Mother’s Day Marketing Ideas That Work for Franchisors and Franchisees
Updated May 9, 2025
Moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, aunts and other caring women deserve to be celebrated every day, but on Mother’s Day, the second Sunday of May, we formally honor them. The cherished tradition of celebrating moms was started by Anna Jarvis in 1908, and it became an official U.S. holiday in 1914, according to History.com.
Mother’s Day isn’t just a heartfelt holiday — it’s also a prime opportunity to drive traffic and revenue. Restaurants see a surge in reservations and takeout orders, and smart franchisors use the occasion to boost brand visibility, upsell through gift card promotions and build loyalty through limited-time offers.
Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for dining out. Restaurants can expect last-minute reservations this May 11 – Open Table reports over 35% of bookings for Mother’s Day were made within two days of the holiday last year. From free desserts and special menus to BOGO deals and gift card bonuses, Mother’s Day dining promotions have become a strategic marketing play.
Here’s a look at how top restaurant franchises are celebrating Mother’s Day 2025 with deals that show appreciation — and drive repeat business.
Mother’s Day 2025: Best Restaurant Deals and Discounts
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is toasting moms by offering its Bad Ass Margarita for just $8. This delicious cocktail is crafted with fresh lime and Margaritaville Gold Tequila.
Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen
This Mother’s Day, Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen is serving up an array of farm-fresh dishes, from hand-picked, vine-ripened strawberries, breakfast classics and carryout bundles to feed the entire family. The Mother’s Day Breakfast Bundle features sausage, gravy and a dozen freshly baked biscuits, eggs, a choice of breakfast meat, home fries, seasonal fresh fruit and Glazed Blueberry Bread. The Mother’s Day Brunch Bundle (above) includes hotcakes or French toast finished with fresh strawberry topping, a choice of breakfast meat, eggs and home fries. Additionally, the Summer Berry Salad combines grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans and feta cheese atop a bed of fresh greens.
Buffalo’s Cafe
Buffalo’s Cafe is helping celebrate moms with something as sweet as they are: a Buffalo Chip Dessert. This menu item is free on May 11 with the purchase of any entrée over $14.99.
Burger King
Burger King is treating moms like royalty this Mother’s Day with a free Whopper when they purchase a King Jr. Meal. The promo not only drives family traffic but also boosts check sizes by pairing adult and kids’ meals. It’s a smart move that makes everyone feel like royalty on May 11.
Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick is kicking off Mother’s Day with a one-day buy one, get one (BOGO) deal on Large Quick Chicks – a larger portion of chicken salad that feeds four to five people – on May 9. Guests can also sweeten the celebration with the Red Velvet Cake, which is available in-store and online.
Denny’s
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Denny’s has marked down its PJ set for women by 10%. The iconic restaurant brand is also offering $10 off online orders of $30 or more from May 9-11.
Dog Haus
Dog Haus is bringing the celebration straight to mom this Mother’s Day! Curbside and delivery orders made on May 11 through the hot dog franchise’s app receive quadruple loyalty points.
Edible Arrangements
In addition to its fresh fruit bouquets, desserts and baked goods, Edible Arrangements is getting experiential with customizable products and limited-edition gifts. Customers ordering through digital channels and opting for delivery can personalize their gifts by adding photos to greeting cards and letters.
Fazoli’s
From May 9-11, moms can enjoy a free Fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti with meat sauce or Marinara with the purchase of any entrée using code Mother25. This deal is valid at participating locations.
Happy Joe’s Pizza
Happy Joe’s Pizza has a great deal for Mother’s Day: Buy any large pizza at the menu price and receive a free small dessert pizza (above). This limited-time offer adds value to every order and encourages families to dine together, while the free dessert pizza is a clever way to introduce guests to another menu item and drive future cravings.
Houston TX Hot Chicken
Houston TX Hot Chicken is enticing moms to dine at its locations with a BOGO deal on OG Sandwiches (chicken sandwiches served on brioche buns with pickles, coleslaw and house sauce) and Two Tender Meals (two chicken tenders served with pickles and house sauce). This offer is available through the brand’s app on May 11.
Huey Magoo’s
Huey Magoo’s has a great gift card deal in celebration of Mother’s Day. Guests can get a $30 gift card for $25.
Hurricane Grill & Wings
Hurricane Grill & Wings is celebrating mothers with free Bloody Marys with the purchase of an entrée on May 11. This festive offer encourages dine-in traffic and higher check averages, making it a smart, celebratory promo for Mother’s Day.
IHOP
IHOP has got Mother’s Day breakfast covered with a great gift card deal. When customers purchase a $25 gift card through June 30, they receive a $5 bonus card. These cards can be sent virtually or physically and are valid through Aug. 25.
KFC
KFC is teaming up with Benchmark Resorts & Hotels to bring moms the ultimate breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day — Chicken & Waffles delivered right to their room. Available on in-room dining menus for Mother’s Day weekend, this indulgent offering blends comfort and convenience, giving families an easy (and delicious) way to celebrate.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
Through May 11, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is offering flavorful and fun ways to honor Mom with its Mother’s Day Chicken Rescue initiative. On the brand’s website, there’s an exclusive video packed with tips for hosting the ultimate Mother’s Day celebration. There are also downloadable e-cards to send to a mom, stepmom, Grandma or an aunt.
And that’s not all – Lee’s Famous Rewards members will earn double points on any order placed through Mother’s Day. To unlock quadruple points for any order made on May 11, guests can text MOM to 1-833-468-1835.
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill is showing moms some love with a special treat this Mother’s Day. Moms dining in on May 11 will receive a limited-edition Mamacita Bracelet that can be exchanged for a free Mamacita Margarita with a purchase at a later visit. Menu items to pair with the cocktail include Mahi Mahi Tacos (above) or one of three new quesadillas: Vegetarian with portobello, Carne Asada, or the Classic Quesadilla with grilled chicken or ground beef.
Marco’s Pizza
Through May 11, Marco’s Pizza is offering 10% off all e-gift card purchases. Moms who love pepperoni will also get a kick out of the pizza franchise’s Pepperoni Fest. Featured menu items include Pepperoni Bread, Pepperoni Pizzoli and Pepperoni Magnifico (above). Promo code PEPFEST is required at checkout to enjoy the promotion through Mother’s Day.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is making Mother’s Day breakfast easier (and tastier) with exclusive deals on its mobile app. When guests get a breakfast item on May 11, they can add another one for just $1. Guests can also get a free breakfast sandwich when they order using McDelivery and spend $15 or more.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza
From May 8-11, Mountain Mike’s Pizza is bringing back its popular heart-shaped pizza. Guests can order the promotional pie during this period with code HEARTMOM3. This promo gives families a fun, photo-worthy way to honor mom.
Native Grill & Wings
At participating Native Grill & Wings locations on May 11, guests can enjoy a free order Native Buffalo Fries or a Native Cookie Sundae with the purchase of an entrée.
Newk’s Eatery
From May 9-11, guests can enjoy a free dessert with a purchase of an entrée at Newk’s Eatery.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes is making Mother’s Day even sweeter with the launch of its #NothingBundtMomSweepstakes. Participants have a chance to surprise mom with a $3,000 Visa gift card or one of ten additional $100 gift cards.
Panda Express
Through May 11, when guests buy $30-plus in Panda Express gift cards online, they’ll receive an $8 bonus card in return. The bonus cards are redeemable through July 31.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette is helping guests spoil moms everywhere with a selection of delectable desserts including the Rose Garden Lemon Citrus Layer Cake, Mom’s Favorite Chocolate-Raspberry Mousse Cake and the heart-shaped I Love Mom Strawberry Soft Cream Cake.
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans
PJ’s Coffee is keeping moms caffeinated this May 11 with a free 12 ounce hot coffee or cold brew. This deal is valid at participating locations.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is celebrating mothers by offering a $1 Small Italian Ice with a $1 minimum purchase to app users on May 11.
Round Table Pizza
Round Table Pizza is showing moms some love with its fan-favorite heart-shaped pizza! Additionally, guests can enjoy 15% off their orders with code RTP978 from May 9-10. The deal is valid for dine-in, carry-out and delivery at participating locations.
Sunny Street Café
Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a nice breakfast! Moms who dine in at Sunny Street Café on May 11 will be greeted with a complimentary flower as a small token of appreciation.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe has a great gift card deal to celebrate moms this Mother’s Day: Guests who spend $50 on gift cards will receive a $10 voucher. This deal is valid at participating locations through June 15, and the vouchers are redeemable through Aug. 31.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has an exclusive deal for loyalty members this Mother’s Day: When they buy a beverage, they get another one for free.
The Greene Turtle
To end Mother’s Day dinner on a high note, The Greene Turtle is offering guests a free dessert with the purchase of a meal. This deal is valid for dine-in only.
