Is your restaurant ready for summer?

With summer just around the corner, and school about to be out, your restaurant will likely be experiencing an upswing of summer business. You will see an increase in customers from out of town, students home on college break, and grade school age kids and their parents popping in for a break from home. Now is the time to make sure that your restaurant is ready for an influx of visitors ready to enjoy their summer vacation.

Summer Menu Items

During the summer customers want foods that are more refreshing and light. You should update your specials menu to reflect less soups, and more fresh items like salads, locally caught seafood, fresh fruits, and vegetable selections. Stacking your menu with fresh items that are only available on a seasonal basis will make your restaurant the top-pick this summer. What is a refreshing entre without a refreshing beverage? Adding a selection of alcoholic, and non, frozen beverages is a great way to help your patrons beat the heat and unwind.

Extra Staff For Peak Hours

It is important to expect and prepare for an increase in guests by adding extra staff during peak times so that the service doesn’t suffer as a result. If increasing the hours of current employees isn’t going to be enough to cover the increase in demand, now is the time to prepare and hire new employees. You want your staff fully trained before the summer rush begins, especially if your business is near a popular summer destination.

Make Sure Your Air Conditioning In Working Order

Summer, needless to say, is hot. People want to beat the heat and have a meal in a nice and cool restaurant. Before the full heat of summer arrives, have your HVAC unit inspected and tuned up so it is in pristine working order and your customers are happy all summer long.

Outdoor Patio Area

Make the most of amazing summer weather by sprucing up or adding an outdoor dining option. An outdoor patio can be as simple as adding a few climate appropriate tables and chairs to the sidewalk area outside of your establishment, or they can be extravagant with an outdoor bar or even an outdoor pool. Having an inviting outdoor space is the perfect way to draw in customers who still want to enjoy the good weather while they dine or share drinks.

Summer Events

You can bring in a wider variety of customers by hosting a few well planned summer events. Fun events tend to draw out crowds who are looking for something fun and different to do during what could be a typically boring summer day or night. A few fun summer event ideas include:

• Food and wine tasting event: Charge a flat rate for attendees to sip and sample with some live entertainment
• Fourth of July Extravaganza: Have an fun summer themed party complete with pyrotechnics(if permitted). Everyone is always looking for a fun and safe environment to watch fireworks in
• Christmas in July: You will probably see a lot of stores hosting “Christmas in July” sales! Get in on the action and host an event in its honor. Ugly sweater(or t-shirt) contests are always a fun way to get a crowd involved.

Summer can be a lucrative time for restaurants and small business owners. Make sure you are prepared for this upcoming season with a merchant cash advance from Quikstone Capital Solutions.