Whether you eat grilled cheese weekly or haven’t had one since you were a kid, you probably have a soft spot for these delicious, gooey sandwiches. Chances are, your customers feel the same way; after all, there are few meals that evoke such strong feelings of comfort and warmth.

Capitalize on the nostalgia of this childhood treat by promoting National Grilled Cheese Day at your restaurant. This fun national food holiday is an opportunity to spice up your marketing efforts and draw attention to your establishment — and delight your customers in the process.

History of National Grilled Cheese Day

Comfort-food enthusiasts have been celebrating National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12th since the 1990s. This lighthearted holiday honors a food that’s remarkably simple — just three ingredients — but incredibly delicious.

The grilled cheese sandwich has been around for a lot longer. People in the early 1900s made an open-faced version called the “cheese dream,” an inexpensive meal that skyrocketed in popularity during the Great Depression. During World War II, cooks began adding a second piece of sliced bread. American and British cookbooks from the time recommended different variations, including dipping the sandwich in egg before frying.

When Kraft started selling cheese slices in 1950, the sandwich became even easier to make. Eventually, it took on the name “grilled cheese sandwich,” and it’s been a beloved part of U.S. cuisine ever since.

How to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day to draw in customers

National Grilled Cheese Day is the perfect time to celebrate the heritage of this American staple. Don’t worry if you don’t currently have a grilled cheese sandwich on your menu — it’s easy to integrate into your lineup of daily specials. The ingredients are simple and affordable, and preparation is a breeze.

Here are a few ways to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day and increase restaurant sales in the process:

• Offer grilled cheese sandwich combos. Do you have a grilled cheese sandwich on your menu? Create a 1-day-only combo for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Pair it with roasted tomato soup for a homey feeling, or add a side salad for a lighter twist. Add a special holiday price for an extra incentive.
• Create a gourmet grilled cheese. Challenge your chefs to come up with a grilled cheese sandwich that’s impossible to resist. They might swap out American cheese for an upscale alternative, add grilled peppers and mushrooms, or pair gruyere cheese with caramelized onions. For a heartier meal, create a sandwich that features thyme, brie, apple, and bacon.
• Promote the event on social media. Hype up National Grilled Cheese Day by promoting it on social media. Start posting tantalizing photos and videos about a week in advance on your restaurant’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok profiles. By the time the big day rolls around, your followers will be craving a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. For more professional-looking posts, use the social media templates in Grubhub for Restaurants.
• Create a holiday hashtag. Get customers in on the fun by creating a unique hashtag for National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. Encourage them to post photos and videos of their meal to social media using the hashtag — it’s a great way to boost brand awareness for your restaurant. Examples might include #nationalgrilledcheeseday or #showmeyourcheese; add your city or restaurant name for a more personalized touch. You can even keep the promotion going throughout April by celebrating National Grilled Cheese Month.

No matter what promotion you decide to use for National Grilled Cheese Day, make sure to post about it on your website. The additional content can help improve restaurant SEO; it’s also an effective way to get website visitors excited about the holiday.

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day in style

National Grilled Cheese Day promotions are irresistible for customers — they evoke fond memories of childhood and create a comforting meal option. They’re good for your restaurant, too; a fun national food holiday is the perfect way to make your marketing campaigns more engaging and attention-grabbing.

Looking for more inspiration for promotions and targeted advertising? Turn to our national food holiday guide for tips, best practices, and a 12-month calendar that features a wide range of weird and wonderful food holidays you can use to jazz up your marketing plan. To get started, download the calendar today.