Google's New "What's Happening" Feature Helps Restaurants Showcase Specials on Search Profiles

Google is introducing a new way for restaurants and bars to highlight timely promotions, events, and specials directly in search results. Through the newly launched "What's Happening" section, businesses can feature updates such as daily specials or live music events, allowing them to engage with potential customers more effectively.

This feature will appear under the "This Week" label in the local business information block seen during Google searches. Restaurant owners can choose to update this section manually or link their social media accounts, such as Instagram, Facebook, or X, for automatic cross-posting. Google hopes the new update will help businesses stay connected with their audience and attract more foot traffic with real-time offers.

The "What's Happening" feature is being rolled out first in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for single food and drink establishments, but the company hasn't specified an exact launch date yet.

Google's innovation comes through the expansion of the "Posts on Google" tool, initially introduced for brands and celebrities nearly a decade ago. This allows local businesses to directly post content to their Google Search profiles, providing an easy and effective way for customers to discover relevant updates. By linking their social accounts, businesses can automatically sync their promotions, reducing the effort involved in keeping profiles updated.

For restaurants and bars looking to stand out in a competitive market, Google’s new feature promises a significant opportunity to improve visibility and connect with local customers in a meaningful way.