January 23, 2012, kicked off a 15-day traditional celebration of the Lunar – or Chinese – New Year with the new moon. Following suit in the Chinese 12-year zodiac calendar, we have officially entered the Year of the Dragon. For us at East Coast Chair & Barstool, it means giving our China-based manufacturers and friends time off to celebrate and planning ahead for the schedule of our container shipments of tables, chairs, and barstools. But for you – as restaurant owners – it could mean attracting new business with traditional new year recipes, new year – inspired promotions or giveaways, and the chance to cross cultural boundaries and experiment with a new theme! Restaurants and event venues across the U.S. from L.A. to New York City will be adding festivities and special new year menu items, all in honor of the Year of the Dragon.
Because it’s a 15-day celebration, you still have time to plan something big for the Lantern Festival on the 15th day, or you could introduce a dragon-themed menu item(s) for the duration of 2012! Get creative, as the possibilities are endless!
Here are a few links to help get you thinking:
- Nation’s Restaurant News posted a blog detailing how some national chains are celebrating the new year with specials (Read it here!)
- SmartBlog on Restaurants posted similar information and detailed what types of foods will be celebrated (Read it here!)
- The Daily Meal shares a recipe for Peking Duck in honor of the celebration (Read it here!)
- The Daily Meal also shares 4 spirits you should offer in honor of the holiday (Read it here!)
Happy Chinese New Year to you, and best wishes for a festive Year of the Dragon!
