by Nigel Hilton

If you have been running a catering business, a food cart, or a restaurant, you might think that it is seasonal, and the hotter it gets the less people eat. However, there are plenty of opportunities in the summer, and you should make a plan right now to cash in on them. Below you will find a few tips on getting more revenue when everyone seems to be away on vacation.

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Drink Offers

In the summer people eat less and drink more. This is a general rule. Therefore, you should think about the drinks more than the heavy food. Get some snacks on the menu and create a couple of great drinks and cocktail offers to go with them. Focus less on the heavy food and hot drinks, and add some amazing G&T deals. You are going to  attract just the right crowd, and create a summer feel about your bar or restaurant.

Ice Cream and Slushy

People go on road trips or spend a staycation at home with kids during the summer holidays. With so much competition out there, you will have to find a way to get the little ones engaged. After all, they are the ones who will beg their parents to stop for a drink or a snack. You might want to upgrade your slushy offers and your ice cream cream menu, so you can provide that quick stop families want. You might be thinking about investing in a shaved ice machine so you can get through more orders at once.

Sizzling Deals

When it comes to summer in a restaurant business, you will need to create a new menu. Go for more sharing platters and a few Caribbean dishes. You might want to upgrade your quick bite and snack offers, and make sure that you add an appetizer upgrade to the menu. When it is hot out there, people will need some encouragement to order a meal.

Build an Outdoor Area

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When the sun is out and people can enjoy the outdoors, it is important that you offer them a safe space to do so. If you don’t have enough outdoor seating, you will need to invest a bit of money. The good news is that people are completely happy to sit on benches, and have a great conversation over snack food.

Live Music

To attract people to your restaurant or bar in the summer, you might also want to add live music to your repertoire. You can find local bands who are looking for gigs and are happy to entertain the crowd all night. In the daytime, you can provide some more family friendly programs, such as crazy golf or quizzes, while at night you want to attract the adult crowd.

To make this summer the best yet in your restaurant and bar business, you will need to think with your customers’ head. What do they enjoy doing when the sun is out and they are spending some quality time with their family?