March Madness isn’t just a basketball tournament—it’s a golden opportunity for restaurants to attract crowds, move food, and boost sales without blowing the budget.
Whether you run a casual sports bar or a chef-driven kitchen, here are some simple, affordable ideas to turn the madness into money.
1. Game-Day Bundles That Sell
Create combo meals built for groups—think wings, fries, and sliders bundled together at a value price. Keep it fast, familiar, and fun. These are easy to prep in bulk and perfect for sharing.
Example:
“Final Four Feast: 20 wings, a tray of nachos, and a 2-liter soda for $40.”
2. Bracket-Style Menu Battles
Put your most popular items in a bracket and let customers vote round by round. Offer the “winning” item at a discount during the championship weekend. It’s interactive, easy to run on social media, and keeps people coming back.
3. Themed Drink Specials
Craft drinks with names like “Full Court Press” or “Slam Dunk Sangria.” Beer buckets, pitcher deals, or team-colored cocktails don’t cost much to make but feel festive.
Tip: Use house liquor and well drinks to keep costs low and margins high.
4. Takeout + Delivery Party Packs
Not everyone wants to fight for a bar stool. Offer party trays and takeout bundles for at-home viewing. Make ordering simple with QR codes or direct links to your ordering page.
5. Loyalty Punch Cards or Prizes
Create a simple reward system for repeat visits during the tournament. It could be a free appetizer on the third visit or entry into a prize drawing. Doesn’t cost much—but it builds traffic and loyalty fast.
6. Use What You Have
Look at your current inventory. Build specials around what’s already in-house to keep food costs down. Got extra cheese? Nachos. Surplus chicken? Wings or sliders. This is a great time to move product smartly.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Moving
March Madness customers want fast, easy, and craveable. You don’t need to reinvent your menu—just theme it, bundle it, and market it well.
With a little creativity and smart planning, you can turn this month into one of your strongest yet—without overspending.
