Make the Most of the Summer Rush

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While most businesses slow down in the summer, restaurants experience some of their biggest rushes during this time. For many restaurants, the summer is their best opportunity to make a profit and to attract new customers. It’s important to take advantage of this opportunity. Below, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to help your restaurant to really stand out from the crowd this summer.

  1. Embrace Events
    During the summer, people are more likely to be looking for something special to do. They may have kids to entertain now that school is out, or they may be looking to enjoy a “staycation.” If your restaurant is located in a popular tourist destination, you may also find that many tourists are looking to fill their vacations with special events. You could get involved in local events, like food festivals and art walks, or you could start your own. Events are a great way to make a positive impression in your community. So, host an event, or many events this summer.  When customers enjoy your events, they’re likely to have a positive view of your restaurant and to keep coming back all year long.
  1. Mix Up your Menu
    Summer diners tend to eat lighter than winter diners. In the winter, you’ll probably sell a lot of hearty soups and heavy dishes. In the summer, however, you’ll need to be sure to offer plenty of fresh, light alternatives. For example, consider introducing a strawberry walnut salad with grilled chicken, or offering a fresh fruit parfait for dessert. By tailoring your menu to your customers’ preferences, you can earn their loyalty and become their favorite destination for summer dining. If you sell alcohol, summer is also a great time to introduce some new drinks, like a daiquiri or margarita.
  1. Freshen Up your Look
    You don’t need to remodel your restaurant to give it a fresh look. There are plenty of small steps you can take to embrace a summer aesthetic. For example, consider giving your patio a makeover with some fresh flowers and brightly colored umbrellas. Or you may choose to freshen up your dining room with white table cloths and bright pictures on the walls. You could reach out to local artists to feature their art on your walls. This sort of arrangement is a great way to redecorate without spending money on art and to benefit local artists by getting their work in front of potential buyers. Plus, featuring local artists helps to showcase your commitment to your community, which is always a good thing.

As summer approaches, we hope you’ll embrace these tips to make the most of the season. In addition, be sure to give all of your commercial kitchen equipment a tune up before the warm weather hits. Refrigerators and freezers can start to act up when it gets too hot outside. Stay ahead of this possibility by having a CPS technician service your commercial kitchen walk-in coolers and freezers today!