Friday Fish Fry Day
Friday Fish Fry Day is a lively celebration that brings people together over delicious fried fish. This event is particularly popular in the Midwest, especially Wisconsin, but it is also a favorite across the United States and beyond.
Drive foot traffic and community engagement by positioning your restaurant or venue as the go-to Friday Fish Fry destination during Lent, leveraging regional tradition and social sharing.
- 'Vote for the Best Fish Fry in [City]'—encourage user-generated content and restaurant tagging on social media
- Partner with local churches and nonprofits to co-host fish fry fundraisers and build community goodwill
- Highlight unique batters, sides, and seasonal twists to differentiate your fish fry offering from competitors
- Create a 'Fish Fry Tour' challenge encouraging diners to visit multiple venues and share their journey
Campaign ideas8
- Loyalty Program Boost: Run a 'double points on Lent menu items' promotion (à la Jason's Deli) to drive repeat Friday visits and build customer data
- Charitable Tie-In: Partner with local food banks or hunger-relief orgs (like Feeding America) and pledge $1-$2 per meal sold to their cause—drives traffic + goodwill
- Limited-Time Menu Tease: Build FOMO with 'available through Easter only' messaging across social, email, and in-store signage; use countdown timers on digital
- Friday Fish Fry Weekend Package: Bundle a fish entrée + side + drink + dessert at a promotional price; promote as a family tradition package
- User-Generated Content Contest: Ask customers to share photos of their Friday fish fry dinners with branded hashtag; offer gift card prizes; repost best submissions
- Church & Community Partnerships: Sponsor or co-market with local churches, Knights of Columbus chapters, and community fish fry events for grassroots reach
- App-Exclusive Deals: Offer 'app-only' fish sandwich pricing (e.g., 2 for $6, BOGO, $2 Fridays) to drive mobile adoption and repeat check-ins
- Behind-the-Scenes Content: Feature your fish supplier story, fishing traditions, breading recipes, or staff 'Lent favorites'—tap into nostalgia & tradition
Ad copy starters6
“Honor Tradition. This Lent, enjoy fresh-fried fish the way grandma made it—every Friday through Easter.”
“2 Fish Sandwiches for $6 | App Exclusive | Fridays Through Easter”
“Beer-Battered Perfection. All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips—$19.99 Every Friday During Lent.”
“Fish Friday Comeback. Your Lent favorite is here with all-new seasonal sides. Order now.”
“More Than a Meal. It's gathering with family, keeping faith, and tasting tradition. This Lent, join us.”
“Lenten Feast for $9.99. Hand-cut cod + fries + coleslaw + rye bread. Every Friday through April.”
Tips4
- DO: Emphasize tradition & family—this isn't just food, it's ritual. Use nostalgic imagery, multigenerational copy, and community-focused messaging.
- DO: Lean into the religious & cultural angle. Respect the Lent tradition; position your fish fry as a way to honor faith and community values.
- DON'T: Oversell discounts alone. Yes, pricing matters, but fish fry is about gathering and tradition—balance deals with emotional, story-driven content.
- DO: Launch promotions early in February (pre-Ash Wednesday) to beat competition and build awareness before March/April saturation; capitalize on Lent calendars & email
Friday Fish Fry Day has a rich and interesting history. It started in Wisconsin, known for its large Catholic population, where eating fish on Fridays became a tradition due to religious practices.
Catholics abstained from eating meat on Fridays, especially during Lent, leading to the popularity of fish dishes. This practice helped establish the Friday fish fry as a communal and cultural event in the region.
The tradition gained more traction during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. Taverns, unable to sell alcohol legally, turned to serving fried fish to attract customers.
This was a clever way to stay in business and keep people coming through their doors. Fried fish, which was plentiful and affordable, paired perfectly with beer, further solidifying its place in Wisconsin’s culinary culture.
Caleb Westphal, a local fish enthusiast, officially started Friday Fish Fry Day on February 19, 2021. He aimed to celebrate this beloved tradition and promote community gatherings over a shared meal.
The event has since become an annual celebration, encouraging people to enjoy a fish fry with friends and family, honoring a long-standing tradition that blends religious customs and social camaraderie.
Feast with Friends
Invite pals over for a Friday Fish Fry bash. Set up a buffet with various fried fish options. Include fun sides like french fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. Everyone can sample different flavors and vote on their favorite dish. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend with laughter and good food.
Restaurant Hopping
Explore local eateries known for their fish fry specials. Try a new place each week and discover hidden gems. Support small businesses while enjoying a delicious meal. Snap photos of each visit and share your culinary adventure on social media. Tag the restaurants to give them a shoutout!
DIY Fish Fry
Get creative in the kitchen by hosting a homemade fish fry night. Experiment with different batters and seasonings. Mix up classic recipes with unique twists. Serve with homemade sides and dips. It’s a fun way to spend time with family and maybe even spark a new tradition.
Outdoor Picnic
Pack up a fish fry feast and head to a local park. Enjoy the fresh air while savoring crispy fish and sides. Bring along some lawn games to make it an event. It’s a perfect mix of nature and tasty food, providing a refreshing end to the week.
Community Events
Check out community events featuring fish fry nights. Many churches and organizations host these gatherings. Attend with friends or family and enjoy a meal while supporting local causes. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and feel connected to your community.
Fish Fry Cook-Off
Host a friendly fish fry competition. Invite friends and neighbors to showcase their best recipes. Set up a tasting station and let everyone vote for the winner. Award fun prizes for categories like “Crispiest Batter” and “Best Overall.” It’s a playful way to engage with your culinary community.
Support Local Fishermen
Purchase fish directly from local markets or fishermen. Celebrate by preparing a fresh fish fry meal at home. Share the story of where your fish came from and highlight the importance of supporting local providers. It adds a meaningful touch to your celebration and promotes sustainable practices.