How QSRs Can Score Big with App Deals This NFL Season

TLDR

Football season is in full swing, and restaurants are joining the action with energy and creativity. Across the country, fans are crowding around TVs, loading up on wings, pizza, and beer while cheering for their favorite teams. Quick service restaurants are rolling out tailgate combos, themed bundles, and online challenges that make each match more exciting. With mobile ordering apps, they can reach fans directly on their phones and make it simple to order before kickoff. This is the perfect time for QSRs to turn fan spirit into consistent sales through smart, well-timed app promotions that keep customers coming back all season.

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Why Football Season Should Be Your Biggest Marketing Play

If you are not seeing a similar lift in sales, your promotions may not be hitting the right notes. Football season is a rare time when customers are already in the mood to spend, celebrate, and share food with friends. The opportunity is there, but success depends on how well you capture attention before the competition does. A good mobile app can turn the season’s energy into steady business through smart, well-timed promotions that keep fans ordering all week long.

Restaurants using Per Diem have tools built specifically for moments like these. Every feature is designed to help you reach customers instantly, show them what’s new, and make ordering effortless. The secret is not only offering discounts, but creating a sense of excitement that mirrors the game itself.

1. Eye-Catching Banners That Drive Engagement

In-app banners are a simple but powerful tool for driving engagement. Research shows that banners within apps attract nearly twice the number of clicks compared to mobile web banners, making them an effective way to capture fans’ attention. A clear and lively banner at the top of your ordering app instantly sets the mood for game day while pointing customers toward timely offers.

You can use banners to spotlight weekend bundles, announce new football-themed items, or remind users to preorder before the next match. Rotating these visuals weekly keeps your app fresh and encourages customers to check back regularly. When designed with short headlines and appealing images, banners can quietly guide fans from browsing to ordering in seconds.

2. Push Notifications That Drive Action

If you want to stand out from the café down the street, start using push notifications. They are one of the fastest ways to grab attention and bring customers back at the right moment. A short, friendly alert like “Kickoff Special! Free fries with any burger before 4 PM” can be the reason someone opens your app instead of another restaurant’s.

With Per Diem, you can send both marketing and order updates straight through your app. This means you can promote limited-time offers, remind fans about preorders, or let them know their meal is ready — all without extra effort. Consistent, timely notifications keep your restaurant visible when people are deciding where to order. Done right, they don’t just boost sales; they help your café become the spot fans think of first every game day.

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3. Coupons and BOGO Deals That Reward Loyalty

Fans love rewards as much as touchdowns. Easy-to-use coupons and buy-one-get-one offers can make ordering feel like part of the fun. These deals encourage customers to invite friends, turning one order into several. A “Buy a Burger, Get a Drink Free” or “Two-for-One Wing Night” can boost both sales and word-of-mouth.

By managing these deals directly inside your app, you make the process seamless. Customers can apply them with one tap and redeem them without confusion at checkout. It’s fast, smooth, and rewarding for both sides.

4. Weekly Pre-Sells That Build Excitement

Weekly pre-sells are a smart way to plan ahead and keep your football weekends running smoothly. They let fans order their food early in the week so they can focus on the game instead of waiting in line. A friendly midweek message such as “Reserve your Game Day Nacho Kit before Friday” gives customers a reason to open the app and act quickly.

This feature not only drives early sales but also helps your team prepare more efficiently. Knowing what customers will order allows better scheduling and inventory planning. Fans get their food right when they want it, and your restaurant handles the rush with ease. Pre-sells turn simple convenience into an experience fans depend on every week.

5. Limited-Time Bundles That Keep Fans Curious

Limited-time bundles give your football menu personality and keep things fresh. Fans love deals that feel special to the season, such as “Touchdown Tacos” or “Tailgate Combos.” These themed packs turn ordinary orders into game-day traditions that customers look forward to.

Rotating bundles weekly keeps your app exciting and encourages fans to check what’s new. They also make it easy to highlight seasonal ingredients or test new flavors without big menu changes. With Per Diem’s simple app updates, you can launch new bundles in minutes and keep fans hungry for what’s next.

6. Data Insights That Keep You in the Game

Football season brings steady traffic and valuable data that can shape your next promotion. Every order, click, and repeat visit tells you what customers love most. Per Diem’s integration with Square POS makes it easy to see which offers perform best, when your rush hours peak, and which menu items become fan favorites.

You can also use the built-in AI chatbot to turn these insights into action. The chatbot can help analyze patterns, answer questions instantly, and even suggest new offers based on buying behavior. It helps your café stay responsive and informed without extra work. By combining real data with AI support, you can adjust your timing, update deals faster, and deliver exactly what customers want throughout the season. Over time, these smarter moves turn short bursts of game-day excitement into lasting, loyal relationships.

Here are key metrics you should be looking at carefully during the season.

7. Staying Connected After the Season

When football season ends, your app can still keep fans engaged. Sending a small thank-you reward or “Season MVP” coupon shows appreciation and keeps your brand top of mind. You can also carry the same game-day energy into other events, such as basketball tournaments or summer gatherings.

Keeping your app active year-round ensures that fans see your restaurant as part of their routine, not just a seasonal stop. The loyalty you build during football season can easily carry into the next celebration, making every new event another chance to connect and grow.

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Final Thoughts

Football season is the perfect time for quick-service restaurants to connect with fans who are already in a great mood and ready to order. Using the tools mentioned above can help turn your brand into part of their weekly routine. These tools are not just for driving sales. They build habits, create excitement, and make customers feel like your restaurant is part of their game-day experience. When you use your app to join in that energy, every order tells a story, and every customer becomes part of your community.

Get in the game with smarter marketing. Book a quick demo with an expert and discover how your restaurant can turn every order into a winning play.

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