St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and many small businesses plan to join in the festivities. If you're among those looking for inspiration, here's how seven small businesses are celebrating the Irish holiday, from one-of-a-kind cooking classes to lively pub events.
How small businesses turn St. Patrick's Day into a sales boost
According to the National Retail Federation, 62% of Americans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in 2024, a trend that has remained consistent through the years. The report also highlights substantial consumer spending on food, drinks, and festive items during the holiday, making it a prime time for businesses to attract customers.
The impact of St. Patrick's Day is especially pronounced in the hospitality sector, with data from Placer.ai revealing a surge in foot traffic to restaurants and bars during the holiday. Beyond eateries, hotels in event-centric locations and retailers offering themed merchandise also experience increased sales.
[Read more: 5 Marketing Insights to Spur Sales This Holiday Season]
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7 small businesses celebrating St. Patrick's Day
These seven small businesses focus on Irish fare and culture, making them well equipped for every St. Paddy's Day.
The Dead Rabbit
Winning the title of World's Best Bar twice since opening in 2013, The Dead Rabbit is a New York City-based watering hole with bona fide Irish roots. Owners Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry struck success in Belfast, Ireland, by creating a cocktail bar, and they set out to do the same in the United States — marrying their heritage and the history of the 1800s Dead Rabbits gang.
Throughout March, The Dead Rabbit will air the Six Nations Rugby Championship (Ireland games only) and showcase the talents of Irish musicians. Those who stop by the NYC location on Sunday, March 16, 2025, can order a pint and enjoy a live set from the world-renowned Keith Harkin.
Erin Rose
Inside the four walls of what was once a single-family home in the 19th century is a neighborhood watering hole not too far from New Orleans' Bourbon Street. The four-leaf clover on the Erin Rose logo is an homage to its history and its famous frozen Irish coffee.
Owners Troy and Angie Koehlar met on the job bartending and managing for the previous owner during the '90s. They took over as the proprietors in 2001 and proudly wake up at 3:30 a.m. every day to run their business. The bar, which is open 21 hours a day, is an all-hands-on-deck operation.
With St. Patrick’s Day parades and block parties happening all over the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods, there will be no shortage of holiday spirit, and Erin Rose is the perfect spot to grab a pint of Guinness, an Irish Car Bomb, or frozen and hot Irish coffees.
Fischer & Wieser
Fischer & Wieser started as a family peach orchard in Fredericksburg, Texas, in 1928. What began with German immigrant J.B. Wieser evolved when his son Mark founded Das Peach Haus, the area's first roadside fruit stand, in 1969. Partnering with Case Fischer a decade later, they expanded to create Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, which now crafts over 150 unique products.
For a unique holiday experience, Fischer & Wieser offers a hands-on St. Patrick's Day cooking class. This three-hour in-person event will be held on March 17, 2025, and features dishes like beef and Guinness stew and chocolate whiskey cake and includes wine.
According to the National Retail Federation, 62% of Americans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in 2024, a trend that has remained consistent through the years. The report also highlights substantial consumer spending on food, drinks, and festive items during the holiday, making it a prime time for businesses to attract customers.
McNamara's Irish Pub & Restaurant
McNamara's Irish Pub & Restaurant brings a genuine slice of Ireland to Nashville, Tennessee. Founded by Sean McNamara, the pub is a testament to the owner's passion for authentic Irish culture and hospitality. Sean's personal connection to Ireland and his dedication to providing an inviting atmosphere make McNamara's a beloved spot for locals and visitors.
With live Irish music playing throughout St. Patrick's Day, the pub offers a lively atmosphere to enjoy traditional Irish fare and drinks. For those planning to spend St. Patrick's Day weekend in Nashville, especially with the parade on March 15, 2025, McNamara's provides the perfect place to continue the festivities.
Kells Brewery
In 1990, Gerard and Lucy McAleese founded Kells Irish Pub in Portland, Oregon, where it remains in the city's Old Chinatown neighborhood. In 2012, the family opened Kells Brew Pub (now Kells Brewery) with their son, Garrett, at the helm. Garrett initially wanted to branch out, so he earned an international business degree, which he used at an American logistics company in Argentina. But the restaurant and bar biz was in his blood and he found himself working in a local brewery, where he learned the tricks of the trade. He brought his newfound skill of brewing beer stateside and never looked back.
The Kells Portland Irish Festival runs March 14-17, 2025, and offers three days of Irish entertainment, music, and food. It spans Kells Brewery, Kells Irish Pub, and the Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
The Plough & the Stars
The Plough & the Stars brings a taste of Ireland to the heart of Philadelphia. As featured in The Irish Star, this establishment offers an authentic Irish experience, making it a prime spot for those seeking genuine Irish hospitality and culture.
The Plough & the Stars celebrates its Irish heritage with a variety of events year-round, including weekly Irish traditional music sessions on Sundays. In the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, guests can enjoy live ceol (music) or attend an Irish language meetup. As a stop before, during, or after the Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade or other festivities around town, The Plough & the Stars provides a perfect place to enjoy the holiday to its fullest.
Shady Brook Farm
The Fleming family planted roots over 100 years ago in Yardley, Pennsylvania, a half hour outside of Philadelphia. Four generations later, the family still owns and operates Shady Brook Farm. Since 1913, the Flemings have expanded their business to include a farm market, garden center, and "agritainment" venue.
Shady Brook Farm hosts many events throughout the year, including a St. Patrick's Day celebration. It's called St. Paddy's unWINEd, and it is a family-friendly event featuring live Irish music, dancing, food, and drinks ranging from local craft beer to Rose Bank Winery wines. There's also a playground and balloon artist for the kids, as well as cornhole and fire pits. This event runs March 14-16, 2025.
[Read more: 10 Small Businesses That Love Valentine’s Day]
Tips for capitalizing on seasonal holidays
Want to make the most of St. Patrick's Day and other seasonal holidays? Here are some tips for a smooth and successful rollout:
- Make use of your social media platforms. Show off your holiday specials, run fun contests, and give people a peek behind the scenes on Instagram or Facebook. It's all about getting folks excited and talking about your brand.
- Offer discounts or special bundles. Create some limited-time offers that match the theme and spirit of the holiday. It's a great way to get people shopping and boost your sales.
- Keep it real and respectful. Your marketing should feel true to your brand. And when it comes to holidays like St. Patrick's Day, avoid stereotypes and focus on celebrating the culture in a genuine way. People can tell when you're being authentic, and they appreciate it — it builds trust and shows you care to do your research and respect your customer base.
[Read more: What Is Christmas in July, and How Can You Incorporate It Into Your Small Business?]
This article was originally written by Emily Iverson.
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