Father’s Day a bigger earner than Mother’s Day for restaurants

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Father’s Day is even more lucrative than Mother’s Day, some Bermuda restaurants have found.

According to Philip Barnett, president of Island Restaurant Group, which includes Barraccuda, Pickled Onion and Victoria Grill, the day honouring Dad translates into big business.

“We have historically found that going out for dinner for Father’s Day is bigger than Mother’s Day which we find to be brunch/lunch oriented,” he said.

Victoria Grill, located on Victoria Street in Hamilton, will be open on Sunday night for a special evening of an all-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasco feast for $39.95. Kids under 13, pay $2 per year of their age.

“Last year it was the busiest churrasco night we had all year, as what can be better for Dad than unending supply of delicious fire grilled meats, fish and poultry all carved tableside off a long sword?” said Mr Barnett.

Southampton restaurant Henry VIII is also offering up a Father’s Day Brunch including an Angus prime rib roast carving station and a dessert “extravaganza” for $42.50.

Meanwhile, clothing retailers are offering specials to their Twitter followers, promoting discounted deals on their Facebook pages and advertising in the daily newspaper in hopes that the love for Dad will overfloweth.

Father’s Day is a big deal for retailers here and in the US. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend about $15.7 billion on the holiday, an average of about $117 per person.

That’s up about ten percent over last year, says the group, with $1.7 billion spent on apparel, $1.7 billion on gift cards, and $1.7 billion on electronics. Activities like golf and dinner will bring in around $2.3 billion.

Here in Bermuda, retailers are seeing increased business. Gibbons saw a “strong” uptick in their menswear department last week and are offering Father’s Day sales to entice customers through their doors.

The Reid Street department store is also turning to Twitter — featuring “limited extreme bargains” to their followers.

“It’s a very new idea with a great response as the word is spreading,” said CEO Paula Clarke.

AS Cooper, which now sells Brooks Brothers and Tommy Bahama brands, will have a sale starting today featuring 30-40 percent discounted sportswear and will be open until 9pm tonight. They will also be open on Sunday for the last-minute shopper.

“We are fully stocked and things are selling nicely,” said CEO Somers Cooper, adding that they have a new item featured every day on their Facebook page and Twitter feed. “The US price of all of our clothing is particularly appealing. Saturday is the traditional busy day and will determine the success of the Father’s Day week.”

If Dad is the ‘Mr Fix-It’ kind, hardware store Gorham’s is offering a free battery and $50 gift card to go along with the purchase of a M18 power tool kit.

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