When restaurants embrace seasonal menus, it allows them to boost revenue during certain times of the year. An example would be that butternut squash soup sells much more during the winter due to customers’ ordering habits. Conversely, ice cream and frozen lemonade are hot items during the summertime.
When done correctly, incorporating a seasonal menu doesn’t have to be a hassle at all. Here are the most important tips for changing your restaurant menu seasonally.
Source Ingredients Locally
If you want your seasonal menu items to sell, they need to be fresh. And there’s no better way to guarantee freshness than to buy your ingredients locally. Partnering with local farmers also gives back to your community and economy. Beyond that, fresh local food is just tastier, so your customers will thank you.
Learn What’s in Season
Before diving into a seasonal menu, you should do some research on what’s actually in season. Certain ingredients only come around during certain times of the year, so knowing what’s in season will help you prepare a stellar menu throughout the year. Here’s a simple guide:
- Spring: Peaches, asparagus, blueberries, artichokes
- Summer: Basil, watermelons, corn, eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes
- Fall: Sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, pumpkins, squash, brussels sprouts
- Winter: Cauliflower, broccoli, grapefruits, kale, pears, cabbage
Do your best to capture the flavor of each season by using these ingredients. Doing so will ensure your seasonal menu is a hit and makes your customers want to come back for more.
Include Seasonal Drinks
Seasonal beverages are just as crucial as the dishes. After all, there’s nothing like cold strawberry lemonade in the summer. Seasonal cocktails and beer are also fantastic ideas. The more you can incorporate seasonal beverages on your menu, the better. You can even include specific pairings for menu items. Doing so will give your customers an incentive to buy specialty beverages with their meals, which can only be positive for your establishment’s revenue.
Promote Your Menu on Social Media
Getting the word out about your new creations will also help. Social media is one of the best forms of marketing for restaurants in today’s age. Make sure to include lots of posts showing off your seasonal menu items to entice hungry customers. Don’t forget to mention that these dishes are seasonal and will only be around for a limited time.
These are our important tips for changing your restaurant menu seasonally. Using a seasonal menu is a fantastic way to boost revenue and interest in your restaurant. By finding out what’s in season and using the right ingredients, you’ll have great success with your menu.
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