Businesses Brace for Valentine's Day Rush

Restaurants, florists, and candy shops prepare for surge in demand as holiday falls on a Saturday this year.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, businesses across the Philadelphia region are reporting a surge in demand as customers make last-minute reservations, place flower deliveries, and purchase sweet treats for loved ones on Friday. Restaurants, florists, and candy shops are transforming their spaces and stocking up to meet the influx of customers looking to celebrate the holiday.

Why it matters

Valentine's Day is one of the busiest times of the year for many businesses, especially those in the hospitality and retail sectors. The holiday's placement on a Saturday this year is expected to drive even higher demand as more people have the flexibility to dine out, send flowers, and indulge in chocolates and other confections.

The details

Restaurants like Ambrosia in Center City are fully booked all weekend, with over 300 people still hoping to secure a table. Florists like Long Stems in Merion Station are handling over 200 deliveries on Valentine's Day itself. And at Sweet Trading Company, chocolate-covered strawberries are one of the most popular items flying off the shelves.

  • On Friday, February 13, 2026, businesses reported a surge in last-minute reservations, flower deliveries, and candy purchases.
  • On Saturday, February 14, 2026, Valentine's Day, businesses are expecting their busiest day of the year.

The players

George Profi

Co-owner of Ambrosia restaurant in Center City Philadelphia.

Keith Bell

Owner of Long Stems florist in Merion Station.

Jody Peskin

Chief Chocolate Officer at Sweet Trading Company.

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What they’re saying

“Love brings together everybody, and this is the perfect day to show some love and good food.”

— George Profi, Co-owner, Ambrosia (6abc.com)

“Today we had about 150 deliveries and we have over 200 tomorrow.”

— Keith Bell, Owner, Long Stems (6abc.com)

“One of our most popular items are our chocolate-covered strawberries.”

— Jody Peskin, Chief Chocolate Officer, Sweet Trading Company (6abc.com)

The takeaway

Businesses across the Philadelphia region are preparing for a surge in Valentine's Day demand as the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, with restaurants, florists, and candy shops transforming their spaces and stocking up to meet the influx of customers looking to celebrate love in all its forms.