitor into a loyal regular.
A Simple Plan for a Big Day
Small Business Saturday doesn’t have to mean a huge campaign or complicated planning. A few simple, intentional steps, clear hours, a special offer, a gift card promo, and a visible owner can make this one day a powerful kickoff to your holiday season.
You’re already the heart of your community. This is just your reminder to lean into that and let more people discover it.