Spring is finally here—we think! That’s what the calendar says anyway. So it’s time to start dreaming up promotions and marketing strategies to make Spring 2023 a record-breaking moneymaker for your pizzeria. We can’t do all the thinking for you, but we don’t mind getting you started with these six ideas that you can tweak and adapt to fit your restaurant.

1. Get exclusive. Create an invitation-only tasting event for local or regional social media influencers, food writers and entertainment reporters in your area. Invite local celebrities—such as TV news anchors, sports coaches or political figures—for added cachet.
2. Show off your green thumb. Plant an herb garden outside your restaurant and use what you grow in your recipes. Post social media pictures of the herbs to emphasize the freshness of your ingredients, and promote the garden on your website.
3. Geek out over “Star Wars.” Celebrate May the 4th, a favorite of “Star Wars” fans across the galaxy, and let your nerd flag fly. Host a Star Wars costume contest with gift cards or free food as prizes. Or award prizes to costume-wearing guests who post selfies with a designated hashtag on Facebook or Instagram.
4. Hash out a social media campaign. Create a spring-themed social media campaign on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok (or all of the above). Use a hashtag like #springatvinniespizza and invite customers to post mouthwatering photos or videos of your pizzas for a chance to win free food or gift cards. Whenever a contest winner comes in to redeem the prize, take that person’s photo and post it as a reminder of the ongoing contest. Ask permission to tag them as well!
5. Remember the moms! Turn Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14) into a three-day weekend extravaganza with different offerings each day, including heart-shaped pizzas, wine specials, kids menus, Sunday brunch and more. Don’t forget to add some unforgettable desserts!
6. Do a little heavy petting. Organize a Pups on the Patio fundraiser in partnership with a local animal shelter, Humane Society chapter or a chapter of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Consider hosting a best-dressed contest for dogs and providing special treats for every pup while also offering beer-and-pizza specials for those customers who don’t have tails to wag.

Related: How to protect your restaurant against spring floods