Hot tips for making the most of Summer as a Restaurateur
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for those running food establishments and with the right planning in place, you can ensure that things will be plain sailing over the summer ahead. We look at what you need to consider in order to make sure your restaurant remains amongst the hottest in town over the summer months.
1) Major events
Keep track of any major events going on throughout the UK and in your local area like festivals or parades which could affect your business and ensure you’re prepared in advance. If you’re located in a town near a major festival, or there’s a big sporting match nearby, you could well be getting increased footfall! So our top tip is to ensure you have enough stock and staff available to meet the expected demand.
2) Outdoor seating
Especially prevalent if you’re located in a scenic area or on the waterfront of a town, outdoor seating could be what makes a customer choose you over your competitors on a hot summer’s day. Think about getting your licence through well in advance, as it can take a while to get it approved by your local council.
3) Air conditioning & ventilation
If outdoor seating is limited or is not possible for you, ensure that you’re providing a comfortable indoor environment for your guests. No-one wants to be dining in a restaurant and be feeling uncomfortably hot and dripping with sweat. This will also make the working environment better for your staff too who already spend a lot of time rushing around! Remember happy employees, lead to happy customers which leads to more profits!
4) Menu changes
If your typical menu is full of hearty, rustic dishes, (Which of course will be delicious) however they may be something that is more typically suited to the winter months, it might be worth creating a summer menu to appeal to those looking for something lighter. If creating a whole new menu is not possible for you maybe try adding a clip on light bites summer menu that you can remove at any time. Remember during hot weather, your customers may be more inclined to opt for something cold, like a salad or a sandwich.
5) Food & drink festivals
Are there any local food or drink festivals happening in your town/city? This could be your opportunity to get your restaurant on the map. Many food and drink festivals include cookery demonstrations by local chefs from nearby restaurants. They provide the power, all you need to do is bring along whatever you need to aid your creation and off you go. Don’t forget to hand out samples along with a menu if you can, customers are more likely to return if they’ve tasted something exquisite!
6) Tourist hotspots
Every city has some tourist hotspots that are sweltering during the summer months. If you often partake in leafleting or are looking for somewhere to advertise that will be seen by many then seek out these spots and get the word out to those visiting the area. You could even create a ‘Summer Offer’ to encourage tourists through the doors for a deal and some lovely food!
If you’re concerned about what your insurance covers in terms of events, outdoor seating and otherwise, make sure to get in touch with a member of our friendly team at Adultsure. We can review your existing cover and make any recommendations, if necessary, to keep you fully protected during this busy period. Call and speak to Ang or the team on 01924 499182.
Have a wonderful Summer – The Adultsure Team.
