The summer season—a time for sunshine, relaxation, and, of course, delectable dining experiences. As temperatures rise and appetites shift, restaurants have a golden opportunity to tantalize taste buds, attract new customers, and boost profits.

From seasonal menu creations to enticing outdoor dining experiences and engaging marketing tactics, let's uncover how restaurants can turn up the heat and make the most of summer's sales.

Restaurants are expected to thrive during summer for many reasons, mostly the increase in tourism in many countries.

What strategies can restaurants implement to boost profits and attract new customers during summer?

Seasonal Menu Offerings

Introduce summer-themed dishes and beverages featuring seasonal fruits, vegetables, and lighter fare. Highlighting fresh, vibrant ingredients can entice customers looking for refreshing options during the warmer months.

Off-Premises Dining Options

To drive foot traffic and capitalize on the bustling grab-and-go trend, summer presents the perfect opportunity. As people flock to beaches, parks, and poolside retreats, it's prime time to promote your off-premise dining offerings.

Picture this: a picnic basket brimming with fresh sandwiches, refreshing sides, and ice-cold lemonade—a tempting treat for summer outings. Or, consider featuring a daily takeout lunch special, complete with a satisfying sandwich, flavorful side, and refreshing drink, all neatly packaged in a portable to-go box.

Try to be present at all events in a pop-up restaurant or kiosk for additional sales and visibility.

By teaming up with local delivery services like Uber Eats, you can effortlessly roll out special summer promotions to customers who order directly through these platforms. While preparing for off-premise dining requires some planning, the payoff is bound to exceed expectations.

So, seize the summer season as an opportunity to broaden your customer base, offering memorable experiences through seasonal menus, outdoor dining, and convenient off-premise dining options.

Summer Happy Hour Specials

During summers, people tend to go out more even during weekdays. They usually meet up for a drink or two. Therefore, happy hour is a smart way to increase your footfall.

Introduce summer-themed cocktails, mocktails, and discounted drinks during happy hour. Promote these specials to attract after-work crowds and capitalize on the desire for refreshing beverages in the warm weather. You can also include appetizers in your happy hour discounts and even encourage pairing certain beverages with specific appetizers or salads.

Outdoor Dining Experience

 If feasible, create an inviting outdoor dining space with comfortable seating, umbrellas for shade, and decorative elements. Providing al fresco dining allows customers to enjoy the pleasant weather while dining, attracting new customers and increasing sales.

Promotions and Events

Host special events and promotions tailored to the summer season, such as BBQ nights, seafood festivals, or outdoor brunches. Offer discounted meal deals, happy hour specials, or loyalty rewards to incentivize customers to visit and increase sales.

Social Media Marketing

You cannot forget about social media campaigns and marketing during the summer. Utilize social media platforms to showcase summer specials, events, and promotions. Engage with followers by sharing enticing food photos, behind-the-scenes content, and user-generated posts to build excitement and attract new customers.

Always share your customers’ posts and stories in which they tagged you.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Partner with local businesses, such as farmers' markets, breweries, or outdoor recreational venues, to cross-promote each other's offerings. Collaborative events and promotions can expand your restaurant's reach and attract a diverse customer base.

Online Ordering and Delivery

Enhance your online ordering and delivery services to cater to customers who prefer dining at home or picnicking outdoors. Streamline the ordering process, offer convenient delivery options, and ensure timely service to satisfy customers' needs and increase sales.

Customer Experience Enhancements

Focus on providing exceptional customer service and dining experiences to encourage repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Train staff to be knowledgeable about the menu, attentive to customer needs, and friendly to create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.

Use POS software with an integrated inventory management feature that enables your employees to answer customers’ inquiries about items’ availability. Your staff should also be knowledgeable about allergens for better service.

Seasonal Decor and Ambiance

Update your restaurant's decor and ambiance to reflect the summer season. Incorporate bright colors, outdoor-inspired elements, and seasonal decorations to create a festive atmosphere that resonates with customers and enhances their dining experience.

Mobile Ordering and Payment

Implement mobile ordering and payment options to streamline the ordering process and reduce wait times, especially during peak hours. Customers can place orders and pay through their smartphones, improving efficiency and enhancing the overall dining experience.

BIM POS has a new QR code ordering system that enables customers to finalize their orders from their smartphones in a way that offers convenience and simplicity.

Tableside Ordering

Equip servers with handheld devices or tablets to take orders and process payments directly at the table such as BIM PAD. This minimizes wait times, increases table turnover, and provides a more personalized dining experience for customers.

Inventory Management

Utilize POS software with advanced inventory management features to track ingredient usage and monitor stock levels in real time. This helps prevent food waste, optimize purchasing decisions, and ensure that popular menu items are always available.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Leverage POS systems that offer robust analytics and reporting capabilities to gain insights into sales trends, customer preferences, and operational performance. Analyzing data can help identify opportunities for menu optimization, pricing adjustments, and targeted marketing campaigns.

Online Reservation System

A survey has revealed that 57% of diners will book restaurants online more often than before especially for tourists.

Since guests are more likely to count on online reservations, integrate an online reservation system like BIM HOSTER with POS software to allow customers to book tables conveniently through the restaurant's website or mobile app. This helps manage seating capacity, reduce wait times, and improve customer satisfaction.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Utilize CRM tools integrated with the POS system to capture customer data, track preferences, and personalize marketing efforts. Send targeted promotions, birthday discounts, and loyalty rewards based on customer behavior to foster customer loyalty and drive repeat business.

Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)

Implement KDS technology to streamline kitchen operations and improve order accuracy. Orders placed through the POS system are automatically sent to the kitchen display, reducing reliance on paper tickets and minimizing errors.

Leverage POS software and technology and enhance your customer service to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and improve the overall customer experience, ultimately driving increased sales and profitability during the summer season.