Summer is a great time to make your restaurant more profitable. Because people are generally more relaxed and have more free time, they’re more likely to go out to eat. And, of course, summer is the perfect time to take advantage of outdoor seating. If you are a restaurant owner looking for good summer ideas, you’re in the right place.
Here are a few tips to make your restaurant more profitable during the summer.
1. Make use of outdoor seating.
If you have outdoor seating, make sure to take advantage of it! People love to eat outdoors when the weather is nice, so this is a great way to increase your profits. Just be sure to keep your outdoor seating area clean and comfortable. You want to install fans or misters if it gets too hot and lamps or space heaters if it gets too cold.
You should also invest in roofing or an awning to protect your outdoor seating area from the sun and rain. The summer sun can be brutal, and you don’t want your customers to get sunburned while trying to enjoy their meal. Look into getting umbrellas for each table, too. They’ll provide some much-needed shade on hot days.
2. Offer cold drinks and dishes.
In the summer, people want to eat lighter, fresher foods. They don’t want to feel weighed down by a heavy meal. So, ensure you offer plenty of cold drinks and dishes on your menu. Salads, soups, and sandwiches are all great options. You could also offer fruit juices, iced teas, and frozen drinks.
Of course, ice cream is always a popular summer treat. If you don’t already have an ice cream machine, you should consider renting one. You can find soft serve machine rentals for a reasonable price, and they’re always a big hit with customers. You could even offer ice cream sundaes or milkshakes as a special treat.
3. Run summertime specials.
Summertime is the perfect time to run specials. People are more likely to take advantage of a good deal, especially if it’s for something they’re already planning on buying. So, offer discounts on popular summertime items, like iced tea or lemonade. You could also provide a free appetizer or dessert with every meal purchase.
Some restaurants like to run “happy hour” specials during the summer. This is a great way to draw in a crowd after work. Just be sure not to overdo it. You don’t want to encourage people to drink too much. You could also offer a discount for customers who come in during off-peak hours.
4. Promote your restaurant on social media.
Social media is a great way to promote your restaurant and is especially effective in the summer. People are constantly checking their phones and scrolling through their newsfeeds, so this is a great way to reach potential customers. You can promote your summertime specials and promotions on social media and offer discounts to customers who mention your restaurant in their posts.
Make sure you post attractive photos of your food and drinks. People are more likely to come to your restaurant if they see something they like. You should also post about any events or live music you have planned. If people know something is going on at your restaurant, they’re more likely to come to check it out.
5. Host a summertime event.
If you want to draw a crowd, host a summertime event. This could be anything from a block party to a charity fundraiser. You could even have a contest or a raffle. Make sure you promote your event on social media and in your local community. You want as many people as possible to know about it.
You can also use summertime events as an opportunity to promote your restaurant. Give out flyers and coupons, and mention your restaurant’s name and location. If you host a successful event, people will remember your restaurant, and they’ll be more likely to come back. If you don’t have the budget to host a big event, you could always have a smaller gathering, like a cookout or a picnic.
6. Take advantage of summer fruits and vegetables.
Finally, take advantage of summer fruits and vegetables. This is the time of year when they’re at their peak, so you should incorporate them into your menu. Watermelon, strawberries, and tomatoes are all great options. You could even offer a fruit salad or a veggie platter as a side dish.
People love summertime food, so take advantage of the season. Your customers will appreciate it, and your restaurant will be more profitable.
If you want to make your restaurant more profitable during the summer, you can do a few things. These ideas will help you draw in customers and boost your sales. Remember, the key is to take advantage of the season. People love the summertime, so use that to your advantage.
