Restaurants to reap Mother's Day sales

WALTHAM, Mass. — The average Mother's Day customer will spend more than $50 this year, an e-marketing company said. According to Constant Contact, a good portion of that will be spent at small businesses and restaurants.

According to a news release, 87 percent of hospitality providers, including restaurants, expect strong sales this year.

Seventy-six percent of business owners surveyed said Mother's Day sales are important to their yearly earnings, which is why 75 percent are planning special promotions around the event.

Of the consumers polled, 38 percent said they would make reservations for dinner; 27 percent for brunch; 25 percent for lunch; and 11 percent for breakfast.