We don’t need to see the first leaves of the season change color to know that a new season is approaching. The first day of Fall is less than one month away, so if you haven’t dreamed up all things pumpkin for your restaurant, it is time to start! Customers go crazy over Fall promotional food and drinks, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase sales and ring in the season. You don’t have to wait until the first day of Fall to begin these promotions. Kids are back in school, football season is gearing up, and the stores are filled with jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin coffee mugs, so people already feel a shift in seasons even if the weather hasn’t caught up yet. If the thought of adding seasonal dishes seems overwhelming, here are some simple ways to spice up your menu.
Flavors of Fall
Pumpkin is popular, but there are other flavors you can use during this season that are just as yummy. Sweet potatoes, apples, and squash are a few that can be used in many different ways. Casseroles are a comfort food that people run to, so throw in some Fall veggies and give the people what they want. Pie is also a great Fall treat and there are so many delicious options, such as apple, pecan, sweet potato, and pumpkin. You can also turn most of those into a milkshake and run a promo solely on desserts! Drinks are another easy way to add a splash of Fall. Pumpkin coffee, chai tea and apple cider are a few ways to bring in that cozy vibe that people crave. Find something that people can’t get enough of and will seek year after year. You want them to be looking forward to its return each August.
Holiday Fun
Fall encompasses two separate holidays so you can easily run promotional items for both.
For Halloween, you can have spooky dessert items or host a Halloween costume competition online. People can dress up and tag your restaurant which gives you more views and then you can choose a winner who will receive a free meal or whatever you want to give away! This gets the word out about your business and is a fun way to reach new customers. Remember, people are wanting connectivity, so the more involved they can be and the more personal the experience feels, the more likely they are to return.
For Thanksgiving, you can consider offering family platters. Sometimes offices, families or friends want to gather together without having to cook a huge meal. Another idea is to find something your restaurant can do to give back to its community. Pick something that aligns with your culture and see if you can get customers involved in whatever you choose. If it’s a canned food drive, you can have a box at your restaurant for people to contribute to. Share on your social media, create a hashtag and get people involved.
Customers love the feeling that comes with Fall menu items. It’s cozy, it’s nostalgic and they know it is only around for a limited time. Restaurants can use this to drive up sales from late August through most of November. Utilize your social media pages to get your customers excited about your Fall menu and don’t forget to track what sells the most. Use this information to know what needs to return to the menu next year and what can be left off.
