Summer can be a lucrative season for restaurants, but preparation is key to seizing the opportunity. With warmer weather comes increased foot traffic, outdoor dining, and tourists looking for memorable culinary experiences. Here’s how to strategically invest in your restaurant to guarantee summer success.  

1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Seating  

Summer is synonymous with outdoor dining. If your restaurant doesn't already offer an al fresco experience, now is the time to create one. And if you do, it’s worth enhancing it. Here’s what to prioritize:

• Comfortable Furniture: Invest in durable and stylish chairs and tables designed for outdoor use. Weatherproof cushions can add a touch of elegance and comfort.  

• Shade and Weather Protection: Install umbrellas, awnings, or pergolas to shield customers from the sun and potential rain. Bonus points for string lights or other atmospheric touches that make evening dining magical.  

• Aesthetic Appeal: Decorate with plants, flowers, or even a vertical herb garden to create an Instagram-worthy environment.  

A welcoming outdoor space will not only draw in summer crowds but also encourage diners to linger longer.  

2. Focus On Seasonal Menus  

Highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients on your menu is a must for summer. Customers are drawn to light, refreshing dishes that reflect the flavors of the season.  

• Summer Specials: Incorporate items like watermelon salads, grilled seafood, cold soups, and seasonal fruit desserts.  

• Creative Cocktails: Add summer-themed drinks to your menu, such as mojitos, margaritas, or mocktails with tropical fruits.  

This not only elevates your menu but keeps returning customers engaged with something new to try. Plus, sourcing local produce can reduce costs while supporting nearby farmers.  

3. Enhance Your Point-Of-Sale (POS) System  

A reliable point-of-sale system is crucial, especially as foot traffic increases. Upgrade your POS system to:

• Accept mobile payments and contactless cards.  

• Streamline orders for faster kitchen preparation times.  

• Analyze sales data to see which summer dishes are top performers.  

These features can speed up service, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction during high-traffic hours.  

4. Invest In Energy Efficiency  

Rising temperatures mean higher energy costs, but investing in energy efficiency can save you money in the long run.  

• Efficient Cooling Systems: Upgrade to energy-saving air conditioners or fans to keep your restaurant cool without inflating utility bills. Consider adding ceiling fans to your outdoor seating area as well.  

• Eco-Friendly Lighting: Replace traditional bulbs with LED options for both indoor and outdoor lighting.  

• Kitchen Upgrades: Update appliances to energy-efficient models where possible. Refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers can all contribute to reducing your energy consumption.  

Not only will this save money, but it also aligns with the growing consumer preference for eco-conscious businesses.  

5. Offer A Summer Loyalty Program  

Create a summer-themed loyalty program to incentivize repeat visits throughout the season. Examples include:

• A punch card (“Buy 3, get the 4th meal free!”).  

• Exclusive deals for members, such as 10% off outdoor dining.  

• Rewards for referrals or for tagging your restaurant on social media.  

Loyalty programs build ongoing relationships with diners and encourage them to eat at your restaurant more frequently.  

6. Prepare For Delivery And Takeout Demand  

While summer diners may prefer eating out, delivery and takeout services remain important to many customers. Ensure your restaurant is equipped to handle this demand efficiently.  

• Optimize Packaging: Use eco-friendly, sturdy packaging that maintains the quality of your food during transport.  

• Online Ordering System: Invest in a reliable online ordering platform to handle delivery or curbside pickup.  

• Exclusive Deals: Offer summer-themed takeout bundles, such as picnic-ready packs or BBQ kits.  

By catering to on-the-go diners, you’re opening up an additional revenue stream.  

Since 2005, Quikstone Capital Solutions has been a trusted advisor to thousands of merchants. Quikstone provides these merchants with easy, fast, and flexible working capital for all their business needs. If you need cash for your business, contact us today. We have only one goal: to help your business succeed.

Download our guide for more tips on growing your restaurant business!