As we say goodbye to winter weather and get ready to welcome warm temps, it’s the perfect time to make some changes to attract new guests and offer a fresh experience for your regulars. From spring cleaning to adding seasonality to your menu, get the jump on spring with a strategy for success.
Spring refresh
On top of your regular cleaning, deep cleaning your restaurant from top to bottom should be part of your spring protocols. Switch out any matting you may have left from the winter and take the time to sweep and wash away any remaining dirt or salt from your front entrance, too. Also, as patio season draws near, pulling out your patio furniture, wiping down all tables and chairs, and airing out the umbrellas will help get you set for when the weather cooperates.
Also, try and make use of the growing natural light as much as you can – clean your windows, dust blinds, and feature seasonal décor to make your restaurant feel welcoming and bright.
Menu makeover
Incorporating seasonal ingredients can really make your menu feel fresh, and with spring ingredients like strawberries, ramps, asparagus, and more, you can make some delicious switches to add a seasonal feel and something new. Don’t forget to include your beverage menu in your spring refresh! Add trendy floral-infused cocktails, pretty herbal teas, and vibrant fruit spritzers that guests will be excited to try and share on their social media feeds. You might also take the opportunity to diversify your supply chain, choosing local producers who can help keep your menu current, while support local businesses.
Data collection
Assess your operations for best performance this season. Here are just a few ways you can use past data to improve your operations this spring:
- Look at busy times from last spring to better manage your labour.
- Check out popular dishes on your winter menu and consider offering a spring version.
- Analyze spring holiday results from previous years and determine where it’s best to repeat those events and where opportunities for improvement exist.
Train your team
With all the spring changes, it’s important that your team is on board, knows all about new dishes, and is ready to tackle the season with enthusiasm. Conduct training to refresh skills, review protocols, and introduce anything new for the season. Also, as the season ramps up, hiring can be an important part of your operations. Ensure that you streamline the onboarding process as much as you can, training all new employees for seamless, efficient service.
Spring is a great time to update your décor, freshen up your menu, and offer your guests something new for the season.
