Many F&B businesses think they lack opportunities for SMS campaigns, but we’ve got you covered with 365 days of food holidays. Leverage these special days to engage your customers year-round and boost your marketing efforts effortlessly. Here’s how you can make the most of each day.
Monthly food holidays
Here is the list of monthly food holidays along with dates for F&B business to use in your SMS marketing strategy.
1. January Food Holidays
January 1: National Bloody Mary Day
January 2: National Buffet Day
January 2: National Cream Puff Day
January 3: National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
January 4: National Spaghetti Day
January 5: National Whipped Cream Day
January 6: National Bean Day
January 6: National Shortbread Day
January 7: National Tempura Day
January 8: National English Toffee Day
January 8: National Gluten-Free Day
January 9: National Apricot Day
January 10: National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
January 11: National Hot Toddy Day
January 11: National Milk Day
January 12: National Curried Chicken Day
January 12: National Marzipan Day
January 13: National Peach Melba Day
January 14: National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
January 15: National Bagel Day
January 15: National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
January 16: National Fig Newton Day
January 16: International Hot and Spicy Food Day
January 17: National Hot Buttered Rum Day
January 18: National Peking Duck Day
January 19: National Popcorn Day
January 20: National Buttercrunch Day
January 20: National Cheese Lover’s Day
January 21: National Granola Bar Day
January 22: National Blonde Brownie Day
January 22: National Hot Sauce Day
January 23: National Pie Day
January 24: National Peanut Butter Day
January 25: National Irish Coffee Day
January 26: National Peanut Brittle Day
January 27: National Chocolate Cake Day
January 28: National Blueberry Pancake Day
January 29: National Corn Chip Day
January 30: National Croissant Day
January 31: National Hot Chocolate Day
Pro Tip: Jump-start the year with a January Foodie Fest, leading off daily food holidays, special discounts, and building limited-time menu items into the month. This way, you’re not only driving sales but keeping the customers engaged with fresh, exciting options every month.
2. February Food Holidays
February 1: National Baked Alaska Day
February 1: National Dark Chocolate Day
February 2: National Tater Tot Day
February 3: National Carrot Cake Day
February 4: National Homemade Soup Day
February 4: National Stuffed Mushroom Day
February 5: World Nutella Day
February 5: National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6: National Chopsticks Day
February 7: National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
February 8: National Molasses Bar Day
February 8: National Potato Lover’s Day
February 9: National Bagels and Lox Day
February 9: National Pizza Pie Day
February 10: National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
February 11: Game Day
February 11: National Peppermint Patty Day
February 12: National Plum Pudding Day
February 13: National Tortellini Day
February 13: National “Italian Food” Day
February 14: National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day
February 14: Valentine’s Day
February 15: National Gumdrop Day
February 16: National Almond Day
February 17: National Cafe Au Lait Day
February 18: National “Drink Wine” Day
February 19: National Chocolate Mint Day
February 20: National Muffin Day
February 21: National Pancake Day
February 21: National Sticky Bun Day
February 22: National Margarita Day
February 23: National Banana Bread Day
February 24: National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25: National Chocolate-Covered Nut Day
February 26: National Pistachio Day
February 27: National Strawberry Day
February 28: National Chocolate Souffle Day
February 29: National Frog Legs Day
Pro Tip: Capitalize on National Chocolate Lovers Month with special chocolate-themed promotions and events. Host a chocolate-tasting event or offer limited-time chocolate desserts and drinks to entice customers.
3. March Food Holidays
March 1: National Fruit Compote Day
March 1: National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
March 2: National Banana Cream Pie Day
March 3: National Cold Cuts Day
March 3: National Moscow Mule Day
March 3: National Mulled Wine Day
March 3: National Soup It Forward Day
March 4: British Pie Week starts
March 4: National Pound Cake Day
March 4: National Snack Day
March 5: National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6: National Oreo Day
March 7: National Cereal Day
March 8: National Peanut Cluster Day
March 9: National Meatball Day
March 9: National Crab Meat Day
March 10: National Blueberry Popover Day
March 10: National Ranch Dressing Day
March 10: Pretzel Sunday
March 11: Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
March 13: National Chicken Noodle Soup Day
March 14: National Potato Chip Day
March 15: National Peanut Lovers Day
March 16: National Artichoke Heart Day
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 18: National Sloppy Joe Day
March 19: National Chocolate Caramel Day
March 19: National Poultry Day
March 20: National Ravioli Day
March 21: Vermouth Day
March 22: World Water Day
March 23: National Chips and Dip Day
March 24: National Cocktail Day
March 25: International Waffle Day
March 26: National Nougat Day
March 26: National Spinach Day
March 27: International Whisky Day
March 27: National Spanish Paella Day
March 28: National Something on a Stick Day
March 30: National Hot Chicken Day
March 31: National Baked Ham with Pineapple Day (Easter Sunday)
March 31: National Oysters on the Half Shell Day
Pro Tip: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and National Nutrition Month by featuring all-natural green-themed and healthy menu items. Send SMS promos with green smoothies, salads, and Irish-inspired dishes to drive in those who are health-conscious or celebrating the holiday.
4. April Food Holidays
April 1: April Fools’ Day
April 1: National Sourdough Bread Day
April 2: National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day
April 3: National Bake Week starts (first Monday in April)
April 3: National Chocolate Mousse Day
April 5: National Caramel Day
April 5: National Raisin and Spice Bar Day
April 6: National Acai Bowl Day
April 6: National Caramel Popcorn Day
April 6: National Fresh Tomato Day
April 7: National Beer Day
April 7: National Coffee Cake Day
April 8: National Empanada Day
April 9: National Gin and Tonic Day
April 11: National Cheese Fondue Day
April 11: National Poutine Day
April 12: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
April 12: National Licorice Day
April 14: National Pecan Day
April 15: National Glazed Ham Day
April 17: National Cheeseball Day
April 19: National Garlic Day
April 19: National Rice Ball Day
April 21: National Tea Day
April 22: National Jelly Bean Day
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: National Picnic Day
April 24: National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
April 26: National Pretzel Day
April 27: National Prime Rib Day
April 28: National Blueberry Pie Day
April 29: National Shrimp Scampi Day
April 30: National Bubble Tea Day
April 30: National Oatmeal Cookie Day
April 30: National Raisin Day
Pro Tip: April is an ideal month for the promotion of seasonal ingredients, launch a campaign with “Spring Freshness” and use fresh tomatoes, spring greens, and other seasonal products throughout the campaign. Promote the daily special with SMS in order to increase repeated traffic.
5. May Food Holidays
May 1: National Chocolate Parfait Day
May 2: National Truffle Day
May 3: National Chocolate Custard Day
May 3: National Raspberry Popover Day
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
May 6: International Sauvignon Blanc Day
May 7: National Cosmopolitan Day
May 8: National Coconut Cream Pie Day
May 10: National Shrimp Day
May 11: National “Eat What You Want” Day
May 12: Mother’s Day
May 13: National Apple Pie Day
May 13: National Fruit Cocktail Day
May 13: International Hummus Day
May 14: National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
May 14: National Brioche Day
May 15: National Chocolate Chip Day
May 16: National Barbecue Day
May 16: American Craft Beer Week
May 17: Pinot Grigio Day
May 18: World Whisky Day
May 21: National Strawberries and Cream Day
May 21: International Tea Day
May 23: National Taffy Day
May 23: Chardonnay Day
May 25: National Wine Day
May 26: National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
May 27: Memorial Day
May 28: National Hamburger Day
May 28: National Brisket Day
May 29: National Biscuit Day
May 30: National Mint Julep Day
May 31: National Macaroon Day
Pro Tip: Cinco de Mayo along with National Barbecue Month lend themselves very well to themed promotions. Promote Special BBQ Platters, Margarita Deals, and Cinco de Mayo with SMS Ads calling in crowds for fabulous festive dining experiences.
6. June Food Holidays
June 1: World Milk Day
June 3: National Egg Day
June 4: National Cheese Day
June 7:National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
June 7: National Donut Day (first Friday in June)
June 8: Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day
June 8: National Rosé Day (second Saturday in June)
June 9: National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
June 10: National Iced Tea Day
June 11: National Corn on the Cob Day
June 12: International Falafel Day
June 12: National French Fries Day (second Friday in July)
June 14: National Bourbon Day
June 14: National Strawberry Shortcake Day
June 15: Beer Day Britain / National Beer Day UK
June 16: Father’s Day
June 16: National Fudge Day
June 17: National “Eat Your Vegetables” Day
June 18: International Picnic Day
June 18: International Sushi Day
June 19: National Martini Day
June 20: National Vanilla Milkshake Day
June 20: National Ice Cream Soda Day
June 21: National Smoothie Day
June 21: National Peaches and Cream Day
June 21: National Cookie Dough Day
June 22: National Onion Ring Day
June 25: National Strawberry Parfait Day
June 26: National Chocolate Pudding Day
June 27: National Ice Cream Cake Day
June 28: National Tapioca Day
June 29: National Waffle Iron Day
Pro Tip: Refer in your SMS campaigns to cooling delights like iced teas, ice creams, and shakes. Serve soul food on your menu in the month of June, in order to be part of the celebration of cultural heritage, which will attract a variety of customers to your doorstep, making the month delicious all at the same time.
7. July Food Holidays
July 2: National Anisette Day
July 3: National Eat Beans Day
July 4: Independence Day
July 5: National Apple Turnover Day
July 5: National Graham Crackers Day
July 6: National Fried Chicken Day
July 7: World Chocolate Day
July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day
July 10: National Piña Colada Day
July 10: Pick Blueberries Day
July 11: National Blueberry Muffin Day
July 11: National Mojito Day
July 12: National Pecan Pie Day
July 13: National French Fry Day
July 14: National Mac and Cheese Day
July 15: National Gummi Worm Day
July 16: National Cherry Day
July 17: National Hot Dog Day (third Wednesday in July)
July 18: National Caviar Day
July 18: National Sour Candy Day
July 19: National Daiquiri Day
July 21: National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday in July)
July 21: National Junk Food Day
July 22: National Mango Day
July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 23: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day
July 24: National Drive-Thru Day
July 24: National Tequila Day
July 25: National Wine and Cheese Day
July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 27: National Creme Brûlée Day
July 27: National Scotch Day
July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day
July 29: National Chicken Wing Day
July 29: National Lasagna Day
July 30: National Cheesecake Day
Pro Tip: You have an opportunity to join a team with local farmers and suppliers where you can talk to and team up on your favorite for fresh blueberries, watermelons, and other local produce together with seasonal ingredients. That way, you will assure quality while fostering cross-promotion opportunities among the lots. Emphasize these fresh ingredients in your special choices and advertising campaigns.
8. August Food Holidays
August 1: National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
August 2: International Beer Day
August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 3: National Mead Day
August 3: National Mustard Day (first Saturday in August)
August 3: National Watermelon Day
August 4: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
August 4: National White Wine Day
August 6: National Root Beer Float Day
August 8: National Frozen Custard Day
August 9: National Rice Pudding Day
August 10: National S’mores Day
August 11: National Panini Day
August 11: National Raspberry Tart Day
August 13: National Filet Mignon Day
August 14: National Creamsicle Day
August 15: National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
August 16: National Rum Day
August 19: National Soft Ice Cream Day
August 20: National Bacon Lovers Day
August 23: National Sponge Cake Day
August 24: National Peach Pie Day
August 25: National Whiskey Sour Day
August 26: National Cherry Popsicle Day
August 28: National Red Wine Day
August 28: National Cherry Turnover Day
August 30: National Toasted Marshmallow Day
August 30: National Beach Day
August 31: Eat Outside Day
Pro Tip: Do a promo on popular food holidays—for example: Do a “National Sandwich Month” promotion in which your customers submit their innovation and one could win menu placement. Get social media involved in creating events or promotions to turn customers into more active participants.
9. September Food Holidays
September 1: National Tofu Day
September 1: National Waffle Week starts (the first full week of September)
September 2: Labor Day
September 2: National Blueberry Popsicle Day
September 4: Eat an Extra Dessert Day
September 5: National Cheese Pizza Day
September 6: National Coffee Ice Cream Day
September 6: National Food Bank Day (first Friday in September)
September 7: National Beer Lover’s Day
September 9: International Box Wine Day
September 10: National TV Dinner Day
September 12: National Chocolate Milkshake Day
September 13: International Chocolate Day
September 13: National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day
September 14: National “Eat a Hoagie” Day
September 16: National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
September 16: National Guacamole Day
September 18: National Cheeseburger Day
September 19: National Butterscotch Pudding Day
September 20: National Punch Day
September 21: International Eat an Apple Day (third Saturday in September)
September 21: National Chai Day
September 22: National White Chocolate Day
September 23: National Snack Stick Day
September 24: National Horchata Day
September 25: National Quesadilla Day
September 25: National Cooking Day
September 26: National Dumpling Day
September 27: Hug a Vegetarian Day (fourth Friday of September)
September 27: National Chocolate Milk Day
September 29: National Biscotti Day
September 29: National Coffee Day
September 30: National Hot Mulled Cider Day
Pro Tip: Use “Better Breakfast Month” to promote healthy breakfast menus. You may want to run specials on breakfast meals or bundle breakfast deals in a way that would encourage patrons to start their day at your location. You could gain appreciation for the benefits of a good breakfast that way
10. October Food Holidays
October 1: International Coffee Day
October 2: National Pumpkin Seed Day (first Wednesday in October)
October 2: National Kale Day (first Wednesday in October)
October 2: National Fried Scallops Day
October 4: National Taco Day
October 4: National Vodka Day
October 6: National Noodle Day
October 6: National Orange Wine Day
October 8: National Pierogi Day
October 9: International Beer and Pizza Day
October 10: National Cake Decorating Day
October 11: Southern Food Heritage Day
October 12: National Pulled Pork Day
October 13: National Yorkshire Pudding Day
October 14: National Dessert Day
October 15: National Cheese Curd Day
October 16: National Liquor Day
October 17: National Pasta Day
October 18: National Chocolate Cupcake Day
October 20: International Chefs Day
October 19: National Seafood Bisque Day
October 21: National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
October 24: National Food Day
October 25: National Breadstick Day (last Friday in October)
October 26: National Chicken Fried Steak Day
October 28: National Chocolate Day
October 30: National Candy Corn Day
October 31: National Caramel Apple Day
October 31: Halloween
Pro Tip: Rise to the occasion by promoting a special menu choice of desserts to celebrate October, which has been given the honoring month of “National Dessert Month,” with Halloween around the bend. The younger social-media generation’s families and entice them with theme-oriented desserts that will be dubbed scary. Cross-promote additional purchasing with the specials being offered, i.e., “buy one, get one free.”.
11. November Food Holidays
November 1: National Cinnamon Day
November 3: National Sandwich Day
November 4: National Candy Day
November 5: National Doughnut Day
November 6: National Nachos Day
November 7: International Stout Day (first Thursday in November)
November 8: National Cappuccino Day
November 9: National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day
November 10: National Split Pea Soup Week starts (the second full week of November)
November 10: National Vanilla Cupcake Day
November 11: National Sundae Day
November 12: National French Dip Day
November 12: National Pizza With Everything (Except Anchovies) Day
November 14: National Spicy Guacamole Day
November 15: National Bundt Day
November 16: National Fast Food Day
November 17: National Homemade Bread Day
November 17: National Zinfandel Day
November 18: National Apple Cider Day
November 19: National Carbonated Beverages Day
November 21: National Stuffing Day
November 21: National Gingerbread Cookie Day
November 22: National Cranberry Relish Day
November 23: National Espresso Day
November 25: National Parfait Day
November 26: National Cake Day
November 27: National Craft Jerky Day
November 27: Drinksgiving (the day before Thanksgiving)
November 28: Thanksgiving
November 28: National French Toast Day
November 29: Black Friday
November 29: National Chocolates Day
Pro Tip: Showcase your different bread options during National Bread Month through a “Bread Basket Bonanza” promo, featuring different sorts of bread and complementary spreads. It’s also National Pepper Month, so make more people come in and indulge in some peppery specials.
12. December Food Holidays
December 1: National Peppermint Bark Day
December 2: Cyber Monday
December 3: National Green Bean Casserole Day
December 4: National Cookie Day
December 5: National Comfort Food Day
December 6: National Microwave Oven Day
December 8: National Brownie Day
December 9: National Pastry Day
December 10: National Lager Day
December 11: National “Have a Bagel” Day
December 12: Gingerbread Decorating Day
December 13: National Cocoa Day
December 15: National Cupcake Day
December 17: National Maple Syrup Day
December 18: Gourmet Coffee Day
December 18: Bake Cookies Day
December 19: National Oatmeal Muffin Day
December 20: National Sangria Day
December 21: National Coquito Day
December 21: Super Saturday
December 22: National Cookie Exchange Day
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 24: National Eggnog Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 25: National Pumpkin Pie Day
December 26: National Candy Cane Day
December 27: National Fruitcake Day
December 28: National Chocolate Candy Day
December 31: National Champagne Day
Pro Tip: Get into the holiday spirit this Eggnog Month by offering theme beverages of fresh eggnog. Celebrate National Cookie Day with a special promotion called the “12 Days of Cookies,” featuring a different cookie each day. World Food Service Safety Month: Send messages about being safe and give your customers assurance of their safety.
How to leverage these holidays?
Here are some smart ways to use these holidays for your marketing campaigns:
1. Segment your audience
Start by segmenting your SMS subscriber list. This means grouping customers based on their preferences, past purchases, or demographics. It helps you send targeted messages that resonate more deeply with each segment. For example, if you know some customers love trying new flavors while others prefer classic dishes, you can tailor your offers accordingly.
2. Create exclusive offers
Develop irresistible discounts, promotions, or special deals just for the food holiday. This isn’t just about slashing prices; it’s about creating offers so tempting that customers can’t resist. Whether it’s a buy-one-get-one-free deal or a limited-time menu item, make sure it’s something worth celebrating.
3. Craft compelling messages
Keep SMS short, sweet, and to the point. Highlight why this food holiday is special and what makes your offer stand out. Use mouthwatering descriptions and a sprinkle of urgency to nudge customers into action.
4. Include a clear call to action (CTA)
Don’t leave your customers hanging—tell them exactly what to do next. Whether it’s clicking a link to order online, visiting your store, or exploring your special menu, make your call to action crystal clear. Think of it as guiding them straight to their next culinary adventure.
5. Personalize When Possible
Lastly, if you’ve got the data, use it wisely. Personalize your messages by addressing customers by their first names and tailoring offers based on their preferences. It shows you care about their tastes and makes them feel special.
6. Timing is key
Think about when people are most likely to engage with their phones. Early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings are golden times for sending out your SMS campaigns.
For instance, if National Pizza Day is coming up, start teasing your specials a week in advance. As the day gets closer, send out reminders with enticing offers or limited-time discounts to create a sense of urgency. This keeps your brand fresh in their minds and gets them excited about what you have to offer.
7. Comply with regulations
In SMS marketing, playing by the rules is important. Get explicit consent from your subscribers before you go ahead and send any kind of message to them. It helps in building trust and presuming total adherence to the laws, most of all. More importantly, make sure there is a clear opt-out option in all your messages. This will help in showing respect for your customers’ preferences, helping to keep the relationship intact and positive.
8. Measure and optimize
Tracking the success of your campaigns is a game-changer. Keep an eye on metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates.
For example, if you notice that messages sent in the evening get higher engagement, you can adjust your future campaigns accordingly. Use this data to refine your strategy continuously. You’ll discover that offering a free appetizer on National Burger Day boosts orders more than a discount does. The key is to learn from each campaign and keep improving.
9. Integrate with other Channels
Your SMS campaign shouldn’t stand alone. Sync it up with your social media, email marketing, and in-store promotions to create a seamless and powerful marketing strategy.
If you’re promoting a special menu for National Taco Day, tease it on Instagram, send detailed offers via email, and remind your SMS subscribers about the deal. This multi-channel approach ensures your message reaches your audience no matter where they are and reinforces your promotional efforts.
How to create high-converting SMS campaigns?
Creating high-converting SMS campaigns is easy and effective with TxtCart. With an SMS marketing automation tool, TxtCart, streamline your efforts.
TxtCart offers an intuitive dashboard, customer segmentation, and automation workflows that make it simple to engage your audience. With SMS segmentation, you can personalize messages based on customer behavior, such as past interactions and purchase history, ensuring your campaigns are relevant and engaging.
TxtCart also supports MMS, GIFs, and real-time two-way conversations, enhancing your interaction with customers. This means you can send eye-catching media and engage directly with shoppers to answer questions or offer assistance, creating a more personalized experience.
With TxtCart’s features like unique discount codes, custom cart URLs, and real-time monitoring, you can boost engagement and drive conversions.
Conclusion
We have given you reasons to reach out to your customers as frequently as you can with valid offers and discounts. Do it more effectively with the best SMS marketing tool by your side.
Looking for one? Install the TxtCart app today and reach out to our team of experts for better results.
