Labour Day Lessons for QSRs: Timing Is Everything

Much more than a one-day event

Labour Day in the United States (US) isn’t just a public holiday focused on BBQs and the unofficial end of summer… It’s also a fascinating case study in how public holidays bend and twist restaurant sales patterns.

We dug into four years of sales data from quick service restaurants (QSRs) to see what really happens when Labour Day rolls around. The results? A little predictable… and a little surprising.

This graph compares historical restaurant sales to Predictive Insights’ forecast for Labour Day 2025.

What the numbers say (2022–2025)

1. Friday is a strong lead-in.

Sales build steadily from midweek and spike on Friday as people get into holiday mode.

Think of travellers on the road and families stocking up on quick meals before the weekend.

2. The weekend wins big.

Saturday and Sunday sales consistently hit their yearly highs, with a clear peak on Sunday.

Families out, friends on road trips, gatherings with loved ones: QSRs cash in on both the fun and convenience factors.

3. Labour Day itself? Not as shiny…

The holiday Monday is good but not the blockbuster you might expect. Sales dip compared to the weekend surge: turns out, once the weekend is over, people don’t flock to QSRs quite as much.

4. The real slump hits Tuesday.

Every year, the day after Labour Day sees one of the lowest points on the chart.

Back to work, back to school, back to cooking at home. Back to basics! It’s a hard reset.

Curious about what your data is telling you?

Why it matters for QSR operators

Data is only valuable when it can be used.

1. Staffing smartly matters.

Over-staffing on Monday is a waste. The real crunch is Friday through Sunday.

2. Promotions should peak before the holiday

Target Saturday and Sunday for maximum ROI.
And make sure your ads and comms go out well in advance.

3. Plan for the dip

Tuesday is slow. Smart operators use it for training, cleaning, or lighter shifts.

4. Lean into convenience

Road trippers, families, and party planners are driving the spend.

Make sure you target them with things like meal bundles, family packs, and mobile order promotions.

The takeaway

Labour Day weekend isn’t a one-day story. It’s a four-day rhythm that QSRs can play to their advantage:
Ramp up Friday → Peak Saturday/Sunday → Solid but softer Monday → Reset Tuesday.

For restaurants that get the timing right, Labour Day can be less about “one holiday Monday” and more about owning the whole long weekend.

Let's make the data work for you.

At Predictive Insights, identifying patterns is just the first step. Our real value lies in translating those patterns into practical, data-led strategies tailored to your business. If you want to move from observing trends to acting on them, get in touch.