Getting Your Restaurant Summer-Ready
As the warm sunshine and longer days approach, it’s time for restaurant owners to prepare for the summer season. With increased foot traffic and a shift in dining preferences, it’s crucial to make the necessary preparations to ensure your restaurant thrives during this busy time. This blog post will outline the essential steps to get your restaurant summer-ready.
As always, there are lots to think about, and we are here to help!
Menu Planning & Staffing
The first step in preparing for summer is refreshing your menu. Embrace the vibrant flavors of the season by incorporating fresh, light, and seasonal ingredients. Think refreshing salads, grilled dishes, and fruity beverages. Experiment with new recipes and introduce seasonal specials that entice customers to try something different. Evaluate your staffing needs and ensure you have an adequate number of employees to handle the surge in customers. Consider hiring seasonal staff or offering additional hours to existing employees. Provide comprehensive training to guarantee your team is prepared to deliver top-notch service during the busy summer months.
Outdoor Seating and Ambiance
If your restaurant has outdoor seating, invest time in sprucing it up. Clean and maintain the area, ensuring it is attractive and comfortable for guests. Arrange the space with cozy seating, shade options, and tasteful decor that complements the summer ambiance. For the indoor space, make sure it is adequately cooled and ventilated to provide a comfortable dining experience.
Tech to enable hybrid ordering
Running an outdoor terrace was a real challenge in moving EPOS around on a trolley, working on paper and pad, and running the checks back inside. Hybrid ordering in a restaurant refers to a combination of traditional in-person ordering and digital ordering methods. It uses technology and human interaction to enhance the dining experience and streamline the ordering process.
In a hybrid ordering system, customers have the option to order directly from a server or waiter as they would in a traditional restaurant setting. They can interact with the staff, ask questions, and receive recommendations if needed. This face-to-face interaction allows for a personalised experience and caters to customers who prefer a more traditional approach.
In an outdoor setting, hybrid ordering systems also incorporate digital elements such as self-service kiosks, mobile apps, or tablets placed on the tables. These digital tools enable customers to browse the menu, place orders, customise their choices, and make payments directly from the device. This technology-driven approach aims to provide convenience, efficiency, and flexibility to customers who prefer a more autonomous and tech-oriented experience.
It can help reduce waiting times, eliminate errors in order taking, and improve order accuracy. Additionally, it allows restaurants to gather valuable data about customer preferences, order patterns, and feedback, which can be used to enhance the overall dining experience.
Marketing and Promotions & Updating Your Online Presence
Craft a marketing strategy tailored for the summer season. Leverage social media platforms, email newsletters, and local advertising to promote any summer promotions, events, or special menu items. Consider collaborating with local businesses or participating in community events to increase your restaurant’s visibility. In today’s digital age, maintaining an updated online presence is crucial. Ensure that your website, online menus, and review platforms accurately reflect your offerings and contact information. Optimize your online presence for mobile devices, as people often use smartphones to search for nearby restaurants. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews to boost your online reputation.
Special Events and Entertainment
Consider organising special events or offering entertainment options to attract more customers during the summer. Live music, themed nights, outdoor barbecues, or happy hour promotions can enhance the overall dining experience. Collaborate with local artists or musicians to create a vibrant and memorable atmosphere.
So get yourself summer ready, but first, we need some sun!
Further resources: INSTALLING EPOS AT THE BIGGEST-EVER UK BREWDOG – IT’S CRAFT BEER JOY!
Discover the restaurant management technology toolkit you need to succeed:
Get regular news updates on NFS clients and the hospitality industry: Follow us on LinkedIn
