How to Get More Bookings on Weekdays.

You’ve nailed Fridays and Saturdays - maybe even Sunday day nights too. But when Tuesday rolls around, your tables are empty - even though your kitchen and staff costs are the same.

It’s one of the biggest profit leaks in hospitality - weekday slowdowns. And no, the answer isn’t just to run 2-for-1 deals or freebies. If you want to fill out your off-peak hours without cheapening your brand, here’s what actually works:

1) Shift your promo offerings strategically.

Most weekday promos fail because they’re either boring or obvious. The usual Happy Hour is expected - “$10 burger” is overdone. Try something fresh that’s aligned with your brand, like “Chef’s Midweek Favourite” or “Wednesday Wine Pairing Experience.”

Create one signature weekday-only experience that sounds premium but doesn’t kill your margins. Use it to anchor your content, stories and in-venue signage.

2) Increase marketing efforts from Sunday to Tuesday.

Most venues wait until Wednesday to promote bookings for Thursday onwards. If you are doing this, you’re already late. People start planning early in the week, especially office workers or couples who want to break the midweek routine.

So post weekday-specific content on Sunday night and Monday morning. Push stories with booking call-to-actions. Have something time-sensitive, like “15 spots only this Wednesday.”

3) Make weekdays more desirable online.

No one wants to be the only table in the room. If your socials only show packed weekends, people assume your weekdays are dead. Use content to flip that perception.

Capture reels and photos during weekday service. Show regulars, laptop workers and casual date nights. Make it feel like a vibe - even if it's quieter.

4) Target nearby office workers or locals.

If you’re surrounded by offices or apartments, your weekday customers are likely close by. But they don’t scroll Instagram all day, so you need to reach them where they are.

Use paid Instagram boosts within 2 to 3 km. Target by job titles or food interests. Promote express lunches, early dinners or workspace-friendly setups.

5) Create weekday rituals.

Give people a reason to choose your venue over staying home. A special weekday set menu, jazz night or even just a weekly “staff pick” dish makes things feel alive.

Keep it simple but consistent. If people know “Tuesday is pasta night” or “Wednesday is live music night”, they’re more likely to come back midweek.

Need help fixing your weekday booking gap?

We’ve helped over 700 venues across Australia and New Zealand grow bookings without discounting their brand. Get in touch for a free Starter Discovery Workshop - where we audit your midweek setup and help you build a plan that works. We usually charge, but mention this article for a free 20-minute session.