Boston Restaurants Expect Valentine's Day Boost After Slow Winter

Restaurants in greater Boston are preparing for a surge in Valentine's Day reservations to help offset a challenging start to the year.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Greater Boston restaurants are gearing up for Valentine's Day, hoping the holiday will provide a much-needed economic boost after a slow start to the year. Factors like 'Dry January' and recent winter weather have contributed to quieter-than-usual business in January and February. While Valentine's Day is expected to bring increased spending, the holiday falling on a Saturday presents a mixed outcome, as it is already a busy day for restaurants. Nonetheless, establishments like Estella and The Capitol Grille are fully booked and preparing special menus and decorations. Despite the challenges, there are signs of a slight recovery, with state meals tax collections up 3% compared to last year.

Why it matters

The restaurant industry in Boston has faced a complex landscape of rising costs and shifting consumer habits in recent months. Valentine's Day represents a potential opportunity for restaurants to generate additional revenue and momentum after a slow start to the year, though the holiday's timing on a Saturday may limit the overall impact.

The details

Several factors have contributed to a quieter-than-usual start to the year for Boston-area restaurants, including the 'Dry January' trend of abstaining from alcohol and recent snow and cold weather. While the Patriots' extended playoff season typically increases foot traffic in sports bars, overall business remained slow. Restaurants are now preparing for Valentine's Day, with Estella reporting over 800 dinner reservations and The Capitol Grille anticipating between 400 and 500 reservations on Friday and Saturday, and over 350 on Sunday. Establishments are offering special menus, decorations, and items like chocolate-covered strawberries and roses.

  • In January, the 'Dry January' trend of abstaining from alcohol contributed to fewer people dining out.
  • Recent snow and cold weather in February also impacted restaurant business.
  • Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year.

The players

Steve Clark

President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.

Dre Vincent

Manager of Estella restaurant in Boston and Foxborough.

The Capitol Grille

A restaurant in Dedham, Massachusetts.

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The takeaway

While the restaurant industry in Boston has faced a challenging start to the year, Valentine's Day represents a potential opportunity for establishments to generate additional revenue and momentum. However, the holiday's timing on a Saturday may limit the overall impact, as it is already a busy day for restaurants. Nonetheless, the industry is showing signs of a slight recovery, with state meals tax collections up compared to last year.