Food holidays allow restaurateurs to offer something timely, unique, and to switch up the menu with innovative options. July holidays celebrate everything from blueberries to chicken wings, so start planning for a month to remember!
Here’s a look at some of the food holidays to choose from in July:
July 5: National Graham Cracker Day
Graham crackers may not seem like a top choice for your menu, but they are part of a Canadian tradition – s’mores – and nostalgia is on-trend. Choose from any number of desserts from bars to pies, offer a s’mores board, or set up stations where guests can serve themselves in a more traditional way. If you want to go a little more upscale, create a beverage menu that embraces this Canadian favourite with martinis featuring graham cracker rims and milkshakes with toasted marshmallow toppings.
July 8: National Blueberry Day
Ontario blueberries are typically available from mid July to early September, so this is on the early side of the season, but it’s a great way to get your guests excited about what’s to come from local producers. Sweet options are always a hit but consider mixing it up with some creative options like sweet barbecue sauce, a burger with signature jam, or as an addition to your favourite salads. You can even create original flavour combinations like a blueberry lime mojito, lemon blueberry pancakes, or blueberry goat cheese dip.
July 20: International Cake Day
Take this opportunity to get trendy with your treats by embracing the “international” part of the day! Explore some global influences by incorporating flavours like matcha, fillings like ube or yuzu curd, or embracing popular global desserts like tres leches or Japanese cheesecakes.
If you’re looking at a more traditional route, cake is always a fan favourite but making it a showstopper can help guests indulge in your dessert menu. Consider adding a sampler platter or flight that the table can share, host a contest for a new cake flavour, and use social media to promote your delicious (and pretty) creations.
July 29: National Chicken Wing Day
With the growth that chicken has seen on menus in the last few years, wings may already be a staple on your menu, but here’s your chance to mix it up with global flavours, boneless versions, and your take on this popular menu item. To help draw in a crowd, create a custom one-day-only flavour, host your own version of “Hot Ones,” or offer a sauce and rub sampler that will get guests excited to try each one.
July 31: National Avocado Day
Avocadoes are not usually the star of the show, but they lend themselves to all sorts of features from tableside guacamole to unique ice cream, healthy smoothies, and avocado toast. If avocadoes are already a popular side on your menu, you may want to consider adding a promo like free guac with certain orders or a BOGO for an appetizer that features avocadoes to really draw attention to your celebration.
July offers some fun and interesting food holidays that will spice up your menu, attract new guests, and give your regulars something to get excited to try!
