Bars and restaurants expect a revenue boost from Valentine's Day

With the approach of Valentine's Day, the out-of-home dining sector is gearing up to serve the customers the date brings. Along with Mother's Day, it is historically one of the dates that draw the most customers to bars and restaurants.

And this year, business owners' expectations are even higher. According to a survey conducted by the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) with more than 2,748 respondents, three out of four entrepreneurs expect to earn more than on the same date in 2023. More than two-thirds (66%) expect to bring in up to 30% more this year.

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Because it's an important date on the sector's calendar, establishments usually prepare campaigns to make the most of the opportunity. In Manaus, Vumbora Culinária Amazônica launched a special combo for Valentine's Day, in addition to creating welcoming areas and spots for customers to take photos for social media. 

According to Iolane Machado, the restaurant's owner, the expectation is that the establishment will bring in 50% more compared to an ordinary Wednesday. Coincidence or not, that's the same margin expected by Café Dona Pitanga, also in the Amazonas state capital.

“We're going to set and decorate tables for couples and put on a more romantic playlist. We're also raffling off two coffee baskets for purchases of 40.00 or more from June 1 to 12. Coffee baskets are a very popular gift on this date”, reveals Tânia Tizatto, the restaurant's owner.

The date comes as a chance for relief for establishments in the food-service sector. The same Abrasel survey revealed that 39% of respondents said they had not managed to raise prices over the last 12 months. In addition, 51% adjusted below or in line with inflation.

The survey also pointed to other alarming figures for bars and restaurants. Only 36% operated at a profit in April, while 26% posted losses. 41% of respondents also reported having overdue debts of various kinds, whether taxes, rent, loans, utilities, or others.

In the face of this challenging scenario, Valentine's Day represents not only an opportunity to boost revenue, but also a chance to strengthen the relationship with customers through memorable experiences. And so bars and restaurants across the country are getting ready to turn the date into a success, to Build customer loyalty and drive their businesses forward from the opportunity.