Thanks to national food and beverage holidays, there is always a reason to celebrate. Use this calendar as a yearlong reference for how to enliven your grocery, restaurant, bar, healthcare or c-store menu. With this list, you’ll never run out of inspiration.

Bar
January 1 — Bloody Mary Day
Start the year off right with an epic Bloody Mary recipe. Bacon-infused vodka? Extra spicy tomato sauce? Pickled vegetables instead of celery? The sky’s the limit.

February 22 — Margarita Day
If you don’t already have a signature margarita recipe, today is your day. Classic margaritas deserve praise any time of year, but have you considered a strawberry mango margarita for your menu? Or spicy cucumber? Play with the possibilities.

March 13 — Ginger Ale Day
Ginger ale is a classic mixer, from rum and ginger to vodka ginger and a classic whisky ginger.

April 7 – Beer Day
Serve up a classy beer flight or advertise $2 tallboys. Both will draw a crowd!

May 4 — Orange Juice Day
Craft the perfect orange juice-themed drink menu with bottomless mimosas, screwdrivers and tequila sunrise to name a few.

June 10 — Iced Tea Day
Long Island Iced Tea and boozy Arnold Palmers are a perfect summer drink for your bar’s specials.

July 10 — Piña Colada Day
No matter where you are located, Piña Colada Day will transport your patrons to their favorite tropical destination in the heart of summer.

August 1 — IPA Day
India Pale Ale is often praised for its high alcohol content or criticized for being too bitter. Neither is fully accurate. Use this holiday to educate your newbie IPA audience while satisfying faithful hops lovers.

September 28 — Drink Beer Day
Not to be confused with Beer Day, Drink Beer Day celebrates the act of drinking. Advertise this understated holiday online with a special hashtag to spread the word.

October 4 — Vodka Day
Invite a local distillery to feature their signature vodka on Vodka Day to introduce your customers to a local brand.

November 23 — Espresso Day
Experiment with coffee or espresso-themed drinks like Irish coffee, mocha margarita or the Nutty Irishman.

December 10 — Lager Day
Celebrate this crisp, malty beer for Lager Day with local and national brands.

Casual Restaurant
January 13 — Gluten Free Day
Your wheat-intolerant customers will thank you for adding variety to your menu through zoodles, cauliflower crust pizza, or a hearty, gluten-free lentils and kale soup.

February 25 — Clam Chowder Day
Chowder is a casual dining staple side dish. Dress it up as a main entree with shaved cheddar and bacon bits or serve traditionally with a slice of hearty, homemade bread.

March 31 — Tater Day
Move over french fries and onion rings. Offer tater tots as a crunchy side dish or baked into a hearty tater tot casserole.

April 12 — Eggs Benedict Day
Your menu likely features this breakfast staple. Dress it up with some smoked salmon or make it southern with pulled pork.

May 28 — Hamburger Day
Feature your favorite burger recipe, allow customers to build their own, or make it all about the small plate sliders.

June 22 — Onion Rings Day
Add onion rings as a topper on your favorite burger recipe, stack them into a tower to serve as a crunchy appetizer or prepare oven-baked for a low-calorie option.

July 4 — Caesar Salad Day
Legend says chef and restaurateur Caesar Cardini improvised with limited kitchen supplies and invented the salad during a July 4 party in his Tijuana restaurant. Pay homage to this origin story by serving your caesar salad with a twist — whatever you have on-hand.

August 20 — Bacon Lover’s Day
Not to be confused with Bacon Day, Bacon Lover’s Day is meant to be celebrated with friends, family and fellow bacon fans. Create a group dining special, like two for $10 BLTs or a special on shareable bacon small plates, like bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers or bacon hushpuppies.

September 12 — Chocolate Milkshake Day
Not much can compete with the trifecta of a burger, fries and a chocolate shake.

October 4 — Taco Day
Pair your taco menu with a special on margaritas for a festive celebration.

November 3 — Sandwich Day
Give your customers options by selling a lunch special of half a sandwich with a half portion of soup or salad with chips or bread and a drink.

December 20 — Fried Shrimp Day
Crispy, fried shrimp is crowd-pleasing with sides of tartar sauce, french fries or hush puppies.

Fine Dining
January 20 — Cheese Lover’s Day
You don’t need an excuse to feature an exquisite charcuterie board and cheese plate on your menu, but now you have one. Your diners will love the opportunity to toast over their favorite wine and cheese pairing.

February 8 — Drink Wine Day
The only thing better than drinking wine is to drink with friends. Celebrate National Drink Wine with a specialty small plate menu to pair with your signature wine list.

March 19 — Ravioli Day
Homemade pasta is a canvas for creativity. How will you showcase your artistic flavoring in ravioli dough and filling?

April 27 — Prime Rib Day
You’re the experts on prepping, cooking and serving the perfect prime rib. Today is the day to deliver on your diners’ high expectations.

May 31 — Macaron Day
These delicate, meringue-based cookies are great on their own or on top of cake or apple crisp for an epic desert experience.

June 15 — Lobster Day
Lobster is a fine-dining staple. Serve in bisque, sous vide or more traditionally with melted butter and lobster crackers so your guests can get their hands dirty.

July 30 — Cheesecake Day
Cheesecake is dessert bliss. Serve as mini, small bites in a dessert sampling tray or as a decadent main attraction.

August 5 — Oyster Day
Whether served raw, broiled, chargrilled or added to a warm stew, oysters make a statement and are fun to share.

September 15 — Linguine Day
Linguine is traditionally served with pesto, tomato or fish-based sauces. Break the rules or honor tradition on this pasta holiday.

October 1 — Vegetarian Day
Most people associate fine dining with expensive meat and fish. Redefine upscale vegetarian dining on this fall holiday.

November 30 — Mousse Day
Experiment with sweet and savory mousse recipes, such as parmesan mousse, salmon mousse or classic chocolate mousse.

December 5 — Comfort Food Day
Serve classic winter comfort food with an upscale twist that is both adventurous and familiar to your diner.

C-Store
January 31 — Hot Chocolate Day
Why does coffee get all the credit? Hot chocolate is a sweet pick-me-up for fast-traveling customers. Feature your hot chocolate mix with a special twist like peppermint or large marshmallows to keep the holiday spirit alive.

February 9 — National Pizza Day
Customers are flocking to C-stores for grab ‘n go dinners. Serve pizza whole or by the slice or with a drink for a fast and cheap combo meal.

March 18 — Oatmeal Cookie Day
Today, your doughnuts get a day off. Bring the oatmeal cookie front-and-center as a healthy (ish) bakery option.

April 7 — Burrito Day
Whether you’re feeding emergency workers during COVID or satisfying a truck driver passing through your store, you can do it with a burrito.

May 5 — Hoagie Day
Stock your to-go cooler with premade hoagie sandwiches to satisfy your on-the-go customer.

June 7 — Doughnut Day
Use your beloved fresh doughnut display to entice pump customers in-store with a doughnut and beverage special.

July 17 — Hot Dog Day
Load up the rollergrills with hot dogs and offer a range of condiments for hot dog day. Or, serve as a bundle for an easy, family-style meal with chips and a drink.

August 4 — Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
You know your customer is guilty of impulse food purchases. Create a chocolate chip cookie display near the register, combining fresh baked or pre-packaged options from their favorite brands like Famous Amos or Lenny and Larry’s.

September 5 — Cheese Pizza Day
Sell by the slice or with a drink special to make an easy meal for those traveling through.

October 27 — American Beer Day
People love reasons to celebrate America. Promote the holiday on your social media accounts to draw customers to your featured domestic selection.

November 6 — Nachos Day
Create a build-your-own nacho bar that complies with sanitation requirements to satisfy your patron’s salty cravings.

December 9 — Pastry Day
Partner with a local bakery or retailer to feature their pastries and cross-promote each others’ brands through marketing.

Grocery
January 23 — Pie Day
Why wait until March 14 to celebrate Pi day when you can capitalize on this national holiday? Dedicate an end cap to your bakery’s finest selection of whole, half or hand-held pies.

February 27 — Strawberry Day
Strawberry season is January through November. Showcase this superfruit in your displays or online menus in February on top of angel food cake, inside a strawberry rhubarb pie, freeze-dried as a to-go snack or in savory dishes like strawberry basil chicken or bruschetta.

March 1 — PB Lover’s Day
Peanut butter is versatile. It’s a beloved children’s condiment on PB&Js, but also can be used as a butter substitute, smothered over a burger and even blended into hummus. Expand your customer’s horizons on PB Lover’s day.

April 4 — Ramen Noodle Day
Will you use this day to feature the low-cost, instant ramen noodle products or authentic ramen preparation? You choose!

May 13 — Hummus Day
Hummus is an appetizer, afternoon snack or sandwich spread. Display your vast hummus selection next to crackers, in the deli and alongside select produce like carrots, broccoli and grape tomatoes to encourage new sales.

June 17 — Eat Your Veggies Day
Showcase vegetables’ infinite range by offering a vegetarian or vegan cooking class (virtual or in-person), hosting a special “Eat Your Veggies” health seminar or by offering free samples of an easy meatless recipe in-store.

July 6 — Fried Chicken Day
Many supermarket chains have award-winning fried chicken. Showcase your signature recipe to your drop-in lunch crowd with warm sides or sell as an easy to-go dinner.

August 3 — Watermelon Day
Watermelon season is a beloved time of year. Sell watermelons 2 for $5 or advertise your best-selling watermelon drink mixers.

September 16 — Guacamole Day
Create an end-cap with avocado, red onion, limes and plum tomatoes with featured chips to encourage shoppers to make this simple, sharable dip.

October 22 — National Nut Day
Advertise specials on trial mix or raw nuts. Be sure to place nuts near the salad fixings and in the snack section, as well.

November 1 — Vegan Day
Vegan food doesn’t have to be intimidating. Create accessible vegan food displays with taste testing to encourage new customers.

December 30 — Bacon Day
Prepare a “tips for buying bacon” flyer that distinguishes the different cuts and flavors to educate your customers for this beloved food holiday.

Campus Dining
January 15 — Bagel Day
College students run on bagels and schmear. Who has time to sit and eat a hot breakfast? Feature a coffee and bagel special at your dining hall or cafe to show appreciation to this dynamic duo.

February 24 — Tortilla Chip day
Food holidays can raise morale in the workplace. Leverage national Tortilla Chip Day as an opportunity to serve a hearty Mexican feast in the cafeteria.

March 7 — Cereal Day
Breakfast doesn’t have to be fancy. Display your entire cereal collection and give your kitchen a day to rest its ovens.

April 12 — Grilled Cheese Day
Another comfort food that you can serve as a classic or with an upscale twist like gouda cheese and hearty sourdough bread. Don’t forget the tomato soup or, if you’re adventurous, chutney.

May 15 — Chocolate Chip Day
Mix them in cookies, banana bread, pancakes or on top of an ice cream sundae to sweeten up your campus foodservice today.

June 18 — Sushi Day
Sushi has become a popular to-go meal for its portability, relatively clean and simple preparation and high-protein nutrition. Feature a sushi special in your grab ‘n go cooler to celebrate this international dish and ease the burden of other kitchen staff like your made-to-order sandwich station.

July 13 — French Fries Day
Experiment with the fry itself by selling sweet potato fries, steak fries, curly fries or seasoned fries. Or, play with the dipping sauce: ketchup, spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, mayo and sriracha or ranch dressing and buffalo sauce.

August 23 — Cuban Sandwich Day
Cuban bread, yellow mustard, ham, swiss cheese and dill pickle chips bring this grilled sandwich together with your students’ favorite chips and a drink.

September 18 — Cheeseburger Day
Fire up the grills and prep your favorite condiments for this classic favorite.

October 9 — Submarine, Hoagy, Hero and Grinder Day
Today is the day for all-things sandwich. Challenge your kitchen to craft their best sandwich recipes to uplevel your lunch menu.

November 10 — Vanilla Cupcake Day
Add food coloring to the vanilla icing to celebrate your campus colors for this food holiday.

December 4 — Cookie Day
Invite students or employees to submit their favorite cookie recipes and select a winner to feature on this holiday to drum-up excitement and participation on campus.

Healthcare
January 28 — Blueberry Pancake Day
Something healthy in something sweet is always a nice compromise for healthcare patients or staff.

February 28 — Chili Day
We love chili for its possibilities. Turkey chili, white bean and chicken chili or traditional ground beef — serve what’s best for your patients or with items you already have on hand.

March 14 — Potato Chip & Reuben Day
Sometimes, nostalgia is the best medicine. A classic reuben sandwich with corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, rye bread and thousand island dressing is a crowd-pleasing comfort food.

April 29 — Shrimp Scampi Day
Shrimp scampi is an easy-to-prepare favorite that is packed with protein. Substitute butter for a serving of olive oil to give this recipe a healthier bent.

May 14 — Buttermilk Biscuit Day
Remind your patients and staff of home with warm, buttermilk biscuits, served at breakfast with sausage gravy or during dinner alongside fried or roasted chicken.

June 21 — Smoothie Day
Smoothies combine nutrition, flavor and portability, making it fun for staff and patients alike. Celebrating smoothie day will also benefit those in your care who are on a liquid diet.

July 29 — National Lasagna Day
One-pan meals like lasagna are efficient for kitchen staff and satisfying for patrons. Plus, they freeze well with leftovers.

August 29 — Chop Suey Day
Chop Suey is a sneaky way to integrate more vegetables into your customers’ diet. Plus, it’s a flavorful way to use up leftover pork tenderloin.

September 26 — Pancake Day
Substitute white flour for wheat or buckwheat flour for a healthful spin on this breakfast class.

October 12 — Gumbo Day
Spice up your kitchen with the warm, cajun flavors of gumbo for a hearty, one-pot meal.

November 11 — Sundae Day
Create a sundae station with sugar-free chocolate or dairy-alternative ice cream to satisfy your patients unique dietary needs.

December 6 — Gazpacho Day
Gazpacho is a Spanish-styled soup made from tomatoes and other vegetables that is traditionally served cold. It is rich in antioxidants, making it a festive dish to celebrate in your foodservice operation.

Don’t Forget To Promote
Remember, your celebration is only as good as your promotion. Utilize outdoor signage, online social media accounts or e-newsletters to get the word out about your menu specials. To encourage more mobile or takeout orders, offer a special discount in honor of the holiday.