Marketing
6 ways restaurants are making Valentine's Day 'wonderfully weird' in 2026
Forget flowers and candy; we are doing bro-quets, McNugget Caviar and puppy love.
February 10, 2026 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
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ClaudeListen, I love a heart-shaped pizza as much as the next girl, but it's 2026, and if you're still just leaning on chocolate-covered strawberries to drive traffic this Valentine's Day, you're playing it way too safe.
The industry is getting wonderfully weird this year, and I am absolutely here for it! From high-stakes proposals in arcade games to the most "extra" fast-food pairing in history, brands are ditching the clichés for some seriously creative (and hilarious) engagement.
Here's a roundup of the funky, fancy and the 'bro-mantic' promos making waves this season:
🥯 The bro-quet is the new red rose
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| Click here for step-by-step directions on how to create your bro-quet. Photo:D&B |
Einstein Bros. Bagels found a stat that stopped me in my tracks: 88% of men have never received flowers. Ladies, we've got to do better! Einstein's solution? The Bro-quet. They're selling Baker's Dozen Heart Bagels (Plain, Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon Raisin) and providing tutorials on how to arrange them into an edible bouquet.
It's carb-heavy, it's thoughtful, and he's going to like it way more than a tulip. Spoiler alert: Many women (me, included) prefer carbs over flowers.
After you order your "Heart Baker's Dozen," which includes 13 heart bagels and box, you'll also need to stop by a craft store and buy:
- 3 Foam Bricks (2.6 inch x 3.4 inch x 7.8 inch)
- 1 Circular Foam Disc (1.2 inch x 8.8 inch diameter)
- White Tissue Paper
- 13 Bamboo Treat Sticks (11.7 inch)
- 1 Cellophane Gift Basket Bag (30 inch x 28 inch)
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Clear Tape
🕹️ A $15,000 claw machine proposal
If you want a proposal story that will go viral before the ring is even on the finger, head to Dave & Buster's. They are putting five $15,000, three-carat diamond engagement rings inside their "Human Crane" at select stores.
Imagine being lowered into a pit of prizes, strapped into a harness, and trying to grab a diamond ring for your partner. It's high-stakes, it's chaotic and it's pure D&B energy. Not ready for the ring? They've also got a "Date Night Duo" deal for $99 that includes games and a three-course meal.
🍪 Late-night cookie reservations
Insomnia Cookies is turning into a hot-ticket date spot, offering actual dine-in reservations for the first time ever! For $30, Insomniacs score a six-pack of cookies, three dessert dips (Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate and Caramel), and bottles of milk.
If you can't snag a seat, they've got the Cherub Chunk 12-pack that comes with a plushie. Because nothing says "I love you" like a Red Velvet Cheesecake cookie at 11 p.m.
🍗 McNuggets...but make it classy
Even though it's not a fast casual, I have to give McDonald's props for coming for the fine-dining crowd in the most unexpected way. It's\\ partnered with Paramount Caviar to drop McNugget Caviar kits. Yes, you read that right. We're talking Baerii Sturgeon caviar, crème fraîche, and a Mother of Pearl spoon... to eat with your 10-piece nuggets.
The best part? The kits are free (while supplies last) via a limited online drop on Feb 10. Talk about a high-low flex for your V-Day date!
🦞 Red Lobster x Vaseline: The "Kissing Booth" Pop-Up
Just when you thought the McNugget caviar was the peak of "high-low" energy, Red Lobster entered the chat by partnering with Vaseline. Yes, the petroleum jelly brand.
It's hosting a limited-time "Kissing Booth" dining experience at the Times Square location. Why? Because apparently, data shows that Vaseline users are 54% more likely to dine at Red Lobster than the average person (talk about a deep-dive stat!). Along with a kissing booth, the experience includes a five-course meal featuring a "Lobster Pasta au Gratin" and specialty cocktails inspired by the flavors of Vaseline's "Lip Therapy" collection (think mojitos and daiquiris with a "balm-like" smooth finish).
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| Is it just me, or could my dogs, Fin and Jake, (left) be the inspiration behind Tropical Smoothie's photo shoot? |
It's quite the glow-up for date night — keeping your lips hydrated for the after-dinner kiss while you dive face-first into a basket of buttery Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Let's go!
It's the kind of unhinged brand synergy that shouldn't work, but in 2026, it's exactly what we need.
🐶 Forget the humans
If these human dates sound like too much work, you aren't alone. Research fromTropical Smoothie Cafeshows that 40% of single pet owners would rather spend Valentine's Day with their animal companion than a human.
To lean into this "Paws-over-Partners" trend, the chain has launched the Fur-Ever Duo. While you sip on a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie, your pup gets a Puppy Power Bowl — Greek yogurt topped with a peanut butter drizzle. It's a genius move that acknowledges that for many of us, our pets provide more emotional support than any Hinge date ever could.
The takeaway?
Don't be afraid to lean into the quirky side of your brand personality. Whether it's bro-quets or caviar-topped chicken, customers are looking for an experience and a laugh this year.
About Cherryh Cansler
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