According to National Today, 70% of Americans plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in 2021. Cinco de Mayo is a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage. This fun and exciting holiday often includes parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano. Here are several tips to help your patrons celebrate.

Promote Early

Let your patrons know about your Cinco de Mayo menu options and promotions ahead of time. It is a good idea to also let your customers know about the overall cleanliness of your establishment and that your following all current safety guidelines. This will assure consumers that your committed to helping them celebrate as safely as possible.

Plan Your Celebration Menu

Your menu should include delicious Mexican favorites like tacos, enchiladas, guacamole and quesadillas. Focus on promoting dishes that are authentic as possible for Cinco de Mayo. Incorporate the theme of five into your Cinco de Mayo menu. Offer a 5-course tasting menu, a nacho special with a choice of 5 toppings, discounts for parties of five and above, or a $5 drink special. At Waypoint, we are experts at helping you create a menu that’s perfect for any fiesta! Reach out to us for guidance and tips today.

Market Your Takeout & Catering

63% of consumers agree that it is more convenient to get delivery than dining out with a family. Reach out to your Waypoint representative for help creating personal touches for catered orders, such as customized Cinco de Mayo stickers or napkins. We partner with Stouse and GET and can help you upgrade your packaging containers, so that the food will stay warm and fresh for delivery.

Change Up Dessert

Many customers will see the same desserts offered at restaurants such as: flan, tres leches, churros, and sopapillas. While all those options are delicious, you can go a step further and design a truly unique Cinco de Mayo menu of desserts that features other flavors, such as Mexican chocolate, Mexican cinnamon, or sweets from regions throughout the country.

Offer Cinco de Mayo Meal Kits To-Go

Taco, nacho and queso platters to-go are always a favorite! To help families throw the perfect fiesta, offer Cinco de Mayo themed meal kits that will satisfy cravings and can be assembled easily. Make it easy by including all the ingredients and recipe/heating instructions. These kits allow families to create and experience your signature dishes in the comfort of their own home.

Craft Themed Cocktails & Mocktails To-Go

Appeal to those looking to enjoy a festive drink by creating some themed Margarita’s. Offer prepared cocktails and mocktails to-go for takeout and catering sales, as permitted by law in some states and cities. Rely on seasonal ingredients in your cocktails and mocktails to make them fresh, enjoyable and perfect for celebrating Mexican culture.

Offer Contactless Everything

As consumers look to restaurants to provide them menu options for Cinco de Mayo, they will still be seeking safe ways to order, receive and pay for their takeout/catered meals successfully. Consider adding online ordering for ease of use and always check for order accuracy. CDC guidelines encourage businesses to use touchless payment options, which prioritizes guest safety, provides faster checkouts, and increased customer satisfaction.

Post On Social Media

To encourage and promote your Cinco de Mayo specials and catered meal options, post on Facebook and Instagram Stories. Create a special event on Facebook and feature your Cinco de Mayo menu to drum up some excitement. Within the event page, ask followers to share what they love most about Cinco de Mayo. Have them tag your business in a post for a chance to win a gift card to your restaurant.

Access More Free Tools & Resources

Refresh your menu with innovative solutions, renew your passion for service, and rebuild trust with your patrons while providing a delightful dining experience. Our commitment to supporting you and your operation remains a top priority. As your one-call resource to leading brands, we want to partner with you as you prepare for continued growth throughout Spring and Summer.

We have created our Seasonal Selections Operator Tools collection as a guide to aid you as you plan for upcoming celebrations and events. Follow the link below for recipe inspiration, templates (menu, flyer & catering order forms) and take-out packaging solutions to help your operation thrive. In addition, we have put together guides for you to share with your patrons so they can host their events and special occasions safely and successfully. Click below to get started making 2021 a success!