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Restaurants seeking to capture Mother's Day traffic

To honor their moms, consumers will spend $4.1 billion on special outings, such as lunch, brunch and dinner, and savvy restaurants are hoping to attract them with discounts.

May 5, 2016

Savvy restaurateurs are offering a variety of discounts to entice Mother's Day celebrators this year. Consumers will spend $4.1 billion Sunday on special outings, such as lunch, brunch and dinner, according to the National Retail Federation, Research from the National Restaurant Association backs that up showing that 35 percent of Americans plan to dine out on Mother's Day with one in 10 ordering restaurant takeout or delivery.

"Restaurants across the United States are gearing up for May 8, as Mother’s Day remains the most popular holiday on which to dine out," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the National Restaurant Association. 

Here's a look at a few ways that limited-service brands are celebrating moms:

 A scoop for mom at Chicken Salad Chick

Alabama-based Chicken Salad Chick is giving moms a free scoop of its Classic Carol chicken salad.

"Mother's Day is the perfect time to thank moms for all their hard work, and as a mother myself, it is one of my favorite days of the year," said Chicken Salad Chick founder Stacy Brown. "At Chicken Salad Chick, we want to applaud moms for the dedication and support they provide to their children and families and what better way to reward them than with a free scoop of our delicious Classic Carol chicken salad."

Noodles & Company gives gift card bonus  

This popular noodle dish franchise launched a special gift card promotion this week at all its locations, except those in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. From now through the end of June, anyone purchasing a $25 Noodles & Company gift card also receives a $5 Gift Giver Bonus Card, according to a company press release.

"As warmer weather ushers in busier schedules and notable celebrations like Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduation season, our guests are seeking the perfect gift to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones — and Noodles & Company wants to help make that happen," said  EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Mark Mears.

Noodles & Company has more than 500 locations in the U.S. and now offers catering including either the "NoodlesBar" buffet for 20 people or more, or A La Carte Catering pans for up to 10 hungry noodle nibblers.

Mama Fu offers something for mamas 

Mama Fu's Asian House, a multi-state chain with a location in the United Arab Emirates, is giving mom's a free meal between Mother's Day and May 10, according to a company press release. The restaurant is giving one free lunch or dinner entree to moms when another of equal or greater value is purchased.

Free dogs and fries for Wienerschnitzel-visiting moms

The international weiner franchise is offering all moms a free chili cheese dog, small fries and small Pepsi by providing "proof" of motherhood, including live kids, family photos or even stories of the travails of motherhood.

No additional purchase is required, so moms here can just abandon the clan for the day and treat themselves.

Coca-Colaand California Pizza Kitchen team up to honor moms

These two power players are partnering to provide a heartfelt deal to moms; the promo they've come up with just might bring a tear to your eye. The companies pushed the "go" button on a contest this week at 300 California Pizza Kitchen restaurants worldwide with the launch of this YouTube video, featuring employees and guests paying tribute to their moms.

From now through May 31, those who share similar tributes and Mom's Day wishes online will also be eligible to win that wish, as long as $4,000 can make it a reality. Guests may enter by sharing their wishes at www.cpk.com/dear mom or by posting a photo or video of the wish on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtags #CPKDearMom #contest.

All online tributes must be made by 11:59:59 p.m. Pacific time. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest.