What Is 2/9? Promotional Ideas for 2/9 to Help F&B Owners Boost Sales

With Vietnam’s National Day (September 2nd) approaching, this period is widely considered a “golden time” for restaurants and eateries to roll out promotional programs—both to show appreciation to customers and to drive revenue growth. However, choosing the most suitable promotion for a restaurant’s specific business situation is not always an easy decision. That’s why in this article, iPOS.vn explores effective September 2nd promotional ideas to help F&B owners maximize revenue during the 2023 holiday season.

1. What Is 2/9? 

September 2nd is Vietnam’s National Day, marking the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam—now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It is one of the country’s most important public holidays, commemorating the moment when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi.

Initially, September 2nd was referred to as “Vietnam Independence Day” (Decree No. 22C NV/CC dated February 18, 1946), while August 19th was designated as “National Day” (Decree No. 141-B dated July 26, 1946). Since 1954, September 2nd has officially been recognized as Vietnam’s National Day.

Each year during this holiday, students, workers, and employees nationwide enjoy a two-day break to honor and remember the nation’s historic milestones. As a result, demand for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities increases significantly, with consumers tending to spend more generously than on regular days.

2. Why Restaurants and Cafés Should Run Promotions on September 2nd

As mentioned above, September 2nd is a major national holiday with strong cultural significance in Vietnamese consumer behavior. It is also a popular occasion for social gatherings, family reunions, and travel. National Day often brings impressive business results for F&B establishments due to increased customer spending on food and dining experiences.

With higher dining demand during the holiday period, restaurants typically see a noticeable boost in customer traffic. This makes September 2nd an ideal time for restaurant owners to launch promotional campaigns that attract customers and stimulate purchasing behavior.

In addition, promotions serve as a powerful growth lever for F&B businesses—driving brand visibility, expanding market reach, and increasing revenue through creative and appealing offers.

3. September 2nd Promotional Ideas to Help F&B Owners Maximize Revenue

3.1. Discount Vouchers

Discount vouchers are among the most popular promotional tools for restaurants during the National Day holiday. Owners can offer vouchers directly at the store or digital vouchers applied at checkout to encourage customers to return.

With this promotion type, success largely depends on how attractive the offer is. Commonly effective voucher offerings include:

• VND 100,000 off bills over VND 500,000

• 30% discount on the next visit

3.2. Buy One, Get One Free

Today, buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) promotions account for up to 80% of holiday promotions across industries. Surveys show that 93% of purchasing decisions are influenced by BOGO offers, and over 66% of consumers consider this their favorite discount format.

This promotion is especially effective for quick-service concepts such as bubble tea, coffee, fast food, and pizza. Customers feel they are getting added value, which encourages impulse purchases and higher order volumes.

However, to run this promotion successfully, restaurant owners must prepare thoroughly. Demand during promotional days may double compared to normal operations, requiring careful planning, inventory preparation, and streamlined workflows.

3.3. Group Promotions

Public holidays like September 2nd are prime times for group dining with friends and family. This makes group-based promotions an excellent strategy.

Vietnamese consumers are highly price-sensitive, and added-value offers often improve brand perception. In many cases, such promotions can convert first-time guests into loyal customers.

3.4. Lucky Draw Promotions

Lucky draw campaigns are widely used across industries and remain highly attractive to customers. In the F&B sector, lucky draws are typically conducted during or after meals.

Prizes may include:

• Complimentary desserts

• Discounts on high-value bills

• Vouchers for future visits

Regardless of prize size, ensuring every participant receives a reward helps create positive brand impressions and enhances customer satisfaction.

3.5. Fixed-Price Menu Offers

Running a fixed-price menu during the September 2nd holiday can create a unique and memorable dining experience. Customers feel more relaxed ordering without worrying about price differences, encouraging higher order volumes.

This promotion not only attracts customers but also helps differentiate your restaurant in a competitive market. Creative pricing tied to the holiday—such as using the numbers 2 and 9—can further enhance brand recall.

Successful examples include:

• Phúc Long’s VND 29,000 drink promotion

• Buffet deals priced at VND 99,000

4. Conclusion

Above are some of the most effective and proven September 2nd promotional ideas for F&B businesses during Vietnam’s National Day holiday. We hope these insights help you choose the most suitable promotion to boost revenue and create memorable experiences for your customers this holiday season.